The winner of the "German Workshop Award 2020" is Autohaus Niedermayer. The Lower Bavarian family business impressed the jury with its service processes, which are organized down to the last detail, its KPI-based quality management, high-quality equipment, well-trained employees and every effort to ensure absolute customer satisfaction. "This is the reward for the hard work and day-to-day commitment of all employees. The 'German Workshop Award' is a very special accolade for the entire team," said Managing Director Heinz Niedermayer at the award ceremony.

Automechanika Frankfurt and the trade magazine "kfz-betrieb" awarded the ten best independent garages in Germany for the tenth time on October 9, 2020 at the Vogel Convention Center in Würzburg. Thanks to a comprehensive hygiene concept, around 130 guests were able to experience the emotional event live on the podium with impressive videos of the award winners' businesses and happy winners.

The selection was no easy task for the jury members. This is because all of the award-winning companies have a very high quality of service and work. "The award-winning independent automotive businesses prove that the owners treat their employees very responsibly, invest in the future and do not capitulate to technology in the digital age," emphasized Olaf Mußhoff, Director Automechanika Frankfurt, in his welcoming speech.

The jury for the "German Workshop Award" is made up of representatives from the "kfz-betrieb" editorial team and Automechanika Frankfurt. After evaluating the applications for the coveted award, which is unique in the industry, the jury members visited the ten best independent garages on site. They assessed the external and internal appearance of the automotive businesses, the services offered, marketing, customer approach and support, as well as company and employee management.

The Niedermayer dealership came out on top against the high-caliber competitors. The jury particularly liked the self-developed strategy for ensuring service quality and numerous amenities for waiting customers. Meanwhile, the family business invites them to take a free "short break" in the idyllic surroundings: From pony rides for the little ones at the horse farm opposite, to e-bike and walking stick hire and summer tobogganing, everything is on offer. Those who prefer a more relaxed approach can enjoy coffee and cake in the hotel's own cafeteria, lunch in the inn or a water jet massage in the nearby hotel.

Niedermayer is constantly working on optimizing all processes within the company in order to keep customer satisfaction high. Over the past ten years, this has resulted in what is the quintessence of the dealership: "We have a very clear focus. We know what we want to do and what we don't want to do." With the help of external consultants, a comprehensive strategy for the business has been developed. And it works: What began in 1983 at the current location in Bogener Straße with a small independent workshop and just one master craftsman has gradually developed into a successful brand-independent company with more than 40 employees.

The following companies secured further top ten rankings:

- Kfz-Technik Stumpf, Elztal-Dallau (Baden-Württemberg)

- Nowa sports car, Töging am Inn (Bavaria)

- Bosch-Car-Service Mezger, Halle (Saxony-Anhalt)

- Pickl Automobile, Hohenwart (Bavaria)

- Autoservice Micha, Herne (North Rhine-Westphalia)

- Automotive manufacturer Luli'co, Overath (North Rhine-Westphalia)

- A&S Halim, Schwabach (Bavaria)

- Driver Center Bavinck, Büren (North Rhine-Westphalia)

- Auto Hein, Korntal-Münchingen (Baden-Württemberg)

"kfz-betrieb" is the most widely read trade magazine in the automotive industry and has been informing the automotive trade and service sector for over 100 years. "kfz-betrieb" is the official organ of the German automotive trade (ZDK), the professional interest group for around 38,000 car dealerships and workshops. News from the entire automotive industry can be found at www.kfz-betrieb.de and in the daily newsletter The parent company Vogel Communications Group is one of the leading service providers for B2B communication in the German-speaking world. Its headquarters are in Würzburg. With four agencies in Berlin, the Group offers comprehensive communications expertise. The Group's services range from specialist media, corporate publishing, social media services, PR, trade fair services, networks and communities to market intelligence & insights and an in-house congress center.