Stahlgruber takes stock of 2017

Stahlgruber takes stock of 2017

Motor vehicle economy: I would like to ask both gentlemen for a balance sheet for 2017.
Hermann Kowarz:As is now tradition at Stahlgruber Austria, we achieved the best year in history in 2017. We have developed further organizationally and, for example, have almost completed our 19th sales store in Krems. The opening will be on February 26, 2018. We have also strengthened our sales and increased the number of our delivery vehicles. We are currently at 212.

They say “the best year”. What does that mean?
Hermann Kowarz:We have exceeded the 130 million sales mark for the first time. We recorded growth in all segments and in all product groups.

Roland Hausstätter:For example, in the “Turbocharger” product group we were able to record a disproportionate increase. But as Mr. Kowarz already said, we have actually grown significantly in all product groups. We also benefited from the market situation. We added Bosch Car Service in May 2017 and are an official Bosch wholesaler. And we are now offering this second premium concept – parallel to our “Meisterhaft” concept. This is a useful addition to our “masterful” workshop concept.

To what extent have you benefited from the market situation?
Roland Hausstätter:It is obvious that numerous WM-Trost customers have not been satisfied for a long time. We undoubtedly benefited from this.

Hermann Kowarz:We have benefited because we are simply better.

What are your goals for 2018?
Hermann Kowarz:We are planning further positive development, an increase above the industry average.

Will there be the 20th store this year?
Hermann Kowarz:Yes, most likely.

Is there already a location?
Hermann Kowarz:The contracts haven't been signed yet, so I don't want to communicate that yet.

What is the status quo of “Masterful”?
Roland Hausstätter:We had 204 partners at the end of the year. In the meantime, the 205th has signed. We will definitely develop further with “Meisterhaft”. Quality is our absolute priority here. Continuous quality improvement is our maxim. With 205 partners, we have excellent coverage. Nevertheless, there will be areas where we can find space for new, good partners.

In a few sentences, explain the concept of “Masterful” and outline the profit.
Roland Hausstätter:The partner benefits from a concept that is renowned; “Masterful” is recognized and proven. Recognizability is ensured by the logo. In other words: It is a conceptual workshop with certain quality criteria behind it, so to speak. With the modular system, the workshop can offer its customers e.g. B. offer a mobility guarantee. The customer generally knows that he can expect excellent quality from a “masterful” company. Apart from that, there are numerous promotions, flyers, etc. with which we support our partners.

How well known is “Meisterhaft” among end consumers?
Roland Hausstätter:The workshop concept has now been around for 19 years. The recognition value is very high. On the one hand, the end user has the security of knowing that he is at a workshop from which he can expect the highest quality of work. On the other hand, the partner workshop can use our concept to increase the number of its regular customers. It is also important to us that our partners remain independent workshops and that we do not put any pressure on them to perform. With our modular system, he can decide what he wants and what he doesn't want.

Mr. Kowarz, you previously emphasized “We are simply better than the others”. How are you better?
Hermann Kowarz:Because of our logistics and because of our pricing. We have the most diverse full range. We have the best immediate availability. And we offer the best delivery and delivery. We are not the cheapest provider, but the one with the right prices in line with the market.

“We have benefited from the current market situation because we are simply better.”HERMANN KOWARZ, MANAGING DIRECTOR STAHLGRUBER AUSTRIA

They currently have 19 stores. Has the zenith been reached, or are we still moving closer to the customer? Can there be a perfect network?
Hermann Kowarz:There certainly can be. Everything has to be economically viable. Our goal is not to build as many sales outlets as possible, but rather to be present in strategically important locations. For us, the sales manager is the area manager responsible for his area.

“Our partners benefit from ‘Meisterhaft’, a workshop concept that is renowned and recognized.”ROLAND HAUSSTÄTTER, PROKURIST STAHLGRUBER AUSTRIA

Are you confident about this year?
Hermann Kowarz:We have five million cars on the road that need to be serviced and maintained. This fact is the basis for keeping our business going. Politics will not ban driving. And the fuel won't become so expensive that no one can pay for it anymore.

The auto industry is very positive about the new government - from retail spokesman Josef Schirak to importer spokesman Günther Kerle - because it is expected that there will be more of a "car-friendly" policy.
Hermann Kowarz:We must not be naive and believe that politicians will make a major commitment to us.

Roland Hausstätter:The government needs revenue. If things get tight, there will be appropriate measures and tax burdens.

Are you afraid of the Internet?
Roland Hausstätter:No. We can argue with our additional services. If an end user comes to the workshop with parts or the lubricant from the Internet, the workshop has a problem because it lacks the margin. There is also the warranty issue.

Hermann Kowarz:What's more: In general, nothing comes for free. When it comes to the Internet, you don't know exactly what's coming, and there are a lot of plagiarisms out there. Also, it takes a day or two to be delivered, which is taking too long. Our customers need the parts just in time. If a part doesn't fit, it has to be returned, that's all problematic. The fact is our strength at Stahlgruber: With 212 delivery vehicles and with the fastest and best availability as well as our delivery several times a day, we are better and, above all, faster than the Internet.

Delivery several times a day, almost every hour in metropolitan areas. Is that necessary?
Hermann Kowarz:We are service providers. We cannot and do not want to educate our customers. We adapt to their requirements.

What events are planned for this year?
Roland Hausstätter:We will have our “Meisterhaft” partner meeting at Lake Wolfgangsee in May, which we organize every two years as an alternative to AutoZum. We also organize regular training courses. When planning every new sales store, we also take into account a separate seminar room. Our training courses have proven themselves and are constantly being intensified. From diesel particulate filters to lighting technology, we want to provide our customers with optimal support. Technology is becoming more and more complex, and we want to keep our customers up to date.

AutoZum was always important to you. I assume you'll be back in 2019?
Hermann Kowarz:Yes, we have booked our stand again and will be present in full strength with conviction.