Midlander 18 2016 ENGLISH

Midlander THE MAGAZINE OF MIDLAND – SWISS QUALITY OIL

NO. 18 / SUMMER 2016

MAD ABOUT M OPE D S P A G E 0 6/07

EVENTS

PORTRAIT

MOTORSPORTS

Midland's successful appearances in Bern and Zurich.

Auto Birrer AG in Sursee with its surprising and innovative ideas and events.

Urs Hunziker claims his first and welldeserved overall rally victory.

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Page 09

Page 08

TEAM

NEWS

TEAM

NEWLY EMPLOYED AT OEL-BRACK AG

LUKAS NOTH

SWISS PRECISION – TRADITION WITH A FUTURE Old Swiss values, such as quality, reliability and high availability are vanishing. However, if you look at Oel-Brack AG, a traditional company, things are quite different: We know what our clients need and we make sure those requirements are adhered to.

Our well-trained employees, some of whom have been with the company for decades, work in a highly precise and reliable manner – just like Swiss clockwork. Here, the client and their needs are still at the centre of our attention.

Franziska Maag Sales Management Assistant Welcome to the Team!

30 YEARS AT OEL-BRACK AG

Marco Büchli Head of Department Fuels and Combustibles

25 YEARS AT OEL-BRACK AG

Hans Hängärtner Production, Disposal, Warehousing

Dear Reader, One and a half years have passed since the Swiss National Bank caused the Euro's exchange rate to plummet. In the meantime, the situation has become somewhat more stable. The franc shock changed not only the economy, but also the way we think. It's got to be cheap, really cheap!

But do we really want that? Will we get a larger piece of cake in the long run if we buy everything from dental floss to engine oil abroad?

But Oel-Brack AG has even more to offer, including typical Swiss values and constant innovations. In conclusion, I would like to emphasise that honesty really is the best policy. We reward our client's trust with the highest possible quality. Let's promote and strengthen Switzerland's economy and preserve its traditional values.

Thank you for the trust you place in us.

Lukas Noth Deputy Head of Sales Lubricants Switzerland

15 YEARS AT OEL-BRACK AG TEAM

SALES FORCE

Biagio Bruno Regional sales representative for the Cantons of ZH (Winterthur area), SH, TI

Dominik Hilfiker Regional sales representative for the Canton of SO, areas of AG and areas of ZH Congratulations to those employees celebrating service anniversaries.

Thank you for your good work and all the best for the future.

02

Midland's current regional sales representatives (from left to right) at Hugo Ryf's bike museum.

Standing: Lukas Noth, Peter Müller (Head of Sales), Dominik Hilfiker, Manfred Steiner, Hugo Ryf, Daniel Mahler, Biagio Bruno and Federico Ruta. On the bike: Harry Faszt and Thomas Schwendener.

Midlander // NO. 18 I 2016

MIDLAND

EVENTS

The new stand concept, implemented at transport-CH (above) and Swiss-Moto (on the right).

SUCCESSFUL PARTICIPATION IN BERN AND ZURICH The new Midland stand premiered at transport-CH, where it inspired many visitors to make a spontaneous visit. Altogether, the commercial vehicle fair, which takes place every two years, has seen a five percent surge in visitors.

At Auto Zurich, Midland once again held an exhibition together with Kraftwerk. The main focus was lubricants and workshop products. Our exhibit was the Midland Si-

MIDLAND

decar, in which Carmen Bollhalder, the reigning Miss Auto Zurich, briefly took a seat.

Midland's new stand ultimately made its second appearance at Swiss Moto 2016. Here, too, the main focus was on lubricants and workshop equipment – and a very rare antique bike. Yet again, the most important event of the motorcycle industry broke its visitor record.

© Image: Maren KindlerPhotography

Carmen Bollhalder, Miss Auto Zurich 2015/16, between Midland's regional sales representatives Biagio Bruno (left) and Thomas Schwendener (on the right).

INTERNATIONAL

CROATIA: BUSES WITH MIDLAND POWER Strnad Holding – Midland importer in Croatia – is, just like Oel-Brack AG, a family business.

They have been representing the Swiss lubricant brand since the time the company was founded. In December 2015, Strnad Holding successfully achieved another goal: They were able to establish a collaboration between Midland and the bus company Vincek, which connects all of Europe with over 80 buses. Vincek's fleet includes travel cars by

Volvo, Bova, Mercedes-Benz, Setra and Neoplan. And from now on, they will be making their journeys with Midland's lubricants in their engines, gears and axles. This is certified by a small sticker on the back of the car.

