Automechanika, Auto Bild and the Association of International Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (VDIK) presented the Automotive Aftersales Award (AAA) for the first time at Automechanika Frankfurt, recognising the best and most innovative services across seven categories within brand-specific aftersales.
The winners were Cupra (workshop and service concepts), Volvo (battery and high-voltage services), Renault (maintenance and repair solutions), Škoda (digital aftersales services), Toyota (innovative customer loyalty) and BYD (newcomer category). The special prize, ‘Aftersales Brand of the Hearts’, went to Subaru.
A total of 29 German and international car brands took part with their most innovative after-sales concepts. The winners were selected through a three-stage selection process. The best service was determined by a reader poll organised by AUTO BILD, supported by the Dealer Satisfaction Monitor from the Institute for Automotive Economics (IfA) and a high-calibre panel of experts, including Robin Hornig (AUTO BILD), Guido Kutschera (DEKRA Germany), Ralph M. Meunzel (AUTOHAUS), Prof. Dr Stefan Reindl (Institute for Automotive Economics, IfA) and Karsten Schulze (ADAC).
VDIK President Imelda Labbé: “Strong service builds customer loyalty and trust. Auto Bild, Automechanika and VDIK have launched the Automotive Aftersales Award to highlight outstanding achievements in after-sales service. I would like to offer my warmest congratulations to all the winners and thank the AUTO BILD readers and the independent jury for their votes. The large number and high quality of the entries have demonstrated just how many strong initiatives there are in brand service.”
In the ‘Workshop and Service Concepts’ category, CUPRA demonstrates what a modern approach to service looks like today: with a five-year manufacturer’s warranty, transparent maintenance packages and a free collection and delivery service, the brand is setting new standards in day-to-day workshop service. The comprehensive Cupra Care programme extends this promise to include mobility solutions, tyre services, vehicle care and financial planning security.
In the battery and high-voltage services category, Volvo stands out with a well-thought-out overall concept: batteries can be repaired and modules replaced. Battery Centres ensure high availability, fast repair times and a sustainable circular economy. Added to this are long warranties, a transparent battery passport and predictive diagnostics. In this way, Volvo combines sustainability, customer focus and technological expertise in an exemplary manner.
Renault scores highly in the maintenance and repair solutions category. With its ‘renative’ programme, the brand offers a wide range of high-quality remanufactured parts, thereby providing sustainable and cost-effective repair solutions. The digital repair processes are particularly forward-looking: predictive maintenance information, over-the-air diagnostics, remote repair and AI-supported noise analysis reduce time spent in the workshop, improve the quality of diagnostics and create greater transparency.
Škoda has been awarded the AAA in the Digital After-Sales Services category. From booking appointments and digital parts and accessories solutions right through to fully digital service processing, Škoda delivers a seamless customer experience. Artificial intelligence is already being used to support claims handling and service advice. Digital processes complement the personal service provided at the dealership and strengthen customer loyalty in the long term.
Toyota has taken first place in the ‘Innovative Customer Loyalty Concepts’ category. With Toyota Relax, the warranty can be extended to up to 15 years or 250,000 kilometres through regular servicing at an authorised dealer. This scheme applies to both new and used cars, is tied to the vehicle and therefore also enhances its resale value. This is complemented by a digital service ecosystem that supports customers throughout the vehicle’s entire lifecycle.
BYD has built up an impressive service network in a short space of time and has therefore been awarded the AAA rating in the ‘Newcomer – Service Network’ category. Comprehensive training programms, modern digital training formats, an efficient spare parts warehouse with short delivery times and consistent investment in digitalisation are building trust amongst customers and dealers alike. Added to this are AI-supported diagnostic processes, remote services and a high-performance app.
Subaru has been awarded the special ‘Aftersales Brand of the Hearts’ prize. Subaru demonstrates that a strong customer relationship is forged above all when the customer feels they are in good hands with their brand, even years after the purchase. The brand stands for reliability throughout the vehicle’s entire life cycle – from a long-term guarantee of parts supply and repair solutions right through to modern battery and software services. Subaru combines personalised service with digital tools that make day-to-day life easier for dealers and customers alike. Particularly impressive is its commitment to repairing wherever possible, rather than replacing parts unnecessarily.
The award-winning projects demonstrate the extent to which service, customer loyalty and workshop operations are changing. In future, the award is intended to help raise the profile of innovative concepts and strengthen dialogue between manufacturers, retailers and service providers.
Press photo: VDIK Automotive Aftersales Awards (AAA) (Source: VDIK)
