From Western Europe to Kazakhstan, from Iceland to North Africa: we've been travelling a lot recently. The reason are the manufacturers of premium and luxury vehicles, who set very high quality standards worldwide. Dealers and workshops must comply with these standards – across national borders and under very different market conditions. Our task: to ensure compliance with these standards through international audits and at the same time to further develop the businesses through practical advice. Challenge: Implementing uniform standards in different markets Vehicle manufacturers demand that their dealers and service partners fulfil the same high standards worldwide. At the same time, local market conditions, regulatory requirements and individual operating structures need to be taken into account. We see it as our task not only to evaluate companies, but also to support them in sustainably optimising their processes and results. Solution: AUDIT & ADVICE, with real added value In our audits in over 50 countries, we combine expert assessment with sound, practical advice: our auditors come from car dealerships themselves, and speak the language of the companies. Instead of just ticking off checklists, we analyse existing processes, make concrete suggestions for optimisation and support the companies in finding solutions within the tolerances of the required standards that are best suited to their needs. Want an example? In terms of work quality, ergonomics and flexible space utilisation, lifting platforms should ideally be planned as floor-level two-post platforms. This requires deep floor cassettes. However, in some markets, for example in Asia, workshops are often housed in leased, frequently multi-storey premises. Here it is impossible to install floor cassettes. The company will have to resort to floor-mounted lifting platforms, but with as little loss of quality as possible. Dennis Hartmann, head of the consulting team and COO of cotedo, explains: Our mission is to ensure global standards and promote local excellence. To this end, we qualify audit companies worldwide, train the manufacturers' market representatives and develop standards and certifications together with our clients, for example for Classic partners, body and paint shops or in the area of sustainability. Result: assured quality, optimised dealer performance Through our international auditing activities, we help manufacturers to enforce their high standards worldwide. At the same time, we actively support dealers and workshops in improving their performance. In this way, we not only ensure quality, but also create sustainable development prospects for the entire dealer and service network. Interested? We would be happy to support you in the implementation of your audits. You can reach us by telephone on +49 (0)89 716 77 97 00 and by e-mail: [email protected]

Whether it’s planning manuals for car workshops, technical vehicle descriptions, or training materials for automotive technicians: such projects demand the full range of our expertise. The greatest challenge often lies in consolidating highly diverse content from various sources. The end result should be a cohesive book aligned with the customer’s corporate identity, delivered on time and within budget. Challenge: Turning diverse texts into one cohesive whole We save our customers a lot of effort by taking on the editorial and proofreading work for them. This means not only continuously researching new content but also tackling the demanding task of harmonising contributions from various authors, each with different styles, levels of detail, and time of origin. Whether the content comes directly from our clients or is produced by our colleagues in consulting, the challenge remains the same. Solution: Working with sensitivity and expertise We approach the unique characteristics of authors and manufacturers with great care. Some authors deliver pages and pages of continuous text that require the editor’s red pen, while others provide only a handful of bullet points or even photos of their handwritten notes. This is where our detective-like and cryptographic skills come into play. Our aim is always to not only process content but to structure and refine it according to industry standards. The results of our national and international market surveys conducted on behalf of clients play a vital role in achieving this aim. Result: A unified publication with “brand authenticity” Because we know our customers so well, we can ensure through subtle yet characteristic phrasing that each publication is not only stylistically consistent but also unmistakably reflects the unique “voice” of the respective manufacturer. In the end, the various texts and sketches come together to form a cohesive and high-quality book, both in terms of content and design. And while the next project is already underway, the team maintains a list of notes for future editions in the background. This ongoing support is something our clients rely on: that we will continue to assist them productively, even beyond the day of publication. What happens next? We have been advising vehicle manufacturers and car dealerships for over 17 years and ensure understanding and compliance with standards through expertise and respect. Interested? You can reach us by telephone on +49 (0)89 716 77 97 00 and by e-mail: [email protected]

