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MAGA in the approach path
German technology remains highly regarded when it comes to rapid material handling, the elimination of weaknesses, and service quality. Following successful projects in Oklahoma and Texas, the steel trader " Steel and Pipe Supply " once again relied on saws and storage systems from the Rhine Valley in Kansas City.
Rent warehouse equipment instead of buying it
Bito is launching an offensive with an economical alternative for companies that want to re-equip, expand, or temporarily supplement their warehouse and production areas, but don't want to tie up their capital long-term: renting instead of buying is the motto. The advantages – especially in " dynamic times " – are obvious.
«Kanpai» with sake on the pharmaceutical chain
Logistics provider Yusen is presenting an expanded global platform for the healthcare sector at LogiPharma in Vienna, where companies such as Novartis, Bayer, Takeda, and hospital supplier UCB are currently participating. The platform focuses on the professional delivery of specialized healthcare solutions.
Streamlined logistics
Coop's own rail connection for urban logistics in Zurich, streamlined logistics vehicles and the outsourcing of all operating room logistics in a cooperation between the Seeschau Clinic and the Swiss Post are the projects that are entering the final sprint for this year's Swiss Logistics Award from GS1.
Vacuum technology makes mobility possible
Compressed air has traditionally been used primarily for fixed installations. Schmalz's vacuum grippers also mainly operate with lines that often have to run across halls and facilities. However, mobile robotics increasingly requires flexible solutions – a need that Schmalz now intends to address more effectively.
A foray into drive technology
Safelog, the specialists for software for controlling intralogistics processes, have entered into a cooperation with the drive experts from SEW Eurodrive at LogiMAT in order to jointly develop a high-performance software for controlling mobile and stationary processes in intralogistics.
Networking with perspectives
“Never walk alone” could be the motto of a networking event hosted by the consulting experts from “Adnovum”, where the Digital Product Passport (DPP), cybersecurity and IT opportunities with Petra Merino (GS1 Switzerland) and security expert Andreas Achterholt are on the agenda on May 7th in Zurich.
Maintenance in Austria
With a new workshop in Obersiebenbrunn near Vienna, rail manufacturer Stadler is expanding its capacity for the commissioning, approval, and servicing of modern rail vehicles in Austria. The workshop has been used to maintain Westbahn's high-speed trains since March 2026.
Idealworks pushes into the US market
Idealworks, part of the Munich-based Agile Robots Group, with more than 1,700 AMRs and AGVs worldwide and one of the pioneers in industrial automation through AI in robot-controlled logistics processes, has founded a US company headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina.
New chain belt sorting
At LogiMAT, conveyor technology provider Interroll attracted attention with a new chain-belt sorting system developed after the acquisition of Sortteq. Together with MCP Play, this creates a material flow ecosystem that combines single-item transport with intelligent sorting.
Electric vehicle share increases – diesel remains
Electric vehicle share increases – diesel remains
In Switzerland, a total of 18,589 new vans, trucks, and transport vehicles were put into service in the first half of the year – a significant decrease compared to 22,440 vehicles in the same period last year. However, 17.2% of all newly registered vehicles over 3.5 tons are fully electric – a new record high.
eActros on a summit tour. Photo: Daimler
Despite the overall weak market, demand for electric trucks continues to rise, according to the Association of Vehicle Importers. The reasons for this high demand include the wide range of available models, the ongoing exemption from the performance-related heavy vehicle tax (LSVA) for zero-emission trucks, and the possibility of partial compensation for the reduced payload. This makes electric drives attractive in the transport sector while simultaneously maintaining transport capacity through a heavy-duty engine.
Design work at Transport.CH. Photo: klk.
New registrations of vans and light commercial vehicles up to 3.5 tons also declined significantly: 13,539 vehicles were registered in the first half of the year, representing a decrease of 15.2% compared to the same period last year. This vehicle class can be considered a barometer of economic sentiment, as tradespeople and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in particular rely on these vehicles for delivery services, tool transport, and material handling. On a positive note, the market share of purely electric vans rose to 10.7% in the first half of 2025 (previous year: 5.8%). Plug-in hybrids are also increasingly being used, now achieving a market share of 1.3% in the light commercial vehicle segment.
Economic barometer
Thomas Rücker, director of auto-schweiz, views the developments with mixed feelings: “The fact that the market share of all-electric vans and trucks is increasing is very encouraging. However, the fact that the overall market is simultaneously declining is extremely worrying. We are also very concerned about the political situation. CO₂ targets have been tightened from 2025 onwards, while reliable and supportive framework conditions are lacking – for example, regarding the fast-charging network for trucks, the protection of long-term investments (such as the prospect of reduced vehicle registration fees), or energy pricing. Therefore, comprehensive incentives for switching to low-emission vehicles are urgently needed.” The industry has repeatedly and sharply criticized the Federal Council’s retroactive implementation of the CO₂ ordinance.
eFuso in winter use. Photo: Daimler
At the European level, diesel still clearly dominates: 81.8% of vans, 93.1% of trucks, and 66% of buses run on conventional engines. Obstacles such as insufficient charging infrastructure, high purchase costs, and regulatory uncertainties are slowing the transition.
