Up and Away
Interview with Stefan Faust, Managing Director of CARBOTEC GmbH
Pack the essentials, start the engine, and the adventure can begin. Road trips, camping holidays, or vanlife – vacationing in a rolling home is trendy, stands for freedom on four wheels and close-to-nature adventures off the beaten track. Since Corona, more and more people have been enthusiastic about this individual way of traveling. CARBOTEC GmbH from Königs Wusterhausen is an ideal partner for vanlife fans. They sell, rent, and repair motorhomes, caravan trailers, and vans and see themselves as a partner around mobile leisure.
Wirtschaftsforum: Mr. Faust, vanlife represents a lifestyle that is increasingly appealing to many people. With the pandemic, caravaning and the like have experienced a rapid upswing. CARBOTEC has been in the industry long before Corona. Since when have you been working for CARBOTEC?
Stefan Faust: I represent the company in the 2nd generation. After training as a computer science businessman and studying business management, I joined the family business founded by my father and uncle in 2011. Since my uncle sold his shares of the company, the management has been in the hands of my father, my brother, and me. For me, it is very appealing to deal with the topics of vacations, travel, and leisure in a family-owned business.
Wirtschaftsforum: What did the beginnings of the company look like and what characterizes the portfolio today?
Stefan Faust: CARBOTEC was founded in 1999 through the acquisition of an existing caravan business. In 2005, we moved to our current location, where we continued our consistent development. We distribute various brands, including the bulk of the portfolio of the Erwin Hymer Group, from the entry-level brand Carado, to the middle-class brands Bürstner, Laika, and Hymer, up to Niesmann + Bischoff. Because we offer not only a wide range of products for different needs but also want to be a strong service partner, we are also a reliable partner in rentals and repairs. In 2020, we started construction of a new, strategically sophisticated company building in the immediate vicinity, setting the stage for further growth. With the new building, we emphasize our self-image as a selling workshop. We would like to warmly welcome anyone traveling with a motorhome or caravan, regardless of where they purchased it, and support them in all matters. This sets us apart from competitors who can only focus on their own customers.
Wirtschaftsforum: Besides sales and workshop, rental is a third important pillar. What does the offer look like here?
Stefan Faust: Rental has always been part of our portfolio. In 2016, we launched rent easy Berlin together with the Erwin Hymer Group, and today we offer between 50 and 60 motorhomes and, depending on the season, 5 to 15 caravans.
Wirtschaftsforum: Especially since the Corona outbreak, the market has been booming. Will the hype continue? What trends do you currently see?
Stefan Faust: We also saw an increased demand during the pandemic and were able to multiply our turnover in the past five years, even though the operation was still being set up at that time. This positive development has shown us that workshop and customer service are crisis-proof market segments. Currently, we see a high demand for integrated motorhomes from the middle class to the premium and luxury segments. These vehicles offer the most pleasant spatial feeling compared to the classic alcove. In addition, camper vans as converted panel vans are trending; however, there is strong competition in this segment. Unlike during the pandemic times, delivery times for new vehicles today range from three to six months, with premium vehicles taking 12 to 18 months.
Wirtschaftsforum: Who is CARBOTEC targeting with its offerings? Is there a typical clientele?
Stefan Faust: Typical customers are financially secure individuals aged 50 to 60. Young families are primarily interested in caravans, while younger couples prefer campervans.
Wirtschaftsforum: The requirements for motorhomes and campervans have changed over time. What kind of equipment do customers want today?
Stefan Faust: In the past, satellite systems with TV sets were popular, but today Smart TV solutions are in the foreground, along with innovative sanitary facilities, comfort features like air conditioning, and security devices, for example, vehicle tracking systems. Customers have very diverse demands.
Wirtschaftsforum: CARBOTEC records stable demand for vehicles. What is the future direction?
Stefan Faust: We will continue to expand the workshop and customer service areas, as we set ourselves apart from the market and rely on excellent staff. The goal is to offer services from a single source, covering the entire portfolio around engines, transmissions, and chassis. Behind this is always the idea of sending customers off satisfied on the road and on vacation. Every single person at CARBOTEC is committed to this. I myself am grateful to be able to implement my own ideas each day together with a great team.