Neuruppin's car workshop: Successful despite the crisis - a role model for everyone!

Neuruppin's car workshop: Successful despite the crisis - a role model for everyone!

Norman Dittmann opened a car repair shop in Neuruppin two years ago, while bankruptcies are the order of the day in many industries. On this sunny day on June 1, 2025, a gearbox on a Mercedes is being changed here. The owner of the vehicle is clearly satisfied with the repairs carried out. Dittmann employs four people and he repeatedly emphasizes that it is important for him to work with “dirty hands”. This hands-on mentality is characteristic of many founders in the automotive sector who focus on quality and customer satisfaction, as ZDF reports.

The market for automotive repair services is stable and attractive. There are over 47 million registered motor vehicles in Germany, which maintains demand for maintenance and repair services. For example, the utilization of the workshops was 84 percent in January 2023. The variety of services in workshops has also proven itself, from branded workshops to independent companies that are very popular with customers. Dittmann also knows how important the choice of location and an excellent range of services are in order to be successful in a highly competitive market. Starthilfe-Beratung emphasizes that digitalization and environmentally friendly practices are becoming increasingly important.

The advantages of the four-day week

A current trend in the industry is the introduction of a four-day week, which has already improved productivity and employee satisfaction at measurement technology manufacturer Wenzel. The fitters now work nine hours a day and the model has proven to be extremely positive. Dittmann is also considering flexible working time models because he prioritizes the satisfaction of his employees. The La Linea workshop in Cologne is specifically looking for employees who would like to work in a flexible model of 32+1 hours per week. Alternatively, there is also the option of a five-day week with a higher salary. This shows that the trend towards satisfied employees is also reaching the automotive industry, as La Linea reports.

Start-ups in the automotive sector can rely on various financing options, be it through microloans or the KfW start-up money, which can be up to 125,000 euros without equity. Tax aspects and compliance with master craftsmanship requirements are also important when setting up a workshop, which underlines how important solid planning is. Founders receive support through consulting services that help them create their business plan and overcome bureaucratic challenges.

Insights into the industry

Entering the automotive industry is attractive for many, even in challenging times. Examples such as the recent establishment of a cheese factory in Munich by three fathers show that the entrepreneurial spirit is flourishing in Germany. The Schliess- und Sichers-GmbH in Mühlhausen also shines with a major order from the USA for rail vehicle components, which secures 200 jobs. And SPACEOPTIX in Jena is benefiting from the boom in European satellite technology and is planning further growth. These positive examples prove that even in difficult times, people act actively and take new paths, as ZDF reports.