For the 17th time, the Würzburg-based trade journal "kfz-betrieb" has awarded prizes to outstanding service companies in the automotive industry in the passenger car and commercial vehicle (CV) categories. The Mercedes dealership Brinkmann-Bleimann in Güstrow in the passenger car category and the Schmolck dealership in Emmendingen in the commercial vehicle category stood at the top of the winners' podium following the presentation of the top companies at Automechanika 2012 in Frankfurt.
"The result is a top performance," said Tilo Bigalke, Head of Customer Service at Mercedes-Benz. The results were in line with the manufacturer's internal tests. "The winning companies are among the absolute top performers," said Bigalke: "The dynamism that prevails in these companies is impressive. We find out about new trends from them and learn from these companies." "kfz-betrieb" editor-in-chief Wolfgang Michel presented the industry award together with the sponsors Fuchs Europe and Pirelli Germany. A total of around 300 companies took part in this year's Service Award. The jury, consisting of representatives of the "kfz-betrieb" editorial team and the sponsors, visited 16 automotive businesses throughout Germany following a pre-selection process. Within three weeks, they covered over 3,000 kilometers to find the best service companies in 2012.
In the car category, Autohaus Bernds in Oberhausen (2nd place) also made it onto the winners' podium. Third place was shared by the two car dealerships Kunzmann in Aschaffenburg and Nühlen in Moers. A Mercedes dealership, Autodienst Hoppegarten in Berlin-Hoppegarten, also took second place in the commercial vehicle category. Third place was shared by two DAF companies: Nutzfahrzeuge Kling GmbH in Senden and BTS GmbH in Dortmund.
Wolfgang Michel emphasized during the award ceremony that the best service companies often address their customers with creative and innovative marketing ideas. To this end, they develop customer service campaigns themselves that are tailored to the regional market. To do this, the dealerships need well-trained and highly motivated staff. The jury's other selection criteria included clear processes, outstanding customer service, individual remuneration systems and key operating figures. "The companies presented mastered their service business with excellently structured processes and creative ideas," was Wolfgang Michel's summary.
The ten best service companies in 2012 in the car category
1st place: Brinkmann-Bleimann GmbH (Mercedes, Smart, Opel, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge),
Güstrow
2nd place: Autohaus Bernds GmbH (Renault, Dacia, Opel, Chevrolet, Ford), Oberhausen
3rd place: Robert Kunzmann GmbH & Co. KG (Mercedes, Smart, VW), Aschaffenburg
3rd place: Hans Nühlen GmbH & Co. KG (Mercedes), Moers
5th place: Autohaus Gitter e.K. (VW, Audi, Skoda), Erfurt
6th place: Autohaus Rösch GmbH & Co. KG (VW, Skoda, Seat, Audi), Pforzheim
7th place: Autohaus Ortmann GmbH (Opel), Wissen
8th place: Autohaus Weeber GmbH & Co KG (VW, Skoda, Seat), Herrenberg
9th place: Autohaus Barbarossa GmbH (Opel, Toyota), Artern/Unstrut
10th place: Renault Retail Group Germany, Berlin branch (Renault, Dacia)
The five best service companies in 2012 in the commercial vehicles category
1st place: Schmolck GmbH & Co KG (Mercedes), Emmendingen
2nd place: Autodienst Hoppegarten GmbH (Mercedes, Fuso), Hoppegarten
3rd place: Nutzfahrzeuge Kling GmbH (DAF), Senden
3rd place: BTS GmbH (DAF), Dortmund
4th place: MAN Truck & Bus Deutschland GmbH, Truck Center Leipzig-Dresden (MAN),
Dresden
5th place: NFZ HFT GmbH (Iveco, Fiat, Schmitz Cargobull, Doll, Krone), Riedstadt
"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 Motor Vehicle Trade (ZDK), the professional interest group for around 38,000 car dealerships and workshops. News from the entire automotive industry is available at www.kfz-betrieb.de and in the daily newsletter. The parent company Vogel Business Media is one of the leading German providers of specialist information with over 100 trade journals, over 100 web portals, over 100 business events as well as numerous mobile offerings and international activities. Its headquarters are in Würzburg. The company celebrated its 120th birthday in 2011.
