Automotive Retail

We combine our in-depth automotive knowledge to craft prosperous future for your automotive business.

Intensive customer orientation in the automotive retail environment will also be necessary in the future, but in a different form than today: customers want individual Experiences, Simplicity, Sustainability and Facilitation in online and offline channels with regard to the procurement and use of holistic mobility. Challenges that are perceived as such by manufacturers, importers, financial service providers and retail groups can be transformed into opportunities together. We would like to master this transformation together with you.

Shaping together with trust

Panoff Consulting is deeply rooted in automotive retail. Several founding partners have come together to work on a common vision: To actively drive forward the transformation of automotive retail.

Professional competence

  • 25 years of experience in the automotive industry as retail and IT experts
  • 20 years of DMS experience (especially Autoline, SAP DBM, Incadea)
  • 15 years of VAP experience (especially Cross NG SWP, SANDRA, SARAH, ISA, EVA, VU3 and Thunder)
  • Special expertise and experience in the design of configurators and digital sales solutions

Methodical competence

  • OEMs and NSCs in Germany and abroad: VW, SKODA, SEAT, CUPRA, Porsche, Lamborghini, Smart, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Renault, Volvo Trucks, DAF Trucks, Hyundai, KIA.
  • Car dealership experience in sales and after sales at home and abroad
  • Trendwatching & retail development expertise with a focus on customer impact
  • Agile, hybrid and strategic project methods
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Social competence

  • Cultivating an appreciative togetherness by living our purpose: In an appreciative togetherness, we bring people into motion with joy so that spaces for sustainable change are created
  • Consistently living and communicating our values
What sets us apart is our passion for moving and shaping automotive companies. We use our in-depth automotive expertise, proven methods and social skills to achieve your goals sustainably.
Our independence allows us to respond flexibly to your individual requirements and implement innovative ideas.
Your success is our focus. Together, we want to shape the future of your company with a clear focus on expertise, commitment and sustainable success.

Perspective Automotive Retail​

From new business models to consolidation: there have never been so many changes in automotive retail at the same time.
We know what these developments mean for you and work with you to find the right strategy or solution and support you in its implementation.
  • New business
    models

    OEMs are introducing new business models, such as direct-to-consumer and the agency model.

  • Electric vehicles
    prevail

    The rising presence of electric vehicles leading to new target groups and changing after-sales practices.

  • Changing customer
    needs

    Changing customer demand for efficient and customer-oriented mobility instead of regularly investing in new vehicles.

  • New competitors and brands enter the market

    New entrants from mainly China are entering the market of consumer vehicles with a position that will be at least on par with established Western players in terms of quality and superior from a technology perspective.

  • Increasing importance of the fleet business

    The increasing relevance of large vehicle owners such as fleets, leasing agencies, and white-label subscription companies.

  • Increasing relevance of online channels

    Online channels are becoming vital because customers want the ability to conduct more steps of the buying and lifecycle process online, especially in the orientation phase and for after-sales. Not having effective online channels means losing business opportunities.

  • Consolidation
    of dealers

    OEMs are minimizing the number of network partners they are collaborating with and forcing dealers to have a significant volume that leads to consolidation.

Our customers​

We work closely with manufacturers, importers, dealers, trade groups, retail organizations, banks and mobility providers to ensure their long-term success.

OEMs & wholesalers

Manufacturers and wholesalers face a variety of challenges in terms of direct customer contact. Increasing customer needs require systemic and procedural adjustments, but also increased cooperation with importers and retailers. Are you a manufacturer or wholesaler? Discover here how we can help you to shape this change and intensify cooperation with importers and retailers.
Both financial service providers and mobility providers face the major challenge of offering unrestricted mobility seamlessly and integrated across the entire customer journey. This is the only way to meet customer expectations in the long term. Are you a financial services or mobility provider? Find out more about how we can help you expand your business model and transform it to be customer-centric.
Remaining relevant, both for customers and for the manufacturer or importer, is one of the biggest challenges. Various external factors, but in particular the ongoing adaptation of business models, are putting retailers under increasing pressure. To counter this pressure, retailers must expand their portfolio and digitize themselves. We support you in sustainably optimizing your business. Find out more about our services for retailers here.

Automotive sales of the future

“The mobility provider of the future has created excellent customer loyalty and an experience that offers mobility services in an integrated omnichannel concept through adaptability and openness to technology”

Automotive sales today

The dealership retains its customers through high-quality products and services as well as personal relationships

Automotive sales in 2030

The mobility provider inspires and retains its target group with individually tailored mobility solutionsdistribution in 2030

TBD

Impulses

  • 2024

    Happy International Women’s Day!