Thanks to a route from Zurich to the Croatian coast and back, you can also see Vincek buses with the Midland logo in Switzerland.

WWW.MIDL AND.C H/INTERNA TIONAL

Krešimir Čumbrek from Vincek d.o.o. (on the right) and Anton Strnad (left).

Midlander // NO. 18 I 2016

03

MIDLAND

PRODUCTS

Peter MĂźller, Head of Sales Lubricants Switzerland, at the commercial vehicle fair transport-CH in Bern in 2015, in front of a poster for Midland Ecogear 75W-80: This new fully synthetic transmission fluid for heavy duty vehicles helps to extend change intervals up to 540,000 km or 3 years.

MIDLAND ADDITIVES

VITAMINES FOR THE ENGINE Midland Additives bring real advantages: Fuel additives help to keep injection and fuel systems clean, lubricant additives cleanse and protect the motor's oil system, and the stop-leak additives prevent the loss of motor and transmission fluids.

Give your customers a gift: Midland additives are an ideal token of your gratitude for a service or repair order.

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Midlander // NO. 18 I 2016

MIDLAND

PRODUCTS

MIDLAND SYNQRON 10W-60 This new high-performance engine oil is ideal for sporty engines in powerful limousines and sports cars.

Midland Synqron 10W-60 is a fully synthetic engine oil with excellent high temperature attributes. For example, the oil offers a very stable lubricating film even at high temperatures. When temperatures are low, good fluidity ensures a quick lubrication of the entire oil circuit.

Developed for racing engines or engines operating under similar conditions, Midland Synqron 10W-60 is used primarily in racing vehicles and sports cars.

MIDLAND VR-GEAR AND VR-TRAK

MIDLAND MONOGRADE 40

FOR VOLVO AND RENAULT

NEW SINGLE GRADE OIL

The high-performance oils Midland VR-gear 75W-80 and VR-trak 75W-90 have been designed for the gears and axles of Volvo and Renault trucks. They fulfil the toughest requirements, guarantee the greatest possible cleanliness as well as a minimum of wear, and they are also suitable for extended service intervals (up to 450,000 km or 3 years).

This lowers maintenance costs and ensures secure and reliable operation of Volvo and Renault commercial vehicle fleets. And: The oils have been officially approved by Volvo.

In particular for the 2-cycle diesel engines manufactured by Detroit Diesel, such as those used in leisure cruise ships on Swiss lakes, Midland introduced a new product to its range: Midland Monograde 40, a single grade engine oil for 4-cycle gasoline engines and 2 and 4-cycle diesel engines.

75W-80

FULLY SYNTHETIC GEAR LUBRICANT

EATON • MB 235.29 • MAN 341 Type E4, 341 Type VR Voith Class C • Volvo Transmission Oil 97307:020

Article 31135-88 Batch XX xxxxxxxx Filling Date xx.xx.xxxx

175kg/203L

2016/01

DE Gefahrenhinweise: Schädlich für Wasserorganismen, mit langfristiger Wirkung. Sicherheitshinweise: Darf nicht in die Hände von Kindern gelangen.

Freisetzung in die Umwelt vermeiden. Entsorgung des Inhalts / des Behälters gemäß den örtlichen / regionalen / nationalen / internationalen Vorschriften. Allgemeine Hinweise: Dieses Öl gehört nach Gebrauch in eine Altölannahmestelle.

Unsachgemässe Beseitigung von Altöl gefährdet die Umwelt. Jede Beimischung von Fremdstoffen wie Lösemitteln, Brems- und Kühlflüssigkeiten ist verboten.

Längeren Hautkontakt mit Altöl vermeiden. Sicherheitsdatenblatt auf Anfrage erhältlich. Kontakt CH: Oel-Brack AG, 5502 Hunzenschwil, Tel. +41 (62) 889-1030 EN Hazard statements: Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects. Precautionary statements: Keep out of reach of children. Avoid release to the environment. Dispose of contents / container in accordance with local / regional / national / international regulations. General statements: This oil should be taken to a waste oil collection point after use. The incorrect disposal of used oil damages our environment. Do not mix with any other substances such as solvents, brake and cooling fluids. Avoid prolonged or repeated skin contact with all used engine oils. Safety data sheet available on request.

