Figl swears by Total

Figl swears by Total

The Figl car dealership is expanding. Since 1999, the company has grown to three locations. The Neulengbach location is home to the Peugeot and Hyundai brands. In Purkersdorf they are Peugeot and Nissan. The newest company in Langenrohr-Asparn – which was completed in September – is divided into Citroen, Nissan and Hyundai. In addition, the two-wheeler division will be included in the scooter segment. New territory for Markus Figl, managing director and owner. But it fits the entrepreneur's strategy, as he explains in an interview: "The car trade only works when it's a certain size. That's why we've deliberately but sustainably positioned ourselves broadly. The medium-sized companies, with between 5 and 20 employees, will have a difficult time in the next three to eight years." Markus Figl junior runs the company in Langenrohr-Asparn as site manager. Father and son make a harmonious duo. "The car dealer's business is in flux. Anyone who commits themselves to just one brand today runs the risk of becoming too dependent," says Figl senior. There is an understandable reasoning behind this: "The development of a brand is a wave. Sometimes things go better, sometimes worse. If you represent different brands, you can compensate for the downturns with models from other brands."

OIL CHANGE WITH A HANDSHAKE

"For me, partnership means taking and giving. Everyone has their duties, everyone has their rights," emphasizes Markus Figl senior. The two entrepreneurs avoid long-term contracts because they do not want to jeopardize the company's flexibility. What is interesting is how the lubricants contract came about between the Figl and Total Austria car dealerships. Because there is no contract – at least not in the classic sense. There is a gentleman's agreement between Markus Figl senior and Günther Katzengruber, sales manager for Total Austria, a verbal agreement that was reached with a handshake over ten years ago. And to this day the best understanding remains. "There were structural changes at our former oil supplier. Suddenly the support no longer worked so smoothly. We looked for alternatives," says Figl senior. Günther Katzengruber from Total sensed that the car dealership was missing a reliable partner and saw an opportunity for a new customer. After several attempts, the collaboration was sealed with a handshake. A stroke of luck for Total and the Figl car dealership, as all three locations rely on French lubricants. "Because of our brand representations, Total also fit well into the overall concept. And we don't have to worry about the quality," smiles the entrepreneur.

EMPLOYEES AS KEY

The Figl car dealership sells around 1,000 new and used cars per year at all three locations. Business is going well, also because the 84 employees are appreciated. “The employees are the company’s gold,” says the senior partner. That's why we train at all locations. In order to be fit for the future, you need good people, and it's best to build them up yourself. The car dealership in Langenrohr-Asparn was taken over by the Breitner company. In a little less than a year, the entire company was rebuilt and modernized.

“The employees are the company’s gold.”MARKUS FIGL SENIOR, CEO AUTOHAUS FIGL

12 employees were taken on and have now been increased to 24. What is the recipe for success? "We are formally a group of companies. But it is important to me that the atmosphere in all three locations is family-like. Every customer should feel personally addressed and every employee should know what they are working for," says Markus Figl in conclusion. The dealership's website says: "Whatever you do, do it completely." In the case of father and son Figl, this is probably true.