    Today we want to rise awareness to this special day and point out how important...

  • 2024

    Our new website is live!

    We are proud to present our new website, which has not only been updated on...

  • 2024

    Panoff Automotive Retail Team Gears Up for a Dynamic 2024!

    Last week, our team gathered for our annual kick-off meeting, setting the stage for a...

  • 2024

    Automotive sales in 2030 – The outlook for the retail sector

    Berend Hoitink & Heilke Ytsma

  • 2024

    Exploiting the potential of digital processes in the Automotive retail

    In today's technology-driven world, innovative, digital solutions play a crucial role in increasing competitiveness and...

  • 2023

    Wishing You a Merry Christmas and Joyous Celebrations!

    We reflect gratefully on a year filled with challenges, shared successes, and invaluable experiences. Panoff...

  • 2023

    Bridging Academia with Industry at Goethe University Frankfurt!

    Last week, our colleagues Kristin H. and Marco Ueberall had the opportunity to visit the...

  • 2023

    Case – Renault Dealer Performance Analysis

    Renault Suisse SA, based in Urdorf (Zurich), is the general importer of the Renault, Dacia...

  • 2023

    Our colleagues Heike Spengler and Berend Hoitink proudly launched the Panoff x SHVK Academy during the second Impulse Day.

    Our colleagues Heike Spengler and Berend Hoitink proudly launched the Panoff x SHVK Academy during...

  • 2023

    “Spotlight Autohaus 2024”

    Take a look at: https://lnkd.in/e2jHCh8V

  • 2023

    Save the Date: “Spotlight Autohaus 2024”

    Relevante Themen aus der Automobilbranche: Eine einzigartige Kombination aus Fachinputs und direkter anschliessender Anwendung in...

  • 2023

    Our automotive team embarked on a transformative offsite workshop in the heart of the Harz forest

    Our offsite was a powerful commitment to living out our purpose and values as a...

  • 2023

    Exciting Autumn Event Season at Panoff Consulting!

    Exciting Autumn Event Season at Panoff Consulting!

  • 2023

    Digital strategy in the car dealership

    A recent industry study shows: Sustainable success in automotive retail depends on a clear and...

  • 2023

    Berend Hoitink from Panoff Consulting and Hielke Ytsma from CarQal

    Berend Hoitink and Hielke Ytsma share insights into the digital transformation of the automotive industry....

  • 2023

    Case – Implementation New Operating Model

    Hirslanden AG, based in Zurich, is the leading private hospital group in Switzerland with 17...

  • 2023

    Is the Agency Model the Future of Automotive Retail?

    Panoff Consulting explored the agency model's impact on the automotive industry by gathering insights from...

  • 2023

    The Swiss consulting firm Panoff Consulting opens a Dutch branch office

    The Swiss consulting firm Panoff Consulting enters the Dutch market. This was announced by the...

  • 2023

    Welcome to our team Nathalie Krug!

    Nathalie joined Panoff Consulting GmbH last week and we are happy to enlarge our automotive...

  • 2023

    What is the future of my dealership?

    OEMs are developing new agency sales structures and processes that massively impact dealers' operations and...

  • 2023

    We are excited to announce our collaboration with CarQall – AI Voice Assistant

    Are you a CIO or managing digital transformation in automotive retail? "Automotive Retail in 2030"...

  • 2023

    Change management under the most challenging conditions

    "We see our customers as invited guests to a party, and we are the hosts....

  • 2023

    How to make use of AI in automotive retail?

    Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a dream of the future; it is already a...

  • 2023

    Chinese car manufacturers are actively entering the European car market CN

    Formerly their product quality was critical, nowadays it is at least equal to European manufacturers....

  • 2023

    Case – Web2Retail

    The customer experience is no longer a 12-step sales process. We are moving, and manufacturers...

  • 2023

    Welcome Heike!

    Heike Spengler joins our automotive team to increase our presence in the Swiss & German...

  • 2023

    Automotive retail in 2030: The perspective for retailers

    The environment of the automotive retailer is changing due to changing customer demand, new market...

  • 2023

    Welcome Marco!

    Marco recently graduated in Automotive and Mobility Business at Nürtingen-Geislingen University (HfWU) and joined Panoff...

