Swiss Car of the Year 2024: Small and big car dreams

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Warm up with appetizers, champagne and hot duels at the Carrera slot racing circuit: This year around 170 invited guests will once again meet in the Classic Center at Safenwil AG for the grand winners’ gala of the “Swiss Car of the Year 2024”. .

People meet for the traditional welcome aperitif in the foyer, chat at bar tables and talk about the automobile year that has ended (according to the tenor, 2023 was not an easy year either). Enter the new year safely) or have fun on the Carrera slot race track.

Snack with small cars

The first to meet on the small GP circuit will be football expert Gilbert Gress (81) and former ice hockey professional Eric Blum (37). “Here I can finally accelerate without limits,” says Gress happily, as his little race car flips several times after the first corner. Blum laughs at the stormy Monsieur Gress. The former hockey pro, who had to end his career for health reasons and now runs a successful hat and leather goods brand, appears to be more experienced in dealing with slot cars. “True,” he admits. “I occasionally play with my four-year-old son, Reiwa.”

Two racing professionals Nico Müller (31) and Fredy Barth (43) present an exciting duel. Although their race in the slot cars was not entirely accident-free, in the end Peugeot endurance driver and SRF F1 commentator Müller was ahead. As an attentive trackside observer: Former Blick/SonntagsBlick sports director and recently Content Director Steffi Buchli (45). Unfortunately, he doesn’t have time to spend time with mini cars; gala host Jann Billeter (51) is already calling for the official awards ceremony.

welcome to the old car

Guests take their seats to the left and right of the specially constructed car podium, and Silvia Binggeli (51), presenter and editor-in-chief of “Schweizer Illustrierte”, takes the stage together with presenter Billeter. It matches the Classic Center location in a vintage Land Rover Defender with style. First they greet the audience, then the CEO of Ringier Medien Schweiz, Ladina Heimgartner (43), and finally the singer Nubya (49), before delighting the guests with three jazz-tinged songs.

Cheers to excellent cars

Afterwards, waiting viewers will no longer be tortured and the winners of the audience vote will be announced. More than 31,000 people from all linguistic regions of Switzerland voted and chose the Skoda Kodiaq as their favorite car for the fourth consecutive year. “I would never have thought of that,” says Skoda Switzerland boss Markus Kohler (58), delighted with the unwavering popularity of his brand during an on-stage interview with the winner.

Here are the highlights coming soon: A 13-member jury of racing professionals, motoring journalists and environmental experts, chaired by former F1 team boss Monisha Kaltenborn (52), selected the 2024 Swiss Car of the Year. And the little Jeep Avenger won. this coveted prize. Notabenen is the first Jeep to be offered with a gasoline engine or all-electric and not to have all-wheel drive. Nevertheless, he convinced the expert jury with his qualifications (see driving report). While accepting the victory trophy, Jeep Switzerland Managing Director Thomas Odier (43) enthusiastically promised: “Today will definitely be a spontaneous celebration!” And the party actually starts after the official awards ceremony.

Source: Blick