FR Mentions de danger : Nocif pour les organismes aquatiques, entraîne des effets néfastes à long terme. Conseils de prudence : Tenir hors de portée des enfants. Éviter le rejet dans l’environnement. Éliminer le contenu / récipient conformément à la réglementation locale / régionale / nationale / internationale. Indications générales : Après l’utilisation, déposer cette huile dans une déchetterie qui reprend les huiles usées ! Toute élimination non conforme de l’huile usée représente un risque pour l’environnement. Tout mélange de substances externes, telles que les solvants, les liquides de freinage ou de refroidissement est interdit. Évitez le contact prolongé avec la peau. Fiche de données de sécurité disponible sur demande. Contact CH : Oel-Brack AG, 5502 Hunzenschwil, Tél. +41 (62) 889-1030 DA Risikosætninger: Skadelig for vandlevende organismer, med langvarige virkninger. Sikkerhedssætninger: Opbevares utilgængeligt for børn. Undgå udledning til miljøet. Bortskaffelse af indholdet / beholderen i henhold til de lokale / regionale / nationale / internationale forskrifter. Generel information: Denne olie skal efter brug bortskaffes på miljøvenlig måde. Uhensigtsmæssig bortskaffelse af brugt olie er en fare for miljøet. Enhver tilføjelse af fremmedstoffer som opløsningsmidler, bremse- og kølevædsker er forbudt. Langvarig hudkontakt med brugt olie bør undgås. Sikkerhedsdatablad kan på anmodning rekvireres.

AltiCar Danmark, DK 4622 Havdrup, Tlf +45 461 800 37 SV Faroangivelser: Skadliga långtidseffekter för vattenlevande organismer.

Skyddsangivelser: Förvaras oåtkomligt för barn. Undvik utsläpp till miljön.

Innehållet / behållaren avfallshanteras enligt lokala / regionala / nationella / internationella föreskrifter. Allmän information: Denna olja ska efter användningen lämnas till en speciell avfallshantering för spillolja! Icke facksmässig hantering är en fara för vår miljö. Det är absolut förbjudet att blanda denna olja med andra ämnen som t ex lösningsmedel, broms- eller kylvätksa. Undvik långvarig hudkontakt med använd olja. Säkerhetsdatablad finns att rekvirera.

Midland AB, 448 51 Tollered. Fon +46 (31) 72 53 400 FI Vaaralausekkeet: Haitallista vesieliöille, pitkäaikaisia haittavaikutuksia.

Turvalausekkeet: Säilytä lasten ulottumattomissa. Vältettävä päästämistä ympäristöön. Säilytä säiliö(t) noudattaen paikallisia / alueellisia / kansallisia / kansainvälisiä määräyksiä. Yleistä Tietoa: Tämä öljy on käytön jälkeen toimitettava jätöljyn keräyspaikkaan! Jäteöljyn epäasiallinen hävitys vaarantaa ympäristöä! Kaikkien vieraiden aineiden, kuten liuottimien, jarru- ja jäähdytysnesteiden sekoitus jäteöl jyyn on kielletty. Vältettävä käytetyn öljyn jatkuvaa ihokosketusta. Käyttöturvallisuustiedote toimitetaan pyynnöstä. Jus Oy. 23600 Kalanti, Fon +358 44 066 5306 NL Gevarenaanduidingen: Schadelijk voor in het water levende organismen, met langdurige gevolgen. Voorzorgsmaatregelen: Buiten het bereik van kinderen houden. Voorkom lozing in het milieu. De inhoud en de verpakking verwerken volgens de plaatselijke / regionale / nationale / internationale voorschriften. Algemene aanbevelingen: Deze olie behoort na gebruik in een depot voor afgewerkte olie! Ondeskundige verwijdering van afgewerkte olie brengt het milieu in gevaar! Elk bijmengsel van vreemde stoffen zoals oplossingsmiddelen, rem- en koelvloeistoffen is verboden. Vermijd langdurig huidcontact met afgewerkte olie. Veiligheidsinformatieblad op verzoek verkrijgbaar. Noviol BV, 6534 AH Nijmege, Fon +31 (24) 355 21 02 HR Moguće opasnosti: Štetno za vodeni okoliš s dugotrajnim učincima.

