Pichler: Bugatti Chiron 300+ as star guest
CHANGE The well-known Pichler car dealership on Gsteigstrasse in Gstaad is under new ownership. The brothers Erich and Othmar Pichler handed over their company, founded 33 years ago, to Beat Imwinkelried from Basel. Customers and friends of the car dealership, which represents the Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Bugatti brands, were also present. Erich Pichler: "The change is a small [...]
Customers and friends of the car dealership, which represents the Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Bugatti brands, were also present.
Erich Pichler: "The change is a small step for mankind, but a big one for the Pichler company."
When Erich and Othmar Pichler laid the foundation stone for their company in 1986, they did not dare to dream that years later they would be selling cars that are almost 500 kilometers per hour and cost several million francs. On the contrary, they would have declared these people crazy!
Representation of noble brands
However, the company really took off when the new building was occupied in 2000 and the range of brands and services was continuously expanded. In 2002, a second building was inaugurated and Pichlers became official representatives of Mercedes-Benz.
In 2003, the company was the first Mercedes-Benz Classic Partner in Switzerland. In 2005, Porsche joined the ranks. Bentley followed in 2007 and, to crown it all, the Bugatti brand in 2011.
Requirements and regulations
After years of stabilization and focus, a decision was made at the end of 2018 to seek a successor solution.
Erich Pichler: "The business has become incredibly costly, mainly because of the requirements and regulations."
In the course of the search for a successor, they came across Beat Imwinkelried. The 52-year-old entrepreneur from Basel impressed the Pichlers with his straightforward and honest manner. His concept was also convincing, as Beat Imwinkelried has many years of extensive experience in the automotive industry.
Expansion of the group of companies
His group of companies includes VW, BMW, Mini, Maserati and Ferrari, and now Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Bugatti have joined the ranks of other attractive brands.
Beat Imwinkelried: "It fills me with pride to be able to continue writing the history of this unique company together with my team."
The team, which takes care of new and used cars as well as classic vehicles, service, repairs and storage, is now led by Chris Schenk, who grew up in Bern.
