Mobility from the Start
Interview with Thomas Frevert, Managing Partner of Lentz Fahrzeugtechnik GmbH
From saddles, bridles, and halters for horse-drawn carriages to heating, air conditioning, and ventilation technology for motor vehicles, it was a long way. This year, Lentz Fahrzeugtechnik GmbH celebrates its 140th anniversary. Today, they install parking heaters and air conditioners in all types of vehicles. E-mobility is now also part of their range of services.
Lentz Fahrzeugtechnik specializes in heating, air conditioning, and ventilation technology for almost all types of motor vehicles. In their own workshop, not only are parking heaters and air conditioners installed, but they are also maintained and repaired. In addition, Lentz Fahrzeugtechnik is a wholesaler for all spare and wear parts in the field of heating, air conditioning, and ventilation. The comprehensive range of services is rounded off by the newest business area: electric vehicles on two to three wheels for leisure, cargo transport, and other applications. The business was founded in 1884 as a harness maker by master saddler Martin Lentz.
"This year we are celebrating the company's 140th anniversary," says Thomas Frevert, who has been the managing partner of Lentz Fahrzeugtechnik for three years and has been in the vehicle industry for 30 years. After the Second World War, the business increasingly developed towards the automotive sector. "For 20 years, our focus has been on parking heaters and air conditioners for motor vehicles," explains Thomas Frevert. In this area, we have since developed very particular expertise. "We are a small company, but with a lot of know-how in the fields of heating, air conditioning, and ventilation," says Thomas Frevert. "Thanks to our workshop, we can set up and modify compressors, valves, and other components." In the past, the workshop accounted for 90% of the business, with only 10% in parts trading. "Now it is the reverse: 90% trading and 10% workshop."
New Pillar in Public Transportation
As a specialist in heating, air conditioning, and ventilation technology, Lentz Fahrzeugtechnik also installs auxiliary heaters in classic cars. In recent years, the company has also developed a new pillar in public transport, extending to the Deutsche Bahn. "The demand in public transport has increased significantly," explains Thomas Frevert. Lentz Fahrzeugtechnik distinguishes itself from competitors with competitive prices, prompt delivery thanks to proactive inventory management, and an excellent workshop.
"Often, people who have been elsewhere come to us," says Thomas Frevert. Most recently, the company has started offering electric vehicles for business and leisure, and has been using electric cars in its operations for some time. A photovoltaic system is also currently in the planning stage. In the spirit of sustainability, the company helps older auxiliary heaters get a second life through complete refurbishments. Currently, there is a strong focus on artificial intelligence. "We want to link our database to an app to improve the connection between purchasing and sales," explains Thomas Frevert. "Additionally, we have a project with Deutsche Bahn to connect our systems."