Thomas Hurter: "Mobility is important for our country".
In an interview, Thomas Hurter explains how the new head of the Auto Gewerbe Verband Schweiz, which represents around 4,000 garage businesses with 39,000 employees, sees the future of his industry.
In addition to other functions, you are the Central President of the ACS and the AGVS, a professional pilot, a member of the National Council and, last but not least, a family man. Many Swiss people ask themselves, how does this man do it?
I can do it, and with a clear conscience, because I can rely on perfectly functioning organizations. That makes my work easier, and my family doesn't miss out either.
The expectations of the garage owners in the AGVS are high. After a good three months in office as Central President of the AGVS, do you have a timetable for what absolutely has to be done this year?
Individual mobility is and remains a need of the population. The growing stock of vehicles and the current pandemic clearly show this. The well-known mobility trends such as networking, autonomous driving, car sharing and electrification of vehicles are already posing challenges for the garage owner. In addition, there is the trend towards alternative distribution systems, such as the agency model, which the garage owner will have to face in the future.
I can't say this and that has to be off the table by a certain date. For example, Garagistes' Day, which will take place on Tuesday, January 18, will be about the future of the industry and its goals. Mobility is important for our country, the course will be set in Bern. And the AGVS will continue to support its members in the future and work for optimal framework conditions.
AGVS and ACS have been partners of the Swiss automotive industry for many years. Can you imagine pooling the energies of the associations in order to be able to act even more strongly and with more emphasis?
This has already happened on various issues and will certainly be sought in the future when both sides are concerned. For example, when it comes to the CO2 law or general issues relating to the automobile and road traffic.
E-mobility, alternative drives such as hydrogen and natural gas, and now eFuel. What needs to be done to reduce the uncertainty among consumers and garage owners to a tolerable level?
The industry is changing, and our members are feeling it too. That is why the AGVS strives to sensitize, inform and also educate about all the different forms of drive. In this way, the garage owner, in his function as a confidant and advisor, can contribute to helping uncertain customers with their decisions through verifiable facts.
From your point of view, can young people still be recommended to see their vocation in this industry, which has been badly shaken by the Corona crisis and the nagging chip problem?
The problems with semiconductors will hopefully soon be a thing of the past. Modern drives with hydrogen, electricity, natural gas and soon also with eFuel make professions associated with cars even more interesting, but also much more demanding. Automotive professions are constantly evolving. Just think of digitalization in almost all areas.
From 2022, there will also be a new apprenticeship as an automotive sales consultant (retail specialist automotive sales) to strengthen competencies in the area of mobility consulting concerning drive technologies, driver assistance systems and services in the garages.
After basic training, there is a wide range of continuing education courses that create good conditions for a career in the automotive industry. In higher vocational training, the AGVS offers six examinations with a federal certificate of proficiency as well as further training for entrepreneurs to become a certified business administrator. Here, everyone has a chance to actively shape their professional life.
