Autohändler

Autohändler is the term used in German-speaking regions for businesses that sell motor vehicles and provide related services. They operate at various scales, from single outlets to large dealership networks, and can represent specific manufacturers as franchised partners or trade in used vehicles from multiple brands.

The main segments are franchised new-car dealers, which sell new vehicles from a manufacturer, offer brand-certified pre-owned programs, and provide service, parts, and warranties; and independent or dealer-group used-car lots, which sell pre-owned vehicles from several brands. There are also specialty dealers for commercial vehicles or classic cars, and increasingly hybrid or online-first models.

Core services include vehicle sales, financing and leasing arrangements, insurance products, vehicle trade-ins, appraisals, maintenance and repair, genuine parts, and extended warranties. Many Autohändler operate workshops and service centers and provide aftersales support, including servicing packages and maintenance plans.

Business models rely on margins from vehicle sales, financing commissions, and aftersales activities such as maintenance, parts, and warranty programs. Inventory management, branding, geographic location, and the strength of manufacturer relationships influence profitability. Competition comes from other dealers, independent retailers, and digital marketplaces.

Regulation and consumer protection vary by country, but in the EU and Germany buyers benefit from statutory protections, including warranty standards on used cars and disclosure requirements. Autohändler must comply with licensing for motor vehicle trade, environmental and safety regulations, and data-protection rules, while consumer rights directives shape terms of sale and cooling-off periods.

Trends include electrification of vehicle fleets, online car shopping and digital retailing, vehicle history reporting, and the expansion of certified pre-owned programs. Dealers may also adjust to shifts in financing markets and regulatory changes.