Automobil Revue has liquidity problems

Europe's oldest automotive newspaper is struggling with a lack of solvency, which according to Der Sonntag is due to a lack of income from advertising sales. The newspaper quotes a concerned, "well-informed industry representative": "The newspaper is about to hit the wall". Concerned because Automobil Revue plays an important role for the entire Swiss automotive industry - not least as a political organ.

Key executives leave

A year ago, the publication was sold by Tamedia to the 35-year-old Basel publisher Dominique Hiltbrunner. The Automobil Revue continues to be printed by Tamedia - but only against payment in advance, as Der Sonntag insiders know. Freelancers often wait months for their remuneration. Editor-in-chief Olaf Kühlmann is leaving the paper at the end of April, managing director Rehné Herzig has already left and advertising manager Remo De Piano has resigned. The editorial management will be taken over by two former members of the editorial team until further notice, while the new managing director Robert Vego will be responsible for advertising.

Relocation to Bern and reduction in social benefits

Publisher Hiltbrunner does not want to confirm the crisis. Advertising revenues had suffered at Tamedia because this "pearl" had not been maintained within the large group. Since then, revenues have risen by 12 percent. As a small publisher, Tamedia can also react more quickly and is more flexible. For example, Automobil Revue is moving to Bern in the summer, saving costs equivalent to two years' wages. Hiltbrunner also wants to relaunch the online presence that Tamedia had "shut down" - even though no online editor has been hired yet. The Tamedia conditions for pension fund deductions can no longer be afforded. They were reduced in the last payroll. Hiltbrunner firmly rejects the rumors of another sale of Automobil Revue.