In order to keep pace with digitalization, the AHG Group (Horb), for example, is currently setting up its own team to digitally map all departments and processes as a "virtual dealership". On the one hand, it has the task of promoting digitalization internally and finding solutions to automate processes. On the other hand, it will also focus on how digital interaction with customers should take place in the future. And the Glinicke Group (Kassel) has installed a Head of Digitalization for the entire Group. In future, he will be responsible for the company's digital transformation as part of the management team, ensuring that the topic is firmly anchored at the top of the car dealership group.

However, Germany's major car dealers are currently not only preoccupied with advancing digitalization. From electromobility and the diesel and associated used car issue to new sales formats and additional growth areas - the strategies of the top 100 dealers are multifaceted. "In 2018, the main focus in the automotive trade will be on how the physical and digital business can be profitably combined," says "kfz-betrieb" editor-in-chief Wolfgang Michel.

Compared to previous years, many a car dealership group is no longer featured in the special edition. In its eleventh year of publication, the editorial team has set clear criteria for the companies featured: Annual sales of new and used cars must total at least 4,000 units. In addition to new and used car sales, the dealership group must also operate a service business, i.e. be a full-function business. The main location, i.e. the company headquarters, must not be located abroad and, last but not least, the management must agree to the publication of key company figures.

For the eleventh time, the trade journal "kfz-betrieb" is presenting the success strategies of Germany's major car dealers at the end of the year. The special edition is an industry navigator for sales and service in the German automotive trade and a who's who of the major players for new and used cars and commercial vehicles. The editorial team shows what makes the good car dealers successful, which companies are among the top 100, how the network structures of the manufacturers and importers are set up and which dealers are most successful with which brands.

Journalists can order a free reading copy of the reference book "Die großen Autohändler Deutschlands 2017", which will be published on 15.12.2017, from: pressestelle@vogel.de

"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 is available at www.kfz-betrieb.de and in the daily newsletter. The parent company Vogel
Business Media is Germany's largest trade media company with 100+ trade magazines, 100+ web portals, 100+ business events as well as numerous mobile offerings and international activities. Its headquarters are in Würzburg. The company celebrates its 125th birthday in 2016.