Rösti encourages car industry to develop sustainable models
Published: Tuesday, Feb 27th 2024, 15:40
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Federal Councillor Albert Rösti opened the 91st International Motor Show in Geneva on Tuesday. The SVP politician encouraged the automotive industry to develop sustainable solutions.
"In view of the global climate situation, we must put new technologies at the service of sustainable mobility," emphasized the head of the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC) at the official opening of the Motor Show on Tuesday.
Technological progress must go hand in hand with environmental awareness, said Rösti, who revealed to the guests that his first car was an orange Opel Kadett - not a particularly beautiful or fast car, but the fulfillment of a dream. In its 100-year history, the Motor Show has always been a showcase for the diversity of mobility, from electric vehicles and hydrogen cars to modern hybrid drives.
However, the Motor Show is not only a platform for fascinating vehicles, but also a stage for technological innovations, said the Environment Minister. Switzerland actively promotes the diversity of drive systems and encourages the automotive industry to develop sustainable solutions. Manufacturers should not only focus on high-performance vehicles, but also pay attention to sustainable materials, recycling and environmentally friendly production processes.
Since it was first held a hundred years ago, the Motor Show has not only represented the future of mobility, but also the innovative power and inventive spirit of an industry that is constantly changing. Switzerland will continue to create incentives to facilitate the switch to environmentally friendly vehicles. He was thinking here not least of the expansion of the charging infrastructure along the highways.
More charging stations needed
The electrification of vehicles will increase the demand for electricity, Rösti pointed out. He therefore called for the new law on a secure electricity supply, which will be put to the vote on June 9.
The motor show is taking place again this year for the first time since 2019, albeit in a smaller format than before the coronavirus pandemic. The trade fair has been shortened from eleven to seven days. In addition, some brands have canceled their participation. With the exception of French manufacturer Renault and its low-cost subsidiary Dacia, the biggest players in the industry are absent.
Nevertheless, the organizers are hoping for around 200,000 visitors. Before the coronavirus pandemic, there were still more than 600,000.
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