Mjere opreza: Čuvati izvan dohvata djece. Izbjegavati ispuštanje u okoliš.

Odložite sadržaje / spremnike u skladu s lokalnim / regionalnim / nacionalni / međunarodnim odredbama. Opći uvijeti korištenja: Ovo ulje spada nakon upotrebe na mjesto sakupljanja starog ulja. Nepravilno odstranjivanje starog ulja ugrožava okolinu! Svakavo miješanje stranih tvari, kao npr. rastvaračka sredstva i tekućina za koćnice i hlađenje, je zabranjeno. Izbjegavajte dulji ili ponovljeni kontakt kože sa svih korištenih motornih ulja. Sigurnosno-tehnički list dostupan na zahtjev. Strnad Holding d.o.o., B.J.Jelacica 2/A, Mačkovec, 40000 Cakovec. Tel: +385 40/395-856 HU Figyelmeztető mondatok: Ártalmas a vízi élővilágra, hosszan tartó károsodást okoz. Óvintézkedésre vonatkozó mondatok: Gyermekektől elzárva tartandó.

Kerülni kell az anyagnak a környezetbe való kijutását. Az edény tartalmát / a tartályt a helyi / regionális / nemzeti / nemzetközi szabályozásoknak megfelelően kell hulladékként elhelyezni. Általános tudnivalók: Az olajat használat után vigy egy fáradtolaj-gyűjtőhelyre! A fáradt olaj szakszerűtlen kezelése veszélyezteti a kőrnyezetet! Idegen anyagokkal, mint oldószerekkel, fék- és hűtőfolyadékokkal keverni tilos! Kerülje a bőrrel való érintkezést! Kérésre biztonsági adatlap kapható. Kenönyag-Nagyker Kft, 1135 Budapest, Fon +36 20 4625-586 PL Zwroty wskazujące rodzaj zagrożenia: Działa szkodliwie na organizmy wodne, powodując długotrwałe skutki. Zwroty wskazujące środki ostrożności: Chronić przed dziećmi. Unikać uwolnienia do środowiska. Zawartość / pojemnik usuwać zgodnie z przepisami miejscowymi / regionalnymi / narodowymi / międzynarodowymi. Ogólne wskazówki: Olej po zużyciu oddać w punkcie zbiorczym oleju zużytego! Niewłaściwe usuwanie zużytego oleju zagraża środowisku! Wszelkie dodawanie obcych substancji, jak rozpuszczalników, płynów hamulcowych i chłodzących jest zabronione. Unikać dłuższego kontaktu ze skórą. Karta charakterystyki dostępna na żądanie. Micromex Sp. Z o.o., ul. Nowogrodzka 37/43, 92227 Lodz. Tel: +48 (601) 440-345 LV Brīdinājuma uzraksti: Kaitīgs ūdens organismiem ar ilgstošām sekām.

Drošibas uzraksti: Sargāt no bērniem. Izvairīties no izplatīšanas apkārtējā vidē.

Izmest saturu/iepakojumu saskaņā ar vietējiem/reģionālajiem/nacionālajiem/ starptautiskajiem noteikumiem. Vispārēja informācija: Šo eļļu pēclietošanas jānodod nolietotās eļļas savākšanas punktā! Nepareizi likvidēta nolietotāeļļa piesārņo apkārtējo vidi! Aizliegts piejaukt jebkura veida vitas vielas, kā piem., šķīdinātājus, bremzēšanas vai dzesēšanas šķidrumus. Izvairieties no ilgstoša vai atkārtota ādas kontakta ar jebkuru izlietotu motoreļļu. Drošības datu lapa ir pieejama pēc pieprasījuma. SIA MoCorp, 1050 Riga, Tel: +371 29620216 LT Teiginiai apie pavojų: Kenksminga vandens organizmams, sukelia ilgalaikius pakitimus. Įspėjamieji teiginiai: Laikyti vaikams neprieinamoje vietoje.

Saugoti, kad nepatektų į aplinką. Turinį/talpą išpilti (išmesti) - šalinti pagal vietines / regionines / nacionalines / tarptautines taisykles. Bendrieji pareiškimai: Šią panaudotą alyvą būtina atiduoti į senų tepalų surinkimo punktą! Netinkamas panaudotų alyvų pašalinimas sukelia pavojų aplinkai! Draudžiama primaišyti pašalinių medžiagų, pvz., tirpiklių, stabdžio skysčio ir antifrizo.