In autumn 2024, BMW announced building a hydrogen car with a fuel cell in cooperation with Toyota, with series production scheduled four years from now. Hydrogen (H2), especially when produced using green electricity, is extremely attractive from a climate protection perspective: vehicles powered by it emit nothing but water. And even releasing the gas into the atmosphere, for example before a planned service appointment, is completely harmless. However, the gas can cause serious problems in enclosed spaces in the car dealership and inside the workshop. Should car dealerships and garages therefore prepare for the technology soon? Are there any safety aspects to consider? Do structural measures need to be taken? As car dealership experts, we say: ‘yes’, ‘yes’ and ‘that depends’. Challenge: Recognising and eliminating risks posed by hydrogen Hydrogen is a non-toxic gas. However, an uncontrolled release inside the car dealership can be problematic: high concentrations of inhaled hydrogen can cause oxygen deficiency and, in the worst case, a risk of suffocation. Hydrogen is also extremely flammable. The gas is around 14 times lighter than air, it rises quickly, spreads rapidly and diffuses strongly. In closed rooms, it can accumulate under the ceiling and form an explosive atmosphere. This must be avoided as a matter of urgency. Solution: Ventilate, warn, avoid ignition sources The risk of explosion in particular should be taken seriously, as hydrogen has neither colour nor smell and leaks are often noticed late or not at all. Car dealerships must therefore take appropriate safety precautions. The basis is always a careful risk assessment. Three steps are useful in any case: H2 vehicles and containers must be parked in well-ventilated areas. Hydrogen tanks of incoming vehicles should be emptied outside. Primary protective measures such as H2 sensors are essential inside the workshop. If necessary, the gas must be extracted quickly so that it does not reach the explosion limit. Measures must also be taken against potential ignition sources and electrostatic charging. Result: Security through timely preparation Garages and car dealerships should get to grips with new technologies at an early stage in order to position themselves well for the future and work profitably throughout. Hydrogen technology certainly requires safety precautions; in principle, the requirements for high-voltage drives are being tightened. Our senior consultant André Glanz therefore advises: The dealers don't need to panic about hydrogen, but they should take the dangers seriously. Some safety steps have probably already been taken during the preparation for electric vehicles. However, the structural situation and ventilation options are different in every workshop. The possibilities for an economical solution for the required safety measures also vary greatly from location to location. Companies are therefore well advised to scrutinise their individual situation, comply with (new) safety processes and equip workplaces and workshops accordingly. What happens next? We have been advising vehicle manufacturers and car dealerships for over 17 years and ensure understanding and compliance with standards through expertise and respect. Interested? You can reach us by telephone on +49 (0)89 716 77 97 00 and by e-mail: [email protected]

When a company changes hands, you should take a close look, that goes without saying. After all, nobody wants to buy a pig in a poke. However, the fixed assets of car dealerships are difficult to value. Equipment and fittings in particular, can only be accurately classified by experts in terms of their value and fulfilment of legal requirements and manufacturer standards. This is why more and more companies are using our expertise to gain clarity before the takeover. One example is the Autohaus KAHLE Group in Hanover, for whom we analysed the equipment of three prospective new locations during the summer of 2024. Challenge: Valuation errors are costly and must be avoided Firstly, we'll deal with the ‘big chunks’: lifting platforms, wheel alignment systems, tyre changers etc. cost a lot of money to purchase. This makes it all the more important to correctly assess whether they are (still) suitable for their purpose against the background of the manufacturer-specific vehicle technologies, whether they can continue to be operated safely and whether they will still fulfil the vehicle manufacturer's standards tomorrow. Solution: We send our most experienced and knowledgeable consultants to do the assessment Only experts can correctly assess the inventory in terms of suitability, condition, legal requirements and vehicle manufacturer standards. This is why we rely on consultants who can look back on a great deal of experience in car dealerships and are also very familiar with the manufacturer's specifications. On behalf of the Autohaus KAHLE Group in Hanover, cotedo consultants André Glanz and Thorsten Simon visited and carefully assessed three VW dealerships in August 2024. Result: Reliable statements about the equipment – and about how things are going At the end of their detailed summary, our two experts not only reported the hard economic facts. They also described their impressions of the actual service processes and accompanying factors such as cleanliness, tidiness and staff motivation. Thorsten Simon explains: Ultimately, our analysis allows us to make a precise and insightful statement about the profitability and future viability of service management. The soft factors in particular may not be directly relevant to the purchase price. However, they give the future buyer a good picture of the expected productivity so that, if necessary, adjustments can be made right from the start. In the three companies we visited, the majority of our soft factor assessments were positive, so the client can expect a smooth transition. Of course, we are always pleased when we can provide such positive information. What happens next? We have been advising vehicle manufacturers and car dealerships for over 17 years and ensure understanding and compliance with standards through expertise and respect. Interested? You can reach us by telephone on +49 (0)89 716 77 97 00 and by e-mail: [email protected]

