Difficulties spur me on: post order has shaped KYBURZ SWITZERLAND
"I came to the conclusion during the first market observation: I can do better. That was the starting shot."
"The very open and collegial relationship of all employees is very important to me".
Martin Kyburz
Why did you believe in elctromobility back in 1991?
As a trained machine mechanic and electrical engineer, I have always been interested in mobility. Tens of thousands of engineers were already working on diesel and gasoline vehicles at that time, and I didn't want to be one of them. So I decided on electric vehicles and came to the conclusion when I first observed the market that I could do better. That was the starting signal. WHEN DID THE BREAKTHROUGH COME? Difficulties have always spurred me on to find solutions. But it took us ten years until the company was stable.
What was the most formative experience in these 25 years?
I started alone, today we employ over 80 people. I always had to question myself and learn new things. But the best moment was the decision of the Swiss Post to buy 3000 of our DXP. We had worked towards this goal for many years. Today the Swiss Post has about 6000 of our vehicles in use.
How about foreign customers?
We are busy there. We now have customers all over the world. We are the best in the world in terms of quality and performance. The big challenge is the price of our products.
DXP. What spirit rules in the company KYBURZ?
The very open and collegial relationship of all employees is very important to me. Regardless of the hierarchical level, the personal opinion, the opinion about the product and the direction in which it should go are in demand. Criticism should be distributed, but it should also be tolerated. In addition, we must be open to new ideas and can live an innovative spirit.
Where will KYBURZ stand in 25 years?
25 years ago I didn't know where we would be today. That's why I don't know the answer, I find it quite likeable. I am still interested in creating something together with people. I would like to continue as before - where we will be in 25 years' time will become clear.
The KYBURZ vehicles will get bigger over time?
Yes, that's the idea. But we will never compete with the car industry. That's a different league. Today we also manufacture electric sports cars, which find their market as fun vehicles. The technology of the eRod has led to many new contacts. We will also use this technology elsewhere and develop it further. I also expect a lot from our Fleet Monitoring System project.
What are the biggest challenges?
One is certainly the Swiss franc and the cost of the location in Switzerland. We will stay in Freienstein. We feel very comfortable here. It will also be a challenge to adapt sufficiently well and quickly to the needs of foreign postal operators. And as a team we want to keep an open, clear mind, which is also a challenge.