Venkite ilgo ar pasikartojančio kontakto su oda, visų naudotų variklių alyvos.

Saugos duomenų lapą galima gauti paprašius. Te taskas Ltd., 35103 Panevezys, Tel.: +370 (45) 420-266 BG Указания за опасност: Вреден за водните организми, с дълготраен ефект. Изречения за безопасност: Да се съхранява извън обсега на деца. Да се избягва изпускане в околната среда. Изхвърлете съдържанието / контейнера в съответствие с местните / регионалните / националните / международните разпоредби. Обща информация: Cлeд yпотреба това масло следва да се предаде в лицензиран пункт за събиране на специални отпадъци! Неправилното изхвърляне на отработени масла уврежда околната среда! Забранено е смесването с каквито и да било примеси като разтворители, спирачни и охлаждащи течности! Да се избягва продължителен контакт на кожата с отработени масла! Информационен лист за безопасност се представя при поискване.

Midland o.o.d., BG-1574 Sofia, Fon: +359 (887) 19-08-19 CZ Standardní věty o nebezpečnosti: Škodlivý pro vodní organismy, s dlouhodobými účinky. Pokyny pro bezpečné zacházení: Uchovávejte mimo dosah dětí. Zabraňte uvolnění do životního prostředí. Obsah / nádobu likvidujte v souladu s místními / regionálními / národními / mezinárodními předpisy. Všeobecná upozornění: Tento olej patří po upotřebení do sbĕrny použitého oleje. Neodborné odstranĕní použitého oleje ohrožuje životní prostředí. Jakákoli přísada cizích látek jako rozpouštĕdla, brzdové nebo chladicí kapaliny je zakázána. Vyhněte se delšímu kontaktu pokožky s použitými oleji. Na vyžádání je k dispozici bezpečnostní list. Moto World s.r.o., 26101, Příbram, Tel.: +420 602 441776

Oel-Brack AG, CH-5502 Hunzenschwil, Tel. +41 (62) 889-1030

Midlander // NO. 18 I 2016

05

“MOPED BOY” FROM TOGGENBURG Marcel Büchler has collected thousands of mopeds and motorcycles. He is exhibiting a few hundred of them at Zweiradcenter Toggenburg. This place is his empire – it is a museum, a theme park and a place to go if you need something related to your two-wheeler.

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Midlander // NO. 18 I 2016

PORTRAIT

MARCEL BÜCHLER

Motorcycles and scooters everywhere you look: A peek into the Zweiradcenter Toggenburg, the stairs lead up to the museum. The selection is immense and truly impressive.

“I can drive anything. I just climb on and take off,” Marcel Büchler explains. Whether it's a motocross, supermoto or a circuit racing; whether it's a moped, a 250 or a superbike – Marcel Büchler has won races and championships with it. Maybe this is why he repairs everything: “We are happy to accept not only new motorcycles and scooters, but also hundred-year-old pieces,” he explains. “Even if you come to us with a broken lawnmower, we will fix it as well.”

He talks about the kiosk principle, which forms the foundation of his business. There are no limits with regards to the two-wheeler brand or make. A company-owned motocross track, on which courses are given, forms another part of the services offered, along with quad, trike, motorcycle and scooter rentals. Naturally, the two-wheeler centre offers a wide range of clothing and the largest helmet selection in the region. Mr Büchler started his business in 1982 together with his wife and an apprentice. In 1990, the company moved to the premises they occupy at present. Today, the company's team of six specialists provide services of any kind in connection to motorised two-wheelers.

From the very beginning he bought his lubricants from Oel-Brack AG. He and Midland have been close partners for a very long time. It was his experience in motor sports especially that convinced him. Wherever Marcel Büchler participates in events and races, he is an active messenger of the brand.

He describes his relationship with Harry Faszt, Midland's regional sales representative, as collegial and amicable. He appreciates the good service and the personal approach to customer care. “For me it is important to have somebody who is there for me,” he says.

When asked about his stunning collection, he smiles and confesses: “I've always been a moped boy.” Today, he is a proud owner of 2500 mopeds and motorcycles, around 500 of which are exhibited in the museum on the first floor. It can be visited during the shop's opening hours or by appointment. It receives about three thousand visitors annually. The museum's premises can be rented and serve up to 150 guests in a unique atmosphere. It has even been used for hosting wedding receptions. “For those who are absolutely mad about mopeds,” he explains.

