VIP opening night at Auto Zurich: A trade fair that broke records

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The 36th edition of Auto Zurich is the trade fair of records: 60 brands present more than 80 new products – more than ever before. The presence of 160 accredited journalists from home and abroad is also a record. And underline the importance of what is currently the largest motor show in Switzerland.

Organizers Karl Bieri (73) and Ines Nägeli (56) react to the increased media attention and organize an event called Media Day for the first time, the day before the official opening. During the show, moderated by Rainer-Maria Salzgeber (54), manufacturers are allowed to present their most important innovations to press representatives in nine-minute performances on an improvised stage. Salzgeber goes to great lengths to ensure that the time is respected – otherwise the sports presenter intervenes with a yellow card, or a red card if the time is exceeded.

Sympathetic: “Despite the record demand for exhibition space, prices per square meter are still the same as 30 years ago,” said Auto Zurich President Karl Bieri. Perhaps Auto Zurich’s recipe for success. It is also very exhibitor-friendly with its uniform and cost-effective stand structure concept for brands.

Joy of highway expansion

At the VIP night before the official opening, the number of prominent guests from the automobile, sports and show industries also breaks records. Peter Grünenfelder (55), who has been elected to the Federal Council since June as successor to Albert Rösti (56), president of the Swiss Automobile Importers Association, uses evenings and aperitifs for networking. “Snacks are a piece of economic power,” he says with a laugh. And it is pleased that, after the National Council, the Commission of the Council of States has also approved the need to widen the A1 motorway between Zurich and Bern and between Lausanne and Geneva to six lanes. Aren’t you afraid of the referendum? Grünenfelder said peevishly: “We will achieve this!”

Autonomous driving is viewed with skepticism

Singer Baschi (37) likes to hear this. «I had a huge traffic jam on the way there. Logically, additional traces could have a relaxing effect; But this also means a huge rift in nature. So what should you do?” Maybe autonomous driving could provide relief? “Wow, you better not. I’m old school and prefer to drive myself.

My musician friend Eliane Müller (33) says similarly: “From Lucerne to Zurich you need some courage, especially during rush hour. Still, I couldn’t imagine being transferred to Zurich on my own. I like to be in control of my life; For me, an autonomous car means losing control and, to be honest, it scares me a little,” says the Subaru Ambassador.

Bernese wrestler Remo Käser (26) sees the situation completely differently: “Although I like driving, I can imagine being the driver of an autonomous car – but of course it has to be a Suzuki,” says the ambassador of the Japanese brand with a wink.

But Müller and Käser admit that they always enjoy coming to Auto Zurich. Alphorn frontwoman Lisa Stoll (27) adds: “This is my fifth time attending Auto Zurich, thanks to my sponsor Suzuki. And I am always fascinated by the new products you can discover in the showrooms every year.”

Source: Blick