In 2019 Germany continues to be the driver of dynamic growth for the Schwarzm\u00fcller Group: in the first six months of 2019, the Group sold 1,200 vehicles there \u2013 a new high in sales volume. Having set up the new assembly-line production at all three of its plants, the Group is now focusing on ongoing optimisation of service quality in its Austrian operations. CEO Roland Hartwig made the announcement today, 17 July, at the company headquarters in Hanzing (Freinberg, Upper Austria).<\/p>\n
In Germany the Schwarzm\u00fcller Group is aiming to double its market share from 5% to 10%. Hartwig stated that, as of mid-2019, the Group had achieved a market share of 6% in Germany despite the current sluggishness in the market as a whole. According to him, the new site in Eltmann, Franconia (Bavaria), has played a significant role in that achievement. \u201cFor the first time in Germany we are offering the complete Schwarzm\u00fcller comprehensive service. Proximity to customers at the new site has paid off immediately!\u201d said Hartwig. On-time delivery of 90%, even for custom vehicles, is of particular advantage and, thanks to the change in production methods, is now the benchmark across the entire company.<\/p>\n
The rental fleet in Germany is also undergoing expansion. According to Hartwig, rental vehicles play an important part in customer service, e.g. during peak periods, and also open doors in the acquisition of new customers by allowing them to experience the products up close. Schwarzm\u00fcller is currently seeking a further site in the northern region, and negotiations have already taken place. \u201cWith that in mind, the sales structure has been expanded again and divided into two regions: North and South,\u201d said Hartwig.<\/p>\n
On track for achieving targets for the year<\/strong><\/p>\n During the first six months of 2019, the Group produced 5,238 vehicles, which represents a year-on-year increase of 9% (first half of 2018: 4,819 vehicles). According to Hartwig, Schwarzm\u00fcller is on track for achieving its targets for 2019 as a whole. Targets (9,900 vehicles; 401 million euros) will be achieved provided the current basic conditions do not change significantly. That is based on the assumption that the current dip in long-distance vehicles does not worsen, the construction industry holds its ground, and the international situation does not cause an abrupt economic downturn.<\/p>\n Focus on customer service in domestic market in Austria<\/strong><\/p>\n As a follow-up to the complete restructuring of production systems, Hartwig intends to expand the Group\u2019s customer service operations. Schwarzm\u00fcller offers a broad range of after-sales services for the entire life cycle of its vehicles, e.g. service and maintenance, repairs and replacement parts service, along with rental and used vehicles. The five Austrian service sites, which employ 270 people, will optimise their services, e.g. with the goal of keeping the service time for customers\u2019 vehicles as short as possible by ensuring repairs are performed quickly. \u201cOur customers expect a superior performance from Schwarzm\u00fcller products. A shorter service time can contribute in that respect,\u201d said Hartwig. Opening times at the Lieboch (Styria) site have also been extended recently.<\/p>\n