German Workshop Award

At first glance, master car mechanic Andre Jähne's independent workshop Pro Carline in Lawalde (Saxony) is a business like many others. But if you look behind the scenes, you quickly realize that the owner has done a lot of things right in the 20 years since the company was founded. Take digitalization, for example: right from the start, he has used the Werbas workshop software to organize operations. All suitable workshop equipment is networked via Asanetwork. Workshop orders are processed digitally and stored in the electronic customer file.

Many brand-name car dealerships are not that well positioned - but Andre Jähne shows that it doesn't take a large company to be able to help customers as a regional mobility service provider in all service segments. In addition to the usual maintenance and repair work, Pro Carline also carries out bodywork repairs, smart repairs and windshield replacements, works on electric cars and does not shy away from motorcycles. Last but not least, the company is a tuning specialist and also carries out major conversions, such as complete chassis optimizations.

The latest development: Andre Jähne has taken over a well-established specialist tire business in the same town, whose owner wanted to give up his business due to his age. Now he can significantly increase his capacity in the tire and wheel business and in storage. And so we can expect a lot more from Pro Carline in the future.

All these factors also convinced the expert jury, which has awarded the ten best independent garages in Germany for the eleventh time. In addition to the editors of the trade journal "kfz-betrieb", the jury includes representatives of the partners Automechanika Frankfurt, Continental and GTÜ. The award ceremony itself took place on October 8, 2021 at the Vogel Convention Center in Würzburg. Around 160 guests were able to attend the event thanks to a comprehensive hygiene concept and experience the event live on the podium with impressive videos of the award winners' businesses and happy winners.

Spoilt for choice

Selecting the top ten was no easy task. This is because all of the award-winning automotive businesses excel with their high quality of service and work. "The award-winning independent garages are beacons in the German automotive industry. They are a good benchmark for many other players in the service market," emphasized "kfz-betrieb" editor-in-chief Wolfgang Michel.

After evaluating the applications, the jury members visited the ten best independent garages on site. They assessed the external and internal appearance of the garages, the services offered, marketing, customer approach and support as well as company and employee management.

"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.

Vogel Communications Group is a leading provider of specialist communication and information with 750 employees and a turnover of around 100 million euros. It is active at 7 locations in German-speaking countries and also internationally with a focus on China. Five complementary communications agencies, three service companies and 14 specialist media divisions from five business sectors are bundled under the umbrella of the Group. The Vogel Communications Group offers 250+ services for corporate communications, 100+ trade journals, 100+ digital platforms and communities as well as 300+ business events per year.