On the eve of the traditional Technicians' Day, the Swiss Oldtimers Federation (SHVF ), which was founded in 2015 following the merger of the two previous associations FSVA and Swiss Oldtimers, invited club presidents and the press to a status meeting on January 15, 2016.
Introducing the new association
Lukas Oberholzer, the president of the SHVF, first introduced himself and then had the individual board members - Felix Aschwanden, René Berset, Adam Ferrari, Thomas Habegger, Daniel Hirschi, Rolf Mäder, Ruedi Müller, André Schlatter, Bernhard Täschler, Judith Wyder - briefly introduce themselves and their responsibilities within the association.
Although some of the board members made jokes about their advanced age, it can be seen as positive that younger people are also taking part in the front line.
FIVA representation established
The SHVF has successfully succeeded the FSVA as the "Autorité Nationale FIVA" and is thus the sole representative of the FIVA in Switzerland. Lukas Oberholzer mentioned in his speech that two Swiss clubs helped to found the FIVA 50 years ago.
FIVA ID Card
As a representative of the FIVA, the SHVF is also an issuer of FIVA ID Cards in Switzerland. Although the new "Technical Code" was supposed to be released and implemented in 2015, computer problems forced a postponement until 2016. The new Technical Code also brings new application forms and processing procedures for inspectors and applicants. The SHVF wants to keep the quality of instructors high. For this reason, inspectors will have to pass an examination and sign a cooperation agreement with the SHVF in future.
In 2015, 582 FIA ID cards were issued in Switzerland, which represents a significant increase compared to 2014 with 457 and 2014 with 429 ID cards.
Political influence
Bernhard Täschler, responsible for the "Politics and Culture" department, went on the offensive when explaining his political agenda. It is important to prevent harmful provisions before they become law or other regulations. Afterwards, it is much more difficult to reverse restrictions. Accordingly, Täschler also wants to ensure that certain "Via Sicura" proposals, such as the obligation to wear a helmet when driving a convertible, are not adopted into law in the first place.
A basic paper has been approved by the Executive Board. Unfortunately, this basic paper has not yet been published.
Täschler mentioned many concerns that had been raised, including the issue of daytime running lights, emissions testing for classic cars, different vehicle taxes in the various cantons, etc.
Lobbying is important, he said, and a group of parliamentarians has been put together for this purpose, which is kept informed on an ongoing basis. One of these National Councillors was actually sitting in the plenary session.
The classic car must be established as a cultural asset, which is why the SHVF has joined "NIKE" (National Information Center for Cultural Heritage).
Cooperation with IGFS
An important concern of the classic car scene is maintaining the skills and craftsmanship required for the maintenance, upkeep and restoration of old cars. Accordingly, the SHVF works together with the IGFS, whose progress was represented by Christian Ackermann on January 15, 2016.
The plenary session noted with approval that the first 13 prospective federally recognized vehicle restorers had begun their training.
Hardly any questions or suggestions
At the end of the approximately eighty-minute introduction, the club presidents were invited to ask questions and make suggestions. They obviously held back, with only the topic of the Veterenan MFK coming up several times and at length. Individual speakers were critical of the fact that some MFK offices required the FIVA card as a prerequisite for veteran approval.
One suggestion formulated in this regard was that the 3000 km per year limit should be increased after all. The main argument put forward was the promotion of young talent. Lukas Oberholzer promised to discuss this proposal at one of the next meetings.
Finally, Lukas Oberholzer announced the next dates: the delegates' meeting is scheduled for April 16, 2016 and the SHVF will be exhibiting at the OTM Fribourg in March 2016, at the Swiss Classic World Lucerne in May 2016 and at the Oldtimermesse St. Gallen on October 30, 2016.
The response after the presentation was largely positive and supportive, and it was felt that the SHVF was setting the right priorities and is now hoping for good results at a political, cultural and technical level.
The SHVF continues to provide information via its own website.
