On the Road to Success in Premium Mobility
Interview with Martin Fuchs, Managing Director of Autohaus Harmtodt GmbH
Where personal advice meets premium performance: Autohaus Harmtodt GmbH has stood for automotive passion and highest service quality since 1955. From a regional family business, the company has developed into a dynamic BMW partner with strong growth. Managing Director Martin Fuchs discusses the transformation of mobility, the courage to change, and the role of a corporate culture that lives enthusiasm.
Wirtschaftsforum: Mr. Fuchs, the car dealership Harmtodt has a long history. How has the company developed, and where does it stand today?
Martin Fuchs: Our roots go back to 1955 when Josef Harmtodt senior founded the business as an electrical retail store. Gradually, it transformed into a trading company, which made a crucial step by signing a contract with BMW in 1960. Today, we operate as a modern BMW partner in Grafendorf. Since 2017, the 3rd generation – Thomas and Julia Harmtodt – have been running the business. I have been part of the management team since September and am supporting the company in its further development. Currently, we are heavily investing in our location: The ongoing expansion and construction to meet the latest BMW Retail Standards will be completed at the end of 2025, marking an important milestone for our future.
Wirtschaftsforum: How is the company positioned today?
Martin Fuchs: We currently employ 68 staff members - just a few years ago, there were only 25. This growth demonstrates our dynamism, without any loss in quality. The annual turnover is around 50 million EUR. We focus on sustainable, organic growth and financial stability to react flexibly to market changes. For us, success means combining economic strength with a clear culture and personal care.
Wirtschaftsforum: You are new to the management team. What impulses do you want to set?
Martin Fuchs: I come from the financial services sector, where I managed the commercial area of a bank. This experience helps me think strategically and structure processes. I have a long-standing connection with Harmtodt Autohaus - previously, I was a banker and one of our business partners. This collaboration has led to a close relationship and trust to shape the future of the company together. My focus lies on the development of the second management level and clear quality standards across all areas. Everyone should know what role they play in the overall success - that’s how true quality is created. Moreover, I want to specifically expand sales and new customer acquisition, while building long-term relationships.
European Business: What topics are currently dominating your everyday life?
Martin Fuchs: We trade with a strong premium product – the BMW brand – and offer the full range of services of a modern car dealership: new and used car sales, workshop service, body and paint work, as well as tire management. In body and paint, we work independently of brand; financing is handled together with BMW Bank, and the pick-up and delivery service is gaining importance – especially for fleet customers. The area of electromobility is growing particularly strongly, where BMW has an excellently positioned portfolio. Our customers appreciate the personal consultation with fixed contact persons and binding communication. This closeness is our trademark. In competition, we observe strong dynamics – also from Chinese manufacturers; BMW addresses this very convincingly with the ‘New Class’, including the iX3. Our close partnership with BMW remains one of our greatest success factors.
European Business: Digitization and AI are transforming many industries. How do you take advantage of these opportunities?
Martin Fuchs: Digitization has long been part of our everyday life. We are currently introducing a CRM system to more specifically manage customer relationships. For us, this means more efficiency and service quality – but not a replacement for personal contact. Being open to new ideas is crucial, as the phrase 'We've always done it this way' is one of the most dangerous in business for me. Artificial intelligence is also gaining importance: we use it where it supports analysis and planning and noticeably eases the workday. We also understand e-mobility as a contribution to more sustainability – through energy-efficient models and conscious driving behavior of our customers.
Wirtschaftsforum: What goals do you pursue in the coming years?
Martin Fuchs: Our goal is sustainable growth through quality, support, and employee development. We want to consolidate our position in Styria and exploit all the potential from our expanded location. Strategically, we are increasingly focusing our sales on fleet customers; 2025 is expected to be one of the strongest years in the company's history in terms of unit sales. A major focus is the training of young professionals – through the BMW training track, we secure our future workforce. We are particularly proud of our age structure: With an average age of 35 years, our team combines experience and fresh energy. This combination ensures dynamism and openness to new ideas. With short decision-making processes and direct communication, we maintain the flexibility of a family business – an advantage that large corporate structures often have lost. We want to be the best possible employer for our employees: Those who come to work with joy and pride also inspire the customers. This enthusiasm is our engine – as a regionally rooted company with a clear vision for the future.