  • 2023

    Case – Bike Tec End-to-End Customer Processes

    Biketec GmbH develops and distributes innovative software and hardware for e-bikes. With its FIT E-Bike...

  • 2023

    What is the impact of mobility on the environment?

    Personal mobility is one of the greatest goods of humanity, but it also comes with...

  • 2022

    Strengthening brand loyalty through an excellent customer journey

    Current world events have been causing supply problems in various sectors for a number of...

  • 2022

    Customer event: ARS Summer Nights

    Last Monday, the first edition of our Automotive Retail Summer Night took place on the...

  • 2022

    Car dealerships are not losing importance

    Panoff Consulting recently presented its latest study "The Future of Customer Experience". We looked at...

  • 2022

    Customer event 2022

    This year, we were particularly pleased to finally be able to meet with you in...

  • 2022

    E-Volution – «Let’s take a look, then we’ll see»

    Hardly any other industry has been overrun by so many changes at the same time...

  • 2021

    Panoff Consulting wishes you a Merry Christmas and a great start to 2022

    This year has also flown by at breakneck speed. Many busy days and effective weeks,...

  • 2021

    Study: Half of the digitization potential is still undiscovered

    Whether you're a car enthusiast or someone who sees their car as a commodity, whether...

  • 2021

    (De-)centralization in the Automotive Retail

    The (de)centralization of markets has always been an important topic in politics and business. In...

  • 2021

    Summer Report Panoff Consulting

    Last week, we met up for our annual summer event. We used this opportunity to...

  • 2021

    Dead end automotive retail – How sustainable is the automotive retail business?

    In 2011, I sold my 5th generation car dealership: a painful process that was associated...

  • 2021

    MaaS in a practical test – Can car sharing prevail over traditional car ownership?

    MaaS (Mobility-as-a-Service) has become increasingly popular in recent years. MaaS vehicles are clearly visible on...

  • 2021

    Technological turnaround and more efficient sales structures – established OEMs must be flexible

    Since the mid-2000s, Chinese OEMs have repeatedly made efforts to gain a foothold in the...

  • 2021

    The new mobility: sharing and subscriptions instead of purchasing and ownership

    To illustrate the complexity graphically, we have taken five exemplary mobility solutions and plotted them...

  • 2020

    Development of further competencies in the area of service automation

    Jim Devos has been supporting the Service Automation division since December 1.

  • 2020

    Effects of electrification in the car trade

    What effects can be derived from the conversion of vehicles from combustion engines to electric...

  • 2020

    Online and offline integration are key to a holistic customer journey

    Once the decision has been made to buy a new car, the only option is...

  • 2020

    Automotive Retail: focus on medium-sized commercial customers

    Almost every one of our digitalization projects for the Automotive Retail over the last 25...

  • 2020

    Reinforcement at Automotive Retail Services

    In 2020, we have already welcomed two new employees to support our ARS division.

  • 2020

    Case – Vigier 7 Step IT Audit

    Viger was looking for a partner to conduct an external assessment of the performance of...

  • 2019

    Customer event 2019: The impact of current technological trends on entrepreneurial action and decision-making

    At last year's customer event, we heard from our guest speaker in an impressive and...

  • 2019

    Ways out of the crisis

    The corona crisis has significantly increased the pressure on earnings in some companies: revenue is...

  • 2018

    Customer event 2018: Digital helps – analog decides

    In a world where everyone is talking about digitalization, this year's guest speaker takes up...

Insight into our studies

Our first study delves into the customer experience across online and offline platforms within 5 major OEMs. Conducted through 30+ dealer visits and observation frameworks, the study reveals that due to fragmented solutions, the customer journey often lacks consistency and faces frequent interruptions. Panoff Consulting’s findings indicate that a mere 52% of the available digitalization potential has been effectively utilized. Dive deeper into the details by continuing to read our study “Digitalization in Automotive Retail’

The future of customer experience in automotive retail is the focus of this study, which expands upon its predecessor by benchmarking crucial elements of the customer journey. It delves into the pre-buying, buying, delivery processes, and vehicle usage journey. The study identifies pathways to success and highlights key factors necessary to achieve a comprehensive 360-degree view of the customer.

Our latest study, co-authored with the Dutch startup CarQall, unveils the roadmap for retailers leading up to 2030. This comprehensive report highlights contemporary trends in retail and advocates a vital shift in both mindset and digital strategies necessary for retailers to sustain profitability and relevance in the years ahead. Our roadmap delineates a clear agenda, accompanied by actionable steps. Register now to access and explore our in-depth study!

