Local garage starts selling vehicles made in China

The Binzegger garage business on Zugerstrasse in Baar was actually set up by Hans Binzegger in 1953. Then, in 1976, he handed over the business to his son, also called Hans. It was he who was the first to start selling Japanese cars in the canton, namely Datsuns and Nissans. Three years later he began selling Subaru cars, too, making him a real specialist in Japanese vehicles. "I have always put great faith in them," said Hans Binzegger Junior, "though initially they did not enjoy a good reputation in Switzerland."
 
Convinced as he was of the quality of vehicles made in the Far East, the garage owner then extended his range in 1994 to include Kia cars imported from South Korea. Fourteen years later he added Suzuki vehicles to the range and these have proved very popular.
 
Three years ago Remo Binzegger took over the running of the Neufeld Garage from his father, and, carrying on the family tradition, he is to import cars from yet another country in the Far East, China this time. These will be vehicles made by the Dong Feng Motor Corporation (DFSK) of Wuhan City, which, with an annual production of about three million a year, is China's second largest motor manufacturer. The DFSK produces a huge range of vehicles including mini vans and mini double cab trucks (second photograph) as well as cars.
 
"At present we are just selling DFSK utility vehicles, which are finished off in Switzerland," explained Binzegger, "so high-quality and finish are guaranteed. The cheapest costs only CHF 12,500," explained the 32-year-old, so they will be ideal for people starting up small and medium-sized businesses such as gardeners and other trades. The price performance of these vehicles is really very good as they all come with radio, CD player and air-conditioning as standard. I hope to sell about ten this year alone."
 
Binzegger added that he hoped to be selling cars made by DFSK soon. "I saw some at the Geneva Motor Show and interest in them has already been expressed," he said.
 
The reason the garage had opted to sell Chinese vehicles was that they were no longer able to offer Kia utility vehicles so general importer Emil Frey AG offered this alternative, which Binzegger was quick to accept. "As we have learned from the time we have been in business, it is always worthwhile being open to new products," he said.