The Local Switzerland

Why now is a good time to buy a car in Switzerland

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 12:02:10 +0200

Switzerland's automobile sector has been stagnating during the Covid-19 crisis and now it appears is the right time to pick up a bargain.

New cars may cost up to 10,000 francs more from 2020 under Swiss CO2 laws

Wed, 18 Dec 2019 11:27:22 +0100

Car advocates have warned new laws restricting CO2 emissions, set to come into effect in 2019, may make some car models up to CHF10,000 more expensive in Switzerland.

'Bling bling': Geneva Motor Show opens to public

Thu, 07 Mar 2019 21:25:48 +0100

Luxury figured high on the menu as Europe's biggest annual car show opened to the public on Thursday, featuring everything from "hypercars" to flying cars, and more traditional high-end automobiles, encrusted with diamonds.

Swiss motorways to get charging points for electric cars

Fri, 23 Mar 2018 13:55:58 +0100

Charging points for electric vehicles could be installed in motorway rest areas from next year, the government has said.

'Car explainers' outnumber 'booth babes' at this year's Geneva Motor Show

Fri, 09 Mar 2018 09:55:04 +0100

Long synonymous with scantily-clad women draped over pricey vehicles, this year's Geneva Motor Show is almost void of 'booth babes', as automakers strive to polish their images following the #MeToo movement.

A petrolhead's guide to driving Swiss mountain roads

Wed, 21 Jun 2017 13:08:30 +0200

The Local recently asked its readers why they love living in Switzerland. My answer? Because it's paradise for petrolheads, writes contributor Ross Bennie.

81-year-old convicted of vandalizing neighbours' cars

Thu, 15 Sep 2016 10:36:37 +0200

A court in the canton of Vaud has convicted an 81-year-old man for a four-year spate of vandalism which caused damage to the tune of 13,000 francs.

German maker Borgward to relaunch in Geneva

Wed, 18 Feb 2015 10:07:18 +0100

More than half a century after going belly-up, German automaker Borgward is set to rise from the dead to make an appearance at the Geneva Motor Show next month, organisers said on Tuesday.

Average new Swiss cars have bigger engines

Mon, 26 Jan 2015 00:31:00 +0100

Driving cars with bigger engines may be politically incorrect in some quarters but that isn’t stopping many Swiss motorists.

Toyota recalls 18,000 cars in Switzerland

Wed, 09 Apr 2014 14:15:00 +0200

Toyota has recalled 18,000 cars in Switzerland as part of a global recall involving more than 6.5 million vehicles.

Swiss auto parts supplier faces German probe

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 13:48:34 +0200

Swiss industrial group Autoneum says it is one of six car parts makers under investigation in Germany for suspected price fixing.

Swiss use cars to make half their annual trips

Wed, 21 Aug 2013 00:34:00 +0200

Swiss residents each travel an average of 20,500 kilometres a year inside Switzerland and abroad with half this distance covered in a car, a government report says.

Parking stalls too small for XL Swiss cars

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 11:55:00 +0200

Swiss motorists are driving increasingly large cars but the size of parking places for vehicles hasn’t kept pace with the change.

BMW 'stopped Swiss buying cars abroad'

Thu, 24 May 2012 17:31:00 +0200

German automaker BMW said on Thursday it would appeal a Swiss fine of 156 million francs ($163 million) imposed after competition authorities said the company prevented the Swiss from buying its cars abroad.

Swiss designer wants $11 million for red-and-gold 'dream' car

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 15:42:00 +0100

A gold and ruby-encrusted Mercedes SLR McLaren, the pride and joy of Swiss entrepreneur Ueli Anliker, is soon to be up for grabs for anyone willing to meet the sizzling sale price of 10 million francs ($11 million).

Police swipe Swiss teen's home-made bike car

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 13:18:00 +0200

A 17-year-old driver has been caught by a police patrol as he rode a home-made mix of a car and a motorbike, police said.

Swiss to crack down on speeding drivers

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 11:07:47 +0200

A Swiss organisation has collected enough signatures to force a vote to crack down on speeding drivers.

Bern drivers bid for special car plates

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 10:33:48 +0200

Road traffic authorities in Bern have launched a promotional YouTube campaign to invite drivers to apply for special car plates, a report says.

High number of accidents on Swiss roads

Wed, 11 May 2011 13:16:08 +0200

The number of fatal crashes in Switzerland fell in 2010, but the number remains too high, a new report has said.

Optimism dominates in Geneva

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 10:33:00 +0100

Top car makers took a bullish outlook at the Geneva Motor Show on Tuesday, as the industry lined up 170 model launches with an eye on thriftier hybrid vehicles and, above all, emerging markets.