Insight into our studies

Our first study delves into the customer experience across online and offline platforms within 5 major OEMs. Conducted through 30+ dealer visits and observation frameworks, the study reveals that due to fragmented solutions, the customer journey often lacks consistency and faces frequent interruptions. Panoff Consulting’s findings indicate that a mere 52% of the available digitalization potential has been effectively utilized. Dive deeper into the details by continuing to read our study “Digitalization in Automotive Retail’

The future of customer experience in automotive retail is the focus of this study, which expands upon its predecessor by benchmarking crucial elements of the customer journey. It delves into the pre-buying, buying, delivery processes, and vehicle usage journey. The study identifies pathways to success and highlights key factors necessary to achieve a comprehensive 360-degree view of the customer.

Our latest study, co-authored with the Dutch startup CarQall, unveils the roadmap for retailers leading up to 2030. This comprehensive report highlights contemporary trends in retail and advocates a vital shift in both mindset and digital strategies necessary for retailers to sustain profitability and relevance in the years ahead. Our roadmap delineates a clear agenda, accompanied by actionable steps. Register now to access and explore our in-depth study!

References

Panoff impresses with clear systematics, reliability and the unconditional will to deliver realizable results. The improvements in results achieved speak for themselves.

Automotive Retail

Morten Hannesbo

Group CEO - AMAG 2017-2021

Panoff knows cars. The team has been familiar with the European (especially in the DACH region) trade and import of vehicles for many years. What's more, some of the employees come from the industry themselves. Coupled with a high level of IT expertise and a keen sense for interpersonal interactions within an organization, Panoff has been a significant support for me in questions and solutions in the areas of process and team development.

Automotive Retail

Jürg Hilgarth

CIO - Emil Frey 2018-2021

Especially in times of crisis, quality and experience count instead of quantity and low-budget consulting services, which is why Panoff Consulting is always a partner I would like to have on board for strategically important projects.

Automotive Retail

Matthias Bönnen

Chief Digital Officer - Skoda Deutschland GmbH

Cooperation with Panoff Consulting is characterized by proactive solutions and an innovative approach to new project ideas. With its experience and innovative strength, Panoff Consulting can respond perfectly to customer needs.

Automotive Retail

Dominik Steffen

Head of Customer Operations - Genesis Motor Switzerland AG​

I find working with Panoff's consultants as our partners very beneficial, as they take a very structured and results-oriented approach, drawing on their highly specialized process expertise. In addition, there is the human component, which I really appreciate in the close cooperation.

Automotive Retail

Rüdiger Sievers

Director Business Consulting - FME AG

The transformation in the automotive industry requires major changes. The more than 180 members of our association can rely on the experience and expertise of Panoff Consulting to align their business model with the future. Panoff Consulting supports us with a unique blend of industry knowledge and experience.

Automotive Retail

Peter Picca

Präsident - Schweizer Händlerverband der Volkswagenkonzernmarken

Panoff Consulting provided us with very professional and focused support in a comprehensive analysis of key operating figures. This enabled us to identify areas for action and define specific measures. The collaboration was extremely efficient and uncomplicated and the support throughout the entire process was outstanding.

Automotive Retail

Franziska Bellmann

Händlernetzentwicklung - Renault Schweiz S.A.

Experience us live

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Panoff x SHVK Academy​

Panoff Consulting is the exclusive knowledge partner of the Swiss Dealers Association of Volkswagen Group Brands (SHVK). The Panoff x SHVK Academy offers future-oriented development opportunities for sales partners in the association so that they are optimally prepared for the future in the agency model.
Visionsworkshop​

Interactive workshop to help retailers jointly articulate and refine their future business vision.

Key figure analysis

Virtual workshop for retailers seeking clarity in numbers and needing a transparent financial perspective for the future.

Further modules

Dynamic series of evolving modules that are continuously updated to focus on innovative strategies and emerging trends in automotive retail.

Content focus:

Content focus:

In development:

X

X

X

Visionsworkshop​

Interactive workshop to help retailers jointly articulate and refine their future business vision.

Content focus:

X

Key figure analysis

Virtual workshop for retailers seeking clarity in numbers and needing a transparent financial perspective for the future.

Content focus:

X

Further modules

Dynamic series of evolving modules that are continuously updated to focus on innovative strategies and emerging trends in automotive retail.

In development:

X

You are not a Volkswagen Group dealer in Switzerland and are still interested? Please contact us.

Curious about how you should design the Automotive Retail of the future?

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