Nico Martinez to Become New CEO of JAC Switzerland

JAC Switzerland is strengthening its leadership team in response to the brand's continued growth in Switzerland. Nico Martinez will assume the role of CEO effective September 1, 2026, succeeding Adrian Büchler, who will focus entirely on managing Auto Kunz going forward.

Experienced leader with industry knowledge

Nico Martinez brings extensive leadership experience from a variety of industries. His career path took him from an operational management role in the B2B sector to the automotive industry, where, as Head of Processes and Digitalization at a major vehicle importer, he played a key role in further developing internal structures and processes. Martinez is a family man, a captain in the military, and lives in Wettingen—thus bringing a regional connection to the company.

Adrian Büchler, the outgoing CEO, commented on the transition as follows: «With Nico Martinez, we are gaining an experienced leader who will now consistently carry out our growth strategy on a 100% basis.» Büchler will work alongside Martinez until the end of December 2026, thereby ensuring a smooth transition.

Expanded Leadership Team Starting in Fall 2026

The current management team will remain in place: Jörg Appenzeller will continue to help shape JAC Switzerland as technical director. Kevin Baumann, previously the commercial director, will be promoted to deputy CEO effective October 1, 2026. Board Chairman Roger Kunz explains the expansion of the executive team: «This expansion was necessary to support our continued growth and to ensure we continue to provide top-notch services to our customers.» At the same time, he notes: «We are continuing to expand our dealer network, further increasing our fleet share, and driving digitalization forward. We have already delivered over 2,800 vehicles to satisfied customers, and we continue to grow rapidly.»

A pioneer among Chinese vehicle importers

JAC Switzerland has been operating in the Swiss market since 2019 and is considered the first importer of passenger cars from China with the most experience in the country. After-sales services are handled in collaboration with the Hostettler Autotechnik Group, which provides spare parts, dealer training, and warranty services. JAC Motors has been manufacturing vehicles since 1964 and sells them worldwide; it has also been exporting to Europe since 2019. Through Volkswagen (China) Investment Co. Ltd., Volkswagen AG holds a 75% stake in the joint venture «Volkswagen (Anhui) Automotive Company Limited» with JAC. A key competitive advantage of the brand in the Swiss market is its pricing: According to JAC Switzerland, all vehicles are generally about 30% cheaper than comparable models from competitors.

More information: www.jac-schweiz.ch