The 4-cycle motorcycles engine oil MIDLAND MOTORCYCLE 20W-50 is the most used oil at Zweiradcenter Toggenburg. Whether in the workshop or on the racetrack, Marcel Büchler's team place their complete trust in this oil, which is characterised by minimum wear and tear and the absence of any clutch slip – even under the toughest conditions.

Midlander // NO. 18 I 2016

Marcel Büchler, the self-proclaimed “Moped Boy”, has been operating his business since 1982.

ZWEIRADCENTER TOGGENBURG Marcel Büchler Letzistrasse 6 9604 Lütisburg Phone: +41 71 931 38 88 info@zweiradcenter.ch www.zweiradcenter.ch Established in 1982 Number of employees: 6, 2 of them are apprentices Brands carried Suzuki, Peugeot, Kymco, Beta Service partner Kawasaki, Triumph SERVICES: > Motorcycles > Scooters 50–700 cm3 > Service, repairs and modifications > Clothing > Large helmet selection > Accessories and spare parts > Race events > Quad and trike rentals > Motorcycle and scooter rentals > Company-owned chassis dynamometer

07

RACING

TEAM HPS

TOTAL VICTORY AT FÜRST VON WREDE RALLY Together with Bernd Hartbauer as his co-driver, Urs Hinziker won the Fürst von Wrede Rally in the Franconian Lake District in Germany.

The two crossed the finish line, believe it or not, 50 seconds before the next participant. Urs Hinziker was finally rewarded for all the strain and technical breakdowns of the past years, in which time he came so close to winning.

Following this successful start, Urs now wants to take part in rallies in Germany, France, Austria and Switzerland, sometimes with Melli Wahl and sometimes with Bernd in the co-driver's seat. And he always wants to do it in the World Rally Car (WRC) configuration, as the world-wide motorsports association FIA has banned all RRC category cars from the national championships in favour of the new R5 class. It seems however that Urs feels quite comfortable in the WRC configuration...

The new duo in top shape: Urs Hunziker and Bernd Hartbauer (co-driver).

RACING

W W W. H P S T E C H N I K . C H

W W W . I N F O R A L LY E . C H

MARCEL MAURER

TWO-TIME WINNER OF THE DAY In the last Midlander issue Marcel Maurer discreetly expressed his intention to become a winner of the day. In the meantime, he has accomplished it twice: In the first slalom of the season in Bière and then two races later in Saanen, coming in first both times under rainy conditions. So, is the new talent now about to become the rain god?

“In Saanen, I also led against my fiercest competitor on a dry track during training,” he says, bringing things into perspective in his typical relaxed way. He and his loyal team are now focusing on the remaining season in the slalom and hill climb race championship. © Image: Sébastien Montagny, Sport-Auto.ch

W W W. M A U R E R- M O T O R S P O R T T E A M . C H

RACING

Two victories in the rain: Marcel Maurer with the Formula Midland (here: in Bière)

MARCEL STEINER

MARCEL STEINER IS BACK IN THE GAME Hill climb champion Marcel Steiner, participating in racing championships again.

The hill climb champion Marcel Steiner is starting off the 2016 season with a new racing car, a LobArt LA01/Mugen. And his plans are impressive: After two years of participating only occasionally, and in a race car that was no longer suitable for competition purposes, he wants to spend this year competing in Swiss hill climb races and leave his mark in the fight for the champion title.

W W W . S T E I N E R M O T O R S P O R T. C H

An important test: At the Eschdorf hill climb race in May 2016 in Luxembourg, Marcel Steiner participated with his new car for the first time.

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Midlander // NO. 18 I 2016

PORTRAIT

AUTO BIRRER

The Auto Birrer AG team in front of “Chalet Andy”, named after boss and founder Andreas Birrer (back row, seated).

GARAGE WITH PIONEER SPIRIT Auto Birrer AG in Sursee offers some surprises with unique approaches: For example, it celebrated its spring exhibition as “Hüttengaudi”. And in June, the garage held showings of the European Football Championship games on its premises.

The author of these creative ideas is Andreas Birrer. In the course of two years, he persistently expanded his one-man business to a company with two dealerships known across different regions. His goal has always been to offer his customers more than his competitors.