If an independent workshop strives to become a contractual partner of a premium vehicle manufacturer, the hurdles are quite high. It's good if you don't have to jump them alone! We were very pleased to support Raymond Götz's workshop in Hohenbrunn, just south of Munich. In only four months, it has not only developed into a contract-ready BMW service partner – thanks to the owner’s high level of commitment, it has become a reference company for the BMW trade organization, and even serves as a training location for future BMW auditors. Challenge: Little time – big tasks The business has been in operation since 2009. Over the last 15 years, the owner has been investing repeatedly and thus kept his workshop and his team's know-how up to date: quite a solid basis. Nevertheless, the switch to BMW service operations was not without consequences, as Raymond Götz describes: cotedo has accompanied us since the application phase and provided intensive advice regarding renovation, furnishings, equipment and processes. We learned a lot about service management under the manufacturer's flag and questioned our established work processes accordingly. That was incredibly useful. It is important to us to stay true to our values: we start where others leave off and have been able to solve every tricky case. Michael, our coach from cotedo, quickly understood our approach and shaped the ideal development path for us. Solution: Develop the company while keeping the company values ​​in mind It takes a lot of sensitivity for an external advisor to show an experienced entrepreneur new paths. It really helps when the chemistry between the partners is right. Dennis Hartmann, head of the consulting team at cotedo, is pleased: Our advice fell on very fertile ground. The company not only went along with all of our suggestions, so that authorization as an brand workshop was purely a formality. The company has also developed so incredibly well and in the spirit of the brand that BMW Germany noticed, too. The location is the first German BMW service facility with the new Retail.Next concept and is now also used as a top reference object for training auditors. This is really something special. Result: A proper showcase company So every now and then a bunch of people stand around in the sparkling workshop and learn the ropes. Raymond Götz is happy about the disruption: Together we have achieved great things here. That's why I was happy to permit BMW to train its auditors in my company. Our customers and the team are totally satisfied with our results, and we are all very proud. Nothing to add from our side except congratulations to the entire Raymond Götz team! What’s next? We have been advising vehicle manufacturers and car dealerships for over 17 years and ensure understanding and compliance with standards through expertise and respect. Interesting? You can reach us by phone at +49 (0)89 716 77 97 00 and by email: [email protected]

We know our way around car dealerships. When it comes to planning a technical training centre, we put the pedal to the metal, so to speak, this is where all our knowledge comes into play. The requirements are rather different here and the feedback from the trainees will immediately show whether our planning was on track. Right now we have a chance to display our skills: we are planning and equipping a training centre for a renowned German car manufacturer. Challenge: Balancing act between showcase and realistic workshop environment What is still a building site today will one day be one of the vehicle manufacturer's largest training centres in the world. In 15 technical training spaces, groups of participants from all over the world will learn at three work bays, from body repair to balancing high-voltage battery cells. You would never normally find so many people in a workshop at the same time. Nevertheless, the environment should be as realistic as possible – quite a conflict of objectives for us to solve. Solution: Expert knowledge, decades of practical experience and excellent contacts with equipment manufacturers The layout, lighting and A/C conditions are of course a challenge. The equipment is, too: not only must it meet current standards, but also be available worldwide so that learners can apply their results at home. At the same time, it must be suitable for training. We therefore work closely with manufacturers of workshop equipment and sometimes create even a customised solution if required. André Glanz, who is in charge of the project at cotedo, explains this using an example: For some training sessions, the lifting platform must disappear into the floor completely. This means the platform is installed lower than in a normal workshop. However, this height will be missing later when lifting a vehicle. So we need a platform with an extra bit of lift. These considerations and their realisation require planning skills, a realistic view and good contacts in the industry. Result: Attractive training conditions for international groups of participants We are responsible for all 15 technical training rooms and we are proud to say that we treat their ancillary rooms, such as theory and storage rooms, with the same care as the workshop: appealing, user-friendly and sustainable. This means that the entire premises can one day also be used for more exclusive conferences or events. As we have been involved in the project right from the start of planning and will support it all the way through to the opening in mid-2025, we will be there to see how the building gradually fills with life and knowledge. We are very happy about this rewarding task. What's next? We have been advising vehicle manufacturers and car dealerships for mor than 17 years. We love it when we can accompany a project from day 1 until the opening day, and indeed we are often involved beyond that day. Interested? You can reach us by telephone on +49 (0)89 716 77 97 00 and by e-mail: [email protected]

