Survey: Workshops under Investment Pressure
Image: VW (illustrative)
The DAT Barometer for October highlights the current situation and prospects for 2027 in the workshop industry, according to Autohaus.de. Businesses are under significant investment pressure, as 85 percent of the surveyed companies consider spending on electric mobility, training, and workshop technology to be “enormous.”
Meanwhile, the aging fleet of internal combustion engines on German roads ensures stable demand. About two-thirds of those surveyed expect these vehicles to maintain high utilization levels. In contrast, electric cars play a minor role in the repair industry so far, as more than half of workshops currently receive few orders for electric vehicles. At the same time, every second business anticipates future revenue losses due to electric mobility, possibly because of the decline in oil-related services.
Customer behavior has also changed. 92 percent of businesses observe adjustments, with three-quarters receiving more requests for cost estimates. Additionally, customers are increasingly having only necessary repairs done. And in more than half of the repair shops, prices are negotiated more frequently. In 22 percent of businesses, there is a rising demand for illegal work and used parts. 32 percent report that customer dissatisfaction is increasing.
There are differences between branded repair shops and independent businesses when it comes to using artificial intelligence. While three-quarters of branded repair shops see potential in automated damage assessment through image recognition, this figure is 57 percent for independent shops. Fifteen percent of branded businesses consider AI applications irrelevant, compared to 26 percent of independent businesses.
Expectations for 2027 are cautious. Just under half of the repair shops expect a business model at the same level as in 2026. Twelve percent of branded repair shops and independent businesses anticipate better developments. A significant portion is preparing for declining business, with 15 percent of branded repair shops fearing a sharp decline, while 9 percent of independent businesses do the same.
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About the author
Thomas Langenbucher is an expert in electromobility with professional experience in the automotive industry and finance sector. Since 2011, he has been covering electric cars, sustainable technologies, and mobility solutions on ecomento.de. Learn more.
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