This distinct commitment to excellent service is one of the reasons why Andreas Birrer was selected in 2014 to receive the President Award, the highest distinction for Hyundai dealers in Europe. The benchmark was customer satisfaction, which is so important to Andreas Birrer. Apart from Hyundai, the company represents Toyota and offers professional direct imports.

Apart from the “Hüttengaudi” as a spring exhibition or the showing of European Championship games, the company's distinctive features include an extended tyre hotel and its own workshop. The company created the

necessary conditions by erecting the garage (1998) and the tyre hotel (2007).

With regards to the developments in the field of oil, Andreas Birrer is regularly kept up to date by Dominik Hilfiker, his regional sales representatives from Midland. For years, the two have enjoyed a trusting working relationship. Together, they designed and built a pressure oil bar with a hose reel for the company's existing falling oil distribution unit a few years back.

The level of customer satisfaction is wholly dependent on the employees. Because it is so important to Andreas Birrer to know that everybody on his team is representing the company with passion, he systematically supports his employees, gives them new responsibilities and includes them in the decision-making process. He invests a lot in education and trains his apprentices with a great deal of commitment.

The longlife engine oil MIDLAND SYNOVA 5W-40 – with a reduced amount of sulphated ash, phosphorus and sulphur (LowSAPS) – is the most important engine oil in the workshop of Auto Birrer AG. With this oil, along with two additional Midland engine oils, the garage covers all its requirements.

Midlander // NO. 18 I 2016

Newly constructed: garage and tyre hotel.

AUTO BIRRER AG Sappeurstrasse 2 6210 Sursee Phone: +41 41 925 21 21 info@auto-birrer.ch www.auto-birrer.ch Established in 1992 Number of employees: 27, 8 of them are apprentices Brands carried: > Hyundai > Toyota SERVICES: > New and used cars > Large direct import selection > Service/repairs for all brands > Company-owned bodyshop > Tyre hotel for over 2500 tyres > Car rentals

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RACING

ANGELICA WEISS

ENDURANCE TEST FOR DAKAR 2017 Angelica Weiss has one goal: She wants to be the first woman from Switzerland to participate in the world's toughest rally, Dakar Rally 2017, on a quad bike. Her team, the Holando Rallye Team from Argentina, has already been put together. 2016 has already seen her participate in her first qualification races on her quad bike, the Yamaha Raptor 700R. This also includes the Desafio Ruta 40 race from the Dakar series, an endurance test for both the riders and their machines in June/July 2016, which Angelica writes about in her blog.

W W W. A N G E L I C A G O E S D A K A R . C H W W W. F A C E B O O K . C O M / A N G E L I C A G O E S D A K A R

Holando Rally Team (from left to right): Juan Ignacio Marquez, Mechanic; Fernando Lian, Team Manager; Angelica Weiss, Driver; Gaston Pando, Driver and Team Owner

SPORT

TEAM FELDER

RACING

SIDECAR

© Image: Martin Zürcher

STARTING OFF WITH TWO WORLD CHAMPIONS Team Felder includes two current logging world champions: Philip Amstutz in felling and Urs Amstutz in combination cutting. And the best thing is, both have already qualified for the next world championship in September 2016 in Poland. If you want to experience them live before that, you will have a chance at the logging competition in Aargau, where the entire Husqvarna Team will be demonstrating their abilities. Midland will also be participating: The biodegradable Midland Bio Rotax chainsaw oil is included in the basic equipment of anyone who wants to be successful as a logger.

W W W. F E L D E R- E M M E N . C H

22nd Aargau Logging Competition 2016

NEW PASSENGER The Midland Sidecar Racing Team got to experience a big success in their first season after coming fourth in the FSBK. There are crucial changes for 2016.

By coming in fourth in the fiercely competitive French FSBK championship, the Wyssen/Zurbrügg duo did more than just gain respect. Due to professional reasons, Thomas Zurbrügg is no longer able to participate as a passenger in 2016. His place will be taken by the experienced Olivier Chabloz from Switzerland. Lukas Wyssen will remain as the pilot. A new Kawasaki engine will be installed in the chassis, which will remain unchanged. With this machine, the two not only want to come in second in the FSBK, but also take part in individual World Championship rounds.