As part of our sustainability strategy, we received our ISO 14001 certification in October 2023. We are proud of this, because by implementing an effective environmental management system, we are sending a clear signal that we are aware of our responsibility and are committed to our environment and the future. Challenge: Working sustainably and environmentally friendly With the Climate Protection Act, Germany has set itself the goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2045. This means that no more greenhouse gases are emitted than can be reduced. For this plan to work, it is necessary for all people and companies to play their part. We have also made it our mission to operate more sustainably and, together with our customers and partners, to help preserve our environment. We have therefore developed a holistic sustainability strategy, which we intend to refine further in the coming months. Solution: Analysing our impact, adapting workflows accordingly Our aim is to reduce our CO2 footprint and implement sustainable practices in all our business processes. In recent weeks, we have therefore analysed our environmental impact and taken targeted measures to minimize it. One of the milestones was to establish an environmental management system in accordance with ISO 14001, which we have now achieved. Result: cotedo is now ISO 14001 certified Our colleague Christian Pruner prepared the certification for cotedo: We are proud to demonstrate our commitment to sustainability and environmental protection and see the certificate as an important step on our way to a more sustainable future. From now on, we will pay even more attention to providing our services in an environmentally conscious manner and acting in a resource-saving way. At the same time, we will actively support our customers and accompany vehicle manufacturers as well as car dealerships and workshops on the path to a sustainable future. A big thank-you goes out to Christian and all the other employees and partners who have made this achievement possible! Please find additional information in our Environmental protection guidelines (German).

Whether it's a “Baroque Angel” or an Isetta: BMW is enjoying ever-growing popularity among lovers of classic cars. The maintenance of these valuable vehicles is carried out by specialised workshops, which can apply for certification as BMW and MINI Classic Partners since December 2022. Not only did we develop this standard together with the BMW Group, but we have already inspected 16 dealerships in Germany and neighbouring countries. Challenge: Restorers work with attention to detail, but are often not certified The 30 years required for the German “H” registration plate for historic vehicles is nothing at all: our auditors often see models from the 1950s or even before that in the workshops of prospective BMW and MINI Classic Partners. Repairing such rarities requires craftsmanship; after all, spare parts are not simply ordered, but lovingly hand-made and assembled. Certification as a BMW or MINI Classic Partner proves that the workshop not only works with passion and skill, but also according to the required standards of the vehicle manufacturer. Solution: Audits with expertise and respect for performance Since the current catalogue of specifications has entered into force at the end of 2022, our colleague Thorsten Binder has been on the road in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the Czech Republic, visiting 16 workshops to inspect the quality of the repairs and the equipment: Of course we check whether the required tools are available. However, during our audits we also get an impression of the competence of the business and thus know that with certified BMW and MINI Classic Partners the vehicles are in good hands. Result: Certified repair quality and valuable information Certification not only ensures measurable repair quality, which both the owners of historic vehicles and the vehicle manufacturers naturally appreciate. Rather, our aim is that the workshops also benefit directly. This is ensured by our auditors, who are experts themselves and whose valuable tips and information are most welcome by the workshops. The concept is well received, as the enthusiastic feedback from Tomáš Němeček, Managing Director of Auto Base in Prague, proves: Thank you very much for today's great visit, we had a wonderful day together with BMW Classic. Your contributions helped us a lot. Of course we are very happy about such high praise! It's a good feeling to know that our joint work means classic vehicles can be on the road for longer. And honestly, what could be more sustainable than driving a car for as long as possible? What's next? We have been advising vehicle manufacturers and dealerships with expertise and respect for over 17 years, ensuring manufacturer standards are understood and met. Interested? You can reach us by phone at +49 (0)89 716 77 97 00 and by mail: [email protected]

