For many years, two umbrella organizations in Switzerland have been vying for classic car clubs and their vehicles. On 23 October 2013, the FSVH (Schweizer Verband für Historische Fahrzeuge - Fédération Suisse des Véhicules Historiques) was founded with the aim of bundling and consolidating the activities of the previous umbrella organizations Swiss Oldtimers and FSVA. We have reported on this.
However, the founding of the new association "in secret", which was unexpected by many, and a fast-paced timetable for the integration of the previous umbrella organizations was not welcomed everywhere. Doubters and critics spoke out.
A strong joint representation makes sense
There is widespread agreement that it makes sense to bundle the interests of classic car drivers and represent them in one organization. A consolidated association can work more professionally, communicate more clearly and act in a more politically coordinated manner.
A tight schedule
Ruedi Wenger, who is currently steering the fortunes of the new FSVH association, presented an un-Swissly hurried timetable.
On 25 January 2014, delegates and association presidents/board members will be informed in detail about the new organization at the Swiss Museum of Transport in Lucerne.
On March 8, 2014, the delegates of the previous umbrella organization "Swiss Oldtimers" are to approve the dissolution and transfer of assets to the FSVH, and on March 15, 2014, the leaders of the second umbrella organization FSVA are to do the same.
On March 22/23, 2014, the FSVH would then like to appear as the new umbrella organization at the Fribourg classic car and parts market.
And finally, on April 5, 2014, the first delegates' meeting of the FSVH will take place with the necessary elections.
Too fast for some
The rapid procedure, which according to Ruedi Wenger has many practical but also personal reasons, is now too fast for some representatives of the previous associations.
In an open letter, the chairmen of the FSVA founder clubs (SMVC, OCB, OCI, OCO) have questioned the procedure and the necessary dissolution of the FSVA.
In the meantime, a "Committee pro FSVA" has also been founded (the corresponding website is to be launched soon), which criticizes the procedure in particular, but not the objective (ONE association).
Are they still getting their act together?
Obviously not everything went as planned with the communication surrounding the new planned umbrella organization, but this can certainly be corrected. We will know by mid-March 2014 at the latest whether the personal arguments and animosities can be dispelled and common sense prevails in the end.
The fact is that very few classic car owners know the details of the umbrella organizations and that they are primarily interested in being able to drive their cars on public roads under the most advantageous conditions possible. So let's hope that the umbrella organizations and those responsible for them put themselves at the service of the cause and give Switzerland the brightest possible future for classic cars.