W W W. F S B K . F R

Muri AG 26 and 27 August 2016, www.afv-aargau.ch

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Midlander // NO. 18 I 2016

MIDLAND

PETROL STATION

INTEGRAL PART OF THE VILLAGE Garage Lüscher AG recently celebrated 60 years of Ford. The garage has had the petrol station for about the same amount of time. They've been together with Midland for over 10 years.

On the main street in Muhen, Aargau: Garage Lüscher AG with a Midland petrol station and the new Peugeot showroom.

Garage Lüscher AG was established in 1925 by Oskar Lüscher in Muhen, canton of Aargau, and has been an official Ford dealership since 1954. Two generations of the Lüscher family have been managing and expanding the company until they sold it in 2013. Since then, Garage Lüscher AG in Muhen has been run by Simon Niklaus and Patrik Brugger. It consequently became the official Carex partner for accessories and tuning parts and, even more important, the new Peugeot dealership in the region.

In this village, the company has always been known for its Ford-related services as well as for servicing all brands. And of course, for the petrol station, which has been looked after by Oel-Brack AG as a Midland petrol station for over 10 years.

“Thanks to the connected measure­ment equipment and automated ordering sys-

Midlander // NO. 18 I 2016

tem, the petrol station is supplied with fuel without us having to do anything,” says Simon Niklaus, manager and head of the workshop. The station offers petrol 95, petrol 98, diesel and 2-cycle mix. Simon Niklaus enjoys the problem-free co-operation – in particular, with regards to the workshop, where only Midland lubricants are used.

GARAGE LÜSCHER AG Hauptstrasse 41 5037 Muhen Phone: +41 62 723 24 40 Fax: +41 62 723 03 40 info@garageluescher.ch www.garageluescher.ch

The two managers, Patrik Brugger (left) and Simon Niklaus

BRANDS CARRIED: > Ford > Peugeot

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MIDLAND EVENTS

RACING

Drive-in Movies

FULL THROTTLE AT THE HOCKENHEIMRING

Pratteln 8 – 30 July 2016 (every Fri and Sat) www.cinema-drive-in.ch

URS ERBACHER

NitrOlympX Drag Racing Hockenheimring (D) 19 – 21 August 2016 www.nitrolympx.de

Motocross Schmiedrued Between rounds, the dragsters require a lot of work.

Schmiedrued-Walde 20/21 August 2016 www.mc-ruedertal.ch

Urs and Jndia Erbacher will both be competing at NitrOlympX 2016 at the Hockenheimring. As always, Urs will be driving a Top Fuel Dragster, and of course his goal is to win the European Championship one more time. Urs achieved some very promising results in Santa Pod (UK) and Tierp (Sweden). His daughter Jndia is concentrating on the race at the Hockenheimring this year, where she will be competing with the Top Methanol Dragsters.

Auto Zürich Car Show Messe Zürich 10 – 13 November 2016 www.auto-zuerich.ch

W W W. E R B A C H E R . B I Z MIDLAND

COMPETITION

HAPPY WINNERS At the last trade fairs, Midland organised big lotteries. The main prize every time: a drag racing weekend at the Hockenheimring in Baden-Württemberg for two as VIP guests at NitrOlympX 2016.

We congratulate the winners!

Jennifer Martoglio lives in Rickenbach, near Wil, works as a customer service representative for the Traffic Office of the Canton of Thurgau and loves fast cars.

Tom Huser, the «Mototom», runs his own motorcycle workshop in Hunzenschwil and owns a BMW S1000 RR. Speed is his passion.

Markus Sommerhalder, who lives in Murgenthal, is the owner and manager of Sommerhalder-Rickli AG in Murgenthal, a garage with an IVECO dealership.

IMPRINT PUBLISHER: Midland – Swiss Quality Oil Oel-Brack AG Rupperswilerstrasse 3 CH-5502 Hunzenschwil

CONTRIBUTORS: Customers, partners, racing teams and numerous photo­ graphers who provide their pictures. Thank you very much.

Phone: +41 62 889 10 30 Fax: +41 62 889 10 49 info@oelbrack.ch www.midland.ch

DESIGN: oneflow gmbh, CH-4802 Strengelbach, www.oneflow.ch

PRINTING AND LETTERSHOP: Urs Zuber AG, CH-5734 Reinach AG www.urszuberag.ch PRINT RUN: 7000 copies

EDITOR: Eric Somogyi

THE MAGAZINE OF MIDLAND – SWISS QUALITY OIL

Printing and online publication permitted, reference and information requested.