Ninety years of activity, over 160 participants, and a change in leadership destined to mark a new phase for the canton's automotive sector. The ordinary general assembly of the UPSA Ticino Section, hosted in the Teatro del LAC Lugano Art and Culture, brought together representatives of institutions, the economic world and professional training for an evening of strong symbolic value.

The event coincided with the conclusion of Roberto Bonfanti's term as president, stepping down after eleven years at the helm of the Swiss Automobile Professional Association – Ticino Section. The evening also outlined the association's transition phase until the election of a new president, scheduled for 2027.

Broad participation among institutions and the automotive sector

The meeting was attended by numerous representatives of the Ticino and Swiss political and associational scene. Among those present was the State Councilor Claudius Zali, director of the Department of Territory and president of the Canton of Ticino, Simone Giannini, the national councilor Piero Marchesi and the municipal police of Lugano Karin Valenciano Rossi.

Representatives of UPSA Switzerland, the Road Traffic Section, the Chamber of Commerce, and the vocational training sector were also present, confirming the role the automotive sector continues to play in the cantonal economy.

In his speech, Claudio Zali highlighted the transformations currently affecting the automotive market, focusing on the economic pressures affecting dealers, international competition, and the growing influence of Asian manufacturers. He also emphasized the importance of the local network of garages and professionals, which he considers crucial for ensuring technical expertise and direct customer relationships.

Karin Valenzano Rossi also emphasized the contribution of automotive companies to the Ticino economic fabric, noting that many of the associated companies are family businesses with roots in the region for generations.

The balance of eleven years of presidency

The evening's highlight was Roberto Bonfanti's closing remarks. Recalling over a decade at the helm of the association, the outgoing president recalled the major milestones UPSA Ticino has achieved in recent years.

Among the topics discussed were the agreement for certified garages, agreements regarding environmental controls, strengthening the organizational structure, revising the communications strategy, and work done on the collective bargaining agreement. Bonfanti also highlighted the strengthening of relationships with the Traffic Section and the professional training sector.

His speech included numerous references to the challenges facing the automotive sector over the past decade: from the euro-franc exchange rate to the pandemic, including post-Covid logistical challenges, the debate over road taxes, and the progressive electrification of the market accompanied by new regulations on CO₂ emissions.

Bonfanti described the association as "strong and healthy," explaining that after eleven years in office, he leaves room for new energy. He also thanked collaborators, committee members, and institutional partners, with a special mention for the director. Marco Doninelli, a figure with whom he shared the growth path of the association.

The transition phase towards 2027

With Roberto Bonfanti's departure, the assembly approved a transitional solution to ensure continuity in the association's leadership. For next year, the presidency will be entrusted on an interim basis to Ilaria Devittori e Pasquale Ciccone, both vice presidents of the organization.

Devittori is a member of the Presidential Office, the Training Commission, and the UPSA Central Committee in Bern, while Ciccone also serves as the cantonal delegate. The two will be responsible for guiding the association through its transition phase and identifying the candidate for president in 2027.

Professional training at the heart of the business

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to professional training, which has always been considered one of the pillars of the association's activity.

Lorenzo Lazzarino presented updated data for the sector, citing 106 candidates for the 2025 qualification process and a 98% success rate. Currently, approximately 320 young people are enrolled in automotive-related training programs in Ticino.

During the speech, the award ceremony scheduled for August 25, 2026 was also announced. Swiss Rail Park.

A new committee member and a symbolic closure

During the statutory nominations, the assembly elected Ivan Mariotti as a new committee member.

The evening's finale included a musical interlude performed by a string quartet and an aperitif in the LAC foyer. Afterward, for the first time, dinner took place directly on the stage of the Sala Teatro, transformed into a space for meeting and sharing.

The 90th anniversary meeting thus took on the significance of a moment of celebration but also of generational transition, at a time when the automotive sector is called upon to grapple with technological changes, environmental sustainability, and new market demands.