The ASTAG with Successful Event AS-TAG

The Swiss transport industry is successfully pursuing new paths, as clearly demonstrated at the first “AS-TAG”, the industry meeting of the Swiss Commercial Vehicle Association ASTAG. In Thun, over 500 participants from transport and logistics exchanged ideas on the topic of “Perspectives” today. Among the speakers and panel guests were ASTAG Central President and Councilor Thierry Burkart, as well as Vincent Ducrot, CEO of SBB, and National Councillors Albert Rösti (SVP), Martin Candinas (Center), and Florence Brenzikofer (Greens).

(Bern) Transport and logistics, whether by road or rail, are crucial for the country’s supply security. In normal times as well as during crises, it is essential to reliably, safely, and environmentally friendly deliver goods and products to their destinations at all times. However, the current conditions are challenging: energy crisis, shortage of skilled workers, economic uncertainties, and government regulations are putting pressure on the industry. Therefore, it is all the more important to tackle the numerous challenges together.

The Swiss Commercial Vehicle Association ASTAG has been successfully striving for some time to strengthen cooperation and exchange between business, politics, and science. The latest example is an industry day for the entire transport sector, the so-called “AS-TAG”. At the premiere, which took place today all day at the Culture and Congress Center Thun, more than 500 people participated. Under the title “Perspectives”, it became clear in numerous presentations that transport and logistics are currently undergoing a fundamental transformation, despite a challenging environment. Emission-free or low-emission commercial vehicles with alternative drives (electric, hydrogen, biogas) will increasingly contribute to the decarbonization of road transport in the coming years. In urban areas, thanks to innovative concepts, sustainable freight transport is also expected to function effectively. The industry has “Perspectives” and offers attractive jobs and diverse career opportunities – for existing professionals, for Generation Z, and for career changers.

Innovation and Technology Instead of Bans

In his opening speech, ASTAG Central President and Councilor Thierry Burkart emphasized how systemically relevant the transport industry is. “Our economy and society are fundamentally dependent on a powerful, reliable goods and passenger transport!” From this, it follows that the mistakes of energy policy in transport must not be repeated: “Bans and restrictions achieve nothing,” Burkart emphasized: “We must focus on innovation, openness to technology, and a powerful infrastructure!”

A special highlight was the presentation by Vincent Ducrot, CEO of SBB, on “Mobility of the Future – Road & Rail”. “The transport industry on rail and road faces largely the same challenges. I am very pleased that we are increasingly addressing and solving these together,” emphasized Vincent Ducrot. In the future, road and rail will need optimal framework conditions to ensure Switzerland’s supply security. After the lunch break, former artistic gymnast Ariella Kaeslin pointed out that there are indeed parallels between elite sports and the transport industry.

Panel Discussion on Decarbonization

Further presentations and workshops at the “AS-TAG” dealt with specific topics, such as the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, a planned new regulation of VAT for Swiss coach companies in Germany, the creation of sheltered workplaces, or the introduction of a new LSVA recording device starting in 2024.

The very successful event concluded with a panel discussion on the transition of freight transport to CO2-free energy sources. In addition to Thierry Burkart, National Councillors Albert Rösti (SVP) and Martin Candinas (Center), as well as National Councillor Florence Brenzikofer (Greens) participated. The attendees agreed that decarbonization is progressing, but that some efforts are still needed: “The transport industry is doing everything possible for the benefit of the environment and climate,” summarized Thierry Burkart.

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