Angry citizen with heart

Angry citizen with heart

It all started with a call to the KFZ Wirtschaft editorial team in the spring of last year. A reader was on the line who was upset that we criticized Transport Minister Norbert Hofer's move in our newsletter to allow speeds of 140 km/h on sections of the motorway. It can't be that we're badmouthing a "driver-friendly" measure, because the world is upside down, says Andreas Fojtik, owner of the "Autowerft" in Bisamberg, Lower Austria. Now it has finally worked. We visited the controversial automotive technician at his company. And talk “without a muzzle.” What annoys the industry professional? What is his perspective on current problems? Who exactly is Andreas Fojtik?

He actually wanted to become an aircraft mechanic. This then became an apprenticeship as an automotive technician at Ford Hinteregger in Vienna-Hietzing. At the age of 22, Andreas Fojtik was the youngest master car mechanic in Austria. On April 2, 1989 - he says the date like a bullet - he started his own business at the age of 27. In addition to classic repairs of all brands, Fojtik's “car yard” in Bisamberg also specializes in tuning and restoration of classic cars, custom-made products, engine construction and racing services and employs a total of ten employees. Andreas Fojtik's three sons Alexander, Philip and Florian are also part of Andreas Fojtik's dedicated team. The sworn expert leads his employees “like a racing team”: “What ultimately counts is always the result,” said Fojtik in an interview with KFZ Wirtschaft. The word employee comes from working together. And thinking for yourself would also be important. The boss has the highest demands, but on the other hand always has an open ear for his team. “I’m on a first-name basis with everyone, and everyone is on a first-name basis with me. Even the apprentices.” When it comes to recruiting apprentices, Andreas Fojtik emphasizes that he does a “casting”. What is essential is a detailed conversation, “and then I give him a hammer and a file and see how he does.” In the evening we will then discuss with the young person what happened to him. Communication is essential, emphasizes Fojtik, who attaches great importance to straightforwardness, honesty and open words. Getting good apprentices is more difficult than ever these days. Because the level is continually falling. “It starts at school,” says Fojtik. “All my sons went to private schools.” Public schools would gradually lose their standard. The problem with apprenticeship training is that there is no time for anything anymore. "Everyday work procedures have changed a lot compared to before. While in the past you could explain everything to the young person in peace and there was enough time, today there is a lot of stress and not enough time," explains Fojtik.

"What ultimately counts is always the result. Only politicians are not held responsible."ANDREAS FOJTIK, OWNER OF THE “AUTOWERFT”

NO INTEREST FROM POLITICS

When it comes to politics, Andreas Fojtik is very angry: "Politicians just want to win elections. They act like managers, it's always just about the next election date. Nothing is done in the long term and sustainably." And the most annoying thing: "Politicians don't have to answer for their actions and are practically not held responsible. If I make a wrong decision in my company, I have to pay for it." Politicians don't listen to the people at all: "If I can't sleep before the first of the month because I don't know how I'm going to pay my salaries, no politician cares." Above all, all private transport is viewed as a “milking cow”. Politicians have no interest in SMEs. That's why he was so annoyed with the motor vehicle industry, which Minister Hofer had criticized because of the 140 km/h on sections of the motorway. The measure is at least “pro driver”. Fojtik doesn't believe in advocacy just as he doesn't believe in politics. The problem is that SMEs have no lobby. “I would like politicians and interest groups to come to my company and ask me where the problem is,” says Andreas Fojtik. Fojtik doesn't give a damn about the so-called e-mobility bonus (cars with purely electric drives are subsidized with 4,000 euros): "It's a redistribution from the bottom up. In other words: the upper class is supported." Higher earners in particular are the main customers for electric cars, who usually have an electric car as a second car. “I fundamentally have nothing against electric cars, even if they are only practical in the city due to their range,” says Andreas Fojtik. But an electric motor can never replace the combustion engine.