Kaito: How long have you been at KYBURZ?

Niklaus: I started in the development department on 5 August 2024.

Kaito: What are your responsibilities?

Niklaus: My main task is to check that the products continue to meet regulatory requirements as they develop. I also support other colleagues as far as my knowledge of the matter serves them.

Kaito: What made you decide to work for KYBURZ and how does this job differ from your previous ones?

Niklaus: When the first DXP was delivered to the post office, I was a fleet manager at the post office, or rather at Mobility Solutions (now Post Company Cars). Since then, I have always been in contact with Martin Kyburz and his company. Even during my time at ASTRA, there were points of contact, such as the approval of the DXTR articulated lorry. What is exciting for me is that I get to know the regulations and approval processes in the many countries in which we operate from a manufacturer's perspective – a difference to the legislator's role that should not be underestimated!

Kaito: Is there anything that has surprised you since you moved from Swiss Post/Astra to KYBURZ – perhaps in relation to our internal organisation/processes or our products?

Niklaus: I have spent almost my entire career working for very large companies. I am surprised at how well developed the company processes are at KYBURZ. I was also amazed at how many countries KYBURZ is active in or is in the process of entering. I knew about some of the commitments, such as Australia and Norway, but not about the full range of activities.

Kaito: Based on your new perspective at Kyburz, what would be your strongest argument for selling our products/services to someone at your previous workplace who is sceptical?

Niklaus: At the post office, the work is done, there's no one left to convince! But I know a lot of people, including professional contacts, who are not yet aware of the potential of our products, especially when it comes to their use in cities and villages. In my opinion, projects like the one by Planzer, Loxo and KYBURZ in Bern are very valuable. Thanks to the involvement of such well-known partners, they have a strong impact in demonstrating the potential uses and flexibility of KYBURZ to potential customers.

Kaito: Which task did you find most exciting during your week, and why did it stand out for you?

Niklaus: I find it demanding and therefore exciting to process the many questions and suggestions from our sales team and our colleagues in development. It's challenging when my colleagues approach me and ask why something is not possible because of the regulations or whether there might not be a solution after all.

Kaito: If you could bring a completely new skill from a completely different industry into your job, what would it be and why?

Niklaus: I'm an (old) automotive engineer, and so my knowledge is strongly influenced by the world of combustion engines and everything that goes with them. Here at KYBURZ, I would sometimes like to be able to tap into the knowledge of my late father, who was an electrical engineer.

Kaito: Can you share a personal hobby or passion?

Niklaus: I enjoy skiing and I'm a keen freshwater sailor on Lake Neuchâtel, where we've spent a lot of time with the family over the last 20 years. I grew up in the Jura region of Solothurn, so I feel very comfortable on the edge of these hills and in the expanse of the lake. I can relax in winds up to force 4 on the Beaufort scale, but it gets exhausting in stronger winds.

Kaito: Is there a goal you definitely want to achieve in the next few years?

Niklaus: I love hiking and have been to France many times, but hardly for hiking. There are two hikes that I would love to do: the GR 10 (from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean via the Pyrenees) and the GR 20 (north-south crossing of Corsica).

Kaito: In which area of the company do you see great potential for growth or improvement in the future?

Niklaus: In my opinion, city logistics has great potential for our vehicles, especially for the trailer trucks. To a certain extent, postal use is also city logistics. The narrow streets in cities, which are particularly common in Europe but also outside of North America in many other areas of the world, are perfect for small, manoeuvrable vehicle combinations.

Kaito: Which KYBURZ three-/fourwheeler stands out for you, and what do you like about it?

Niklaus: In my opinion, the DXC is the most impressive ‘workhorse’ we have to offer. That's the rational view in terms of mobility. On the emotional side, in my opinion there is no alternative to the eRod!