There are around 80,000 classic cars on Swiss roads. To preserve these cultural assets, the Swiss automotive industry needs experienced and well-trained specialists. Ten vehicle restorers received their federal certificates in Romanshorn.
The setting at Erlebniswelt Autobau in Romanshorn was well chosen. In the midst of classic cars from automotive history, the ten vehicle restorers specializing in automotive engineering and bodywork carpentry completed two years of further training. The course is the latest organized by the Swiss Automobile Trade Association (AGVS). The garage association has joined forces with the Swiss Carrossier Association (VSCI) and the Interessengemeinschaft Fahrzeugrestauratoren Schweiz (IgFS) to offer this course.
"The vintage and classic car market is a growth market," explained Olivier Maeder, Head of Education at the AGVS. "We need vehicle restorers". Many older mechanics who are still familiar with old vehicles are about to retire. It is important that this knowledge is retained. Both the course and the exam were correspondingly demanding. While eight of the eleven participants in the automotive technology specialization were able to obtain their certificate, the rate was lower for the body shop mechanics: only two of the five candidates passed the exam. However, the top grade of the year went to a car body fitter: Christian Zbinden from Schwarzenburg BE achieved an excellent average grade of 5.5. Kevin Frey from Rickenbach LU and Angelo Tenore from Emmen LU came out on top in the automotive technology specialization with a grade of 5.1.
The classic car market in Switzerland is growing continuously. In 1991, there were just under 20,000 cars over 30 years old, but today this figure is estimated at 80,000 vehicles. This does not include the growing number of youngtimers, which will reach the age of 30 in the next few years.