Word of our expertise in matters of high-voltage safety has spread as far as North Africa. We were very happy when we received the request to train the organisation of Tunisian motor vehicle experts in June 2023 via video conference. Of course, the presentation required some preparation: experts have different needs than car dealerships and Tunisia is not an everyday destination even for us. But the effort was well worth it – the audience loved it. Challenge: Experts have to be trained differently than employees of car dealerships Vehicle experts and car dealerships only seem to move in the same world. In truth, the two groups often have very different levels of knowledge and, above all, different interests. As partners of insurance companies, experts work in car dealerships every day and, among other things, evaluate vehicles involved in accidents. With the increasing numbers of electric vehicles on the roads, more and more of these vehicles are getting involved in accidents. For better high-voltage safety in general it is therefore essential to also train experts and testing organisations. Solution: A tailor-made training session for exactly this target group Fortunately, our colleague Michael Schloßbauer has over 30 years of experience in dealing with experts and testing organisations. He edited the training material to perfectly meet the needs of his audience. The content was absolutely safety-relevant and ranged from the charging infrastructure to charging plans, employee safety, test devices and insulated tools to the observation area for high-voltage accident vehicles. To make sure that his online training didn't become too academic and dry, Michael Schloßbauer included a few shockers: I showed a picture of an electric vehicle where a technician had simply drilled a hole in the battery! Some listeners turned pale. Or the photo of an SUV with high-voltage damage standing in a pool of water for "controlled burning": the water boiled immediately, of course, but the headlights were still shining despite all the short-circuit safety systems. It became clear to everyone: there is still a great need for learning around the world when it comes to high-voltage safety. Result: Valuable knowledge, relaxed atmosphere, enthusiastic applause The relaxed, but nevertheless extremely informative presentation style reached his audience: at the end of the presentation, the camera panned towards the audience in Tunis and Michael Schloßbauer was pleased to receive standing ovations from the 70 or so listeners. We are proud about this appreciation and the trust that is placed in us every time we are asked to hold a training session. What's next? We would also be happy to train your employees, too! You can reach us by phone on +49 (0)89 716 77 97 00 and by email: [email protected]

The number of electric vehicles is increasing rapidly. This has an enormous impact on the day-to-day business of every car dealership. Take the high-voltage monitoring area: often underestimated, yet unconditionally safety-relevant. Challenge: Where to store damaged batteries and vehicles? Just like internal combustion engines, high-voltage vehicles may ignite with a time delay after an accident. Accident vehicles should always be observed in an area where no consequential damage is to be expected in the event of a fire. When setting up a suitable area you’re confronted by various requirements. Regulations of the vehicle manufacturers need to be observed, with full compliance to occupational health, safety, and fire protection legislation. The statutory accident insurance does not impose any special requirements on monitoring areas for accident vehicles with electric or hybrid drives. However, in the event of a fire, spreading and more consequential damage must be prevented. How does that translate to a practical application? Solution: Set up the perfect high-voltage observation area in just five steps To provide adequate space for any vehicle the area should be at least 6 x 4 m in size. 1. Outdoors Lithium-ion batteries may gas out and the parking area needs to be well ventilated. Outdoor areas are best, and you should consider upgrading any existing parking areas for old or incident vehicles. It should be protected from excessive sunlight, high temperatures, dust and moisture. Unauthorized vehicle access needs to be prevented: Provide a suitable barrier, at least by means of a routing tape. 2. Far enough away, but easily accessible The observation area should be at least 5 m away from the building to prevent a fire from spreading to the car dealership. It should be directly accessible from the high-voltage repair area and easy to cross with heavy loads: no bumps and flat paving. 3. Facilitate fire-fighting, protect the environment The fire brigade needs direct access to the area by a sufficiently wide road with clear signage. Any contaminated water must not mix with the groundwater. Potential environmental pollution from leaking electrolyte can be significantly reduced with a suitable collection vessel. A nearby hydrant will support the fire brigade in the event of an emergency. 4. Provide safety equipment Ensure quick access to first aid equipment and a defibrillator. Have a fire blanket ready. 5. And how will that look? Place the observation area out of sight of your customers. If you need visual screening, e.g. construction containers, choose it large enough! Be aware that your building authority may have to be notified. Result: Potential fires do not spread, staff and dealership are safe A few more questions you should ask yourself: Are all your employees instructed and trained? Do you have the appropriate and necessary tools? Is your lifting equipment suitable for electric mobility? Do you have sufficient ancillary space available for removed high-voltage storage units? Are you prepared for the handling and storage of high-voltage units? Do you know how to act if a high-voltage storage unit reacts thermally? Do you have sufficient charging infrastructure at the dealership and what is the grid capacity? What can you do if your energy capacity is not sufficient? 
 What’s next? The requirements of electric mobility in a car dealership are complex. We will be happy to support you if you have any questions. Please contact us by phone at +49 (0)89 716 77 97 00 or by mail: [email protected]

