Essen, 10/19/2005
The "Motorcycle Dealer of the Year" was chosen for the first time. At the dealer and exhibitor evening of the 1st "Bike & BUSINESS" trade fair in Essen on Saturday, October 15, the five best motorcycle dealerships in Germany were honored.
With the active support of the online marketplace Mobile.de and CC-Bank, the editors of "Bike und BUSINESS" were looking for the "Motorcycle Dealer of the Year" for the first time. Around 100 businesses from all over Germany underwent an incorruptible assessment using an application form peppered with contemporary questions. All brand-affiliated and independent motorcycle dealerships that deal in both new and used bikes and offer service and workshop services were eligible to apply.
Among other things, the efficiency of sales of scooters, motorcycles, ATVs/quads, the degree and originality of customer orientation in the service business, the use of key business figures in strategic corporate management, employee motivation and much more were evaluated.
Taking part was worthwhile for the five best-placed companies. The prize money for first place was 3,000 euros. The second place winner received 1,500 euros and third place 500 euros. For the companies in 4th and 5th place, attractive non-cash prizes were awarded in addition to the certificates. In addition, the top five companies will be portrayed in detail as examples of best practice in future issues of "Bike und BUSINESS". The jury consisted of "Bike und BUSINESS", the Motorcycle Manufacturers' Association of the German Motor Vehicle Trade (ZDK), the internet marketplace Mobile.de and the financier CC-Bank. The industry benchmarking resulted in the following ranking:
1st place went to Winkler + Schomaker GmbH & Co. KG (authorized Honda dealer), Stefan Winkler and Werner Schomaker in Werl
2nd place went to Motorrad-Trapp (Kawasaki, Aprilia, Yamaha Power Products) Motors, Stephan Trapp in Worbis
3rd place went to Auto- und Motorradhaus Bürstadt GmbH (Honda, Derbi), Volker Lausecker in Bürstadt
4th place went to Motorradhaus Dresden (Suzuki, Hyosung), Mario Gerbet and Thomas Schulze in Dresden
5th place went to Motorrad Schlüter (Yamaha, MV Agusta, Cagiva, Vespa, Hyosung), Günter Schlüter in Dortmund
The jury's conclusion: In times when the industry has to permanently adjust to a low overall market volume, economy, efficiency and authenticity are key. But only those who not only have a coherent corporate concept in their heads in theory, but also credibly demonstrate it in everyday operations, will be able to master the challenges of the future. The jury's conclusion for the winner, the best motorcycle dealer in Germany: Winkler + Schomaker achieved the best overall result of all applicants. In addition to the stringent cost control, the expertise of the staff, the positive atmosphere that the entire business (showroom + workshop) radiates, the winning business also thrives on the visionary drive of its two masterminds. The consistent use of the Internet was particularly impressive. Everything seems well thought out and, like the operative business, is also subject to a consistent cost check. Winkler + Schomaker, like all the other applicants for the award, give the industry courage. Courage for unconventional ideas and the willingness to take risks at the right time with well-considered resources and capital.
"Bike und BUSINESS" is a trade journal published by Vogel Auto Medien, Würzburg. The magazine is the official organ of the German Motor Vehicle Trade (ZDK) and the Federal Guild Association of German Two-Wheeler Mechanics (BIV).
For questions and photos please contact:
Stephan Maderner
Editor-in-Chief
"Bike und BUSINESS" - The trade magazine for retail and service
Vogel Auto Medien GmbH & Co. KG
97064 Würzburg
Phone +49 931 418-2918
Fax +49 931 418-2060
E-mail: stephan_maderner@vogel-automedien.de
