Auto Parts on Demand
Interview with Ulrich Konert, Senior Manager Business Development at DIEDERICHS Karosserieteile GmbH
As one of the leading wholesalers of auto parts and tuning accessories in Germany and Europe, the product portfolio of DIEDERICHS Karosserieteile GmbH based in Bad Bentheim includes an impressive 42,000 items for nearly all vehicle types of the relevant manufacturers. The company focuses on the Automotive Aftermarket, serving both the repair sector and the niche market of auto tuning.
As a Senior Manager of Business Development, Ulrich Konert brings over 30 years of experience in the Automotive Aftermarket, many of those years with DIEDERICHS. After a two-year break, he has returned this year. "My main task is to maintain our networking and nurture contacts," he explains. This networking is crucial for DIEDERICHS to identify new business opportunities and strengthen existing relationships.
Strategic Reorientation
In recent years, DIEDERICHS has evolved from a purely workshop supplier to a provider that is also active in stationary wholesale. "We have focused on enabling our customers to do their work without competitive pressure," stresses Ulrich Konert. This means that DIEDERICHS allows dealers the freedom to run their businesses without fear of internal competition.
The company pursues a strategy to certify base dealers active in regions where DIEDERICHS is not ubiquitously represented. This enables competitive pricing while simultaneously fostering close collaboration. "We work on an equal footing and have a coordinator who optimizes the exchange," adds Ulrich Konert.
Focusing on Niche Markets
"We primarily offer everything that is visible on the outside of the vehicle," explains Ulrich Konert. This includes bumpers, doors, and lighting. Due to the size of the parts, inventory management is a challenge, but the recently opened new distribution center ensures that the demand can be met. "By now, we have twelve warehouses and the demand is steadily increasing," he says. This expansion is not only a sign of the company's growth but also the increasing complexity of the market.
Solving Challenges
The coronavirus pandemic also presented challenges for DIEDERICHS, particularly concerning supply chains. "We noticed that production in Asia came to a standstill," reports Ulrich Konert. Nevertheless, the company has emerged well from the crisis and is optimistic about the future. "We are economically on a path we have never been on before," he adds. DIEDERICHS has not only adjusted to the changed conditions but also developed new strategies to increase efficiency and optimize supply chains.
Internationalization and Export
With a global presence, DIEDERICHS has significantly expanded its international reach. "Our export offices in Bad Bentheim are staffed with native speakers," explains Ulrich Konert. The data is offered via international catalog systems, which enables DIEDERICHS to be active in remote markets. "We can deliver parts as far as Venezuela, and that is a significant step for our international expansion," he says. This global orientation not only opens up new revenue opportunities for DIEDERICHS but also diversifies the risk associated with a strong dependence on a single market.
Future Perspectives
A key part of the future strategy is the expansion of the e-mobility sector. "We want to become active in the areas of charging stations and wallboxes in the coming years," says Ulrich Konert. This initiative will primarily focus on the German market, although international expansions are not ruled out for the future. "We see e-mobility as a key technology of the future and want to further expand our know-how in this area," he adds. Besides e-mobility, DIEDERICHS also plans to invest in environmental technologies to meet the growing demands for sustainable solutions.