Imagine a work situation in which the highest level of competence and concentration prevail. Let's say the operating theatre of a hospital. First and foremost, it is quiet there. No surgeon has to shout to communicate. Why should it be any different in a car workshop? A quiet atmosphere is possible in the workshop, even in the body shop. Ever since our colleague Dennis Hartmann once experienced this for real in a car dealership, we are on a mission ... Challenge: make the workshop quiet! But how? There are certainly quieter places than a car workshop. Nevertheless, it must not be the unalterable fate of your mechanics to sadly be deaf at the end of their working lives. Car dealerships can do a lot to reduce noise pollution, for their employees, their customers and also for the environment. Many measures will cost nothing at all and can be implemented on the spot. This mainly concerns the processes and the working procedures. Raising awareness within the team already goes a long way. For example, closing vehicle and building doors quietly and turning the radio down achieves a significant reduction in noise pollution. And if internal combustion engines don't necessarily have to run, then simply turn them off! Solution: raise awareness, change behaviour, install soundproofing elements Of course, the building itself should also be upgraded. Where the workshop ceiling cannot be fitted with soundproofing material, suspended ceiling panels or acoustic cubes provide an effective remedy. Surface elements hanging vertically on the walls or in the room also provide acoustic relief. They look good, too: printed colourful motives have a decorative effect and at the same time strengthen the brand image. Result: quiet, concentrated work to relieve pressure and create trust Bring peace and quiet to your workshop. Create a meaningful atmosphere that enhances the quality of life and work for employees, builds trust among customers and also ensures less noise pollution outside the workshop. Because where there's no noise inside, it can't disturb anyone outside either. What's next? Noise control is feasible and absolutely sensible. If you need support, we'll be happy to help. You can reach us by phone at +49 (0)89 716 77 97 00 and by mail: [email protected].

Of course, in theory, the vehicle manufacturers could send any inspection agency to audit their dealerships. So why do they ask us to do the audits? Because auditing should be more than just checking and unchecking boxes on the checklist. For us, auditing means adding value through understanding the issue, offering viable solutions and making concrete suggestions for implementation. Challenge: car dealerships need more than checkmarks to evolve It all starts when we enter the dealership. Where external auditors are perceived as foreign bodies, our auditors are at home. They all come from a dealership and know the structures, processes and also the problems from their own experience. Where an auditing company can only check whether specified content is present or not, we go one step further. We know the background of the specification and create understanding for its fulfillment. This is only possible because we create new car dealerships and workshops every day – on greenfield sites, but also by refurbishing existing companies. That's why we are credible advisors for both manufacturers and dealers. Solution: Audit & Advice – credible advisors provide understanding for both manufacturers and car dealerships An external auditor can only answer "yes" or "no" and will go home with a completed form after the audit. This ultimately determines whether a dealership has passed or failed. Depending on the result, this can cause frustration for the dealer, no good will come from it. The manufacturer on the other hand only receives a score. No real insight into the situation in which his dealership and service operations find themselves. We, however, ask how and why. Result: mature dealers and informed manufacturers work together to improve their service quality Our auditors are incorruptible but perceive themselves as partners – of both manufacturers and dealerships. Increased profitability, efficiency, sustainability and quality are the overarching goals of every conversation we have. After an "Audit & Advice" day, every dealer will have received a wealth of information. With a quiver full of individual tips, each dealership decides for itself which measures will be implemented, and when and how, and thus decides on its own future. The vehicle manufacturers, in turn, gain real insights and a realistic assessment of the situation in their sales and service organisation: Only those who know what's going on "out there" can respond accordingly. What's next? We would be happy to support you in implementing your audits. You can reach us by phone at +49 (0)89 716 77 97 00 and by mail: [email protected]

Many car dealerships are currently facing major challenges. The general change in the automotive industry, changing customer expectations, new technologies and standards, energy costs and sustainability are just some of them. With our expertise and experience from hundreds of projects, we have been supporting the industry for years. So it was only logical for us to bundle our knowledge and to create cotedo Academy. Challenge: making knowledge accessible on a broad basis Yes, in this digital day and age we are all extremely linked up. But in reality things look differently. How can we provide our colleagues in the dealerships with the most important information? Remember, there is not one solution. Car dealerships need a wide range of options. Solution: targeted knowledge exchange among professionals Whether remotely from home or on-site at Motorworld Munich: we offer seminars on a wealth of current topics and are happy to share our knowledge. Result: new know-how, new potentials The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again but expecting different results. Albert Einstein was right. That's why we use our knowledge to help others do things differently. In mid-January 2023, we had the pleasure of welcoming top-class personalities for our first seminar in the iconic venue of Motorworld Munich. The topic: "Human resources work in car dealerships". In times of a shortage of skilled workers, both finding and retaining qualified and motivated employees is a major challenge. Together we looked at things through the eyes of the applicant and did the reality check. Our participants were enthusiastic. Our consultants are also present on other platforms, for example see Michael Schlossbauer on the topic of "Help in times of crisis: profitability in aftersales". You can watch the full video at AUTOHAUS next (account required, in German language). What's next? Thirsty for knowledge too? You can find out more about our events here. Next dates coming soon.

That's when the move of the BMW Niederlassung in Nuremberg to its new premises became quite concrete: the moving van arrived on 08.07.2021. :-) Only joking, of course one truck was not enough here. Challenge: coordinating where normal relocation companies capitulate In 2020, the equipment from four branches was pulled together to kit out the workshop of the new BMW Niederlassung in Nuremberg. cotedo was responsible for the workshop from the beginning of the planning period. Shortly afterwards we also took over the evaluation of the existing equipment and organised the relocation. Thousands of pieces of equipment had to be sifted through. But the effort paid off. In order to save resources, BMW AG decided to equip the 66 workstations of its new branch with the material from four other automobile and motorcycle workshops. This worked out perfectly. André Glanz was responsible for this major project at cotedo: We are very pleased that we were able to support BMW AG in the evaluation of their high-quality workshop equipment. cotedo sifted through more than 1,400 equipment parts plus about 12,000 special tools. The effort was worth it: most of the equipment needed was already available and did not have to be purchased. Solution: workshop knowledge and experience André Glanz knows: Moving a car dealership requires workshop knowledge and experience. Because if you don't know where to start, you can easily break something – and the equipment is sometimes very expensive. Therefore, we are very happy that BMW AG has once again put their trust in us and laid their valuable equipment entirely in our hands. Result: a successful move The move was calculated to take up 1,500 cubic meters of workshop equipment, which was moved to its new location within three days. That's a whopping 18 ocean-going containers full. What's next? Do you also need help planning your car dealership move? You can reach us by phone at +49 (0)89 716 77 97 00 and by mail: [email protected]

The topic of charging infrastructure is much more complex for car dealerships than for anyone else. Here, electric vehicles are not only charged, they are used on a daily basis. This is about the safe handling of electromobility, modified sales and repair processes, the correct assessment of potential hazards – and yes, also about charging vehicles and thus about requirements and energy supply. All of this requires car dealership expertise. As an industry professional, cotedo has been advising all BMW and MINI dealerships and service centers nationwide on behalf of BMW Germany since 2020. Challenge: charging infrastructure consulting for hundreds of different car dealerships Electric vehicles have long ceased to be a one-off in car dealerships. Handling them must fit seamlessly into the complex processes of day-to-day operations. It's a good thing that all our consultants come from car dealerships themselves – they know which, how many and where charging points should be installed. However, the first major hurdle often arises with the energy supply which is often not sufficient for the planned infrastructure. Project manager Thorsten Binder explains: Closing this gap can be a challenge. But there are good solutions, be it through sensible load management, an extension of the house connection or additional energy sources such as a photovoltaic system. After all, the best charging columns are no use if there is not enough electricity available. Solution: customised charging options A sensible charging park must take the specific situation of each dealer into account. This is the only way to make a functional promise for the future. Dennis Hartmann, head of the cotedo consulting team, stresses the necessity to find a customised solution together with the dealer. After all, only those who can assess the specific needs can determine the best combination in the confusing market of charging options. The safety aspect must not be overlooked either. A safe repair environment includes not only the right equipment but also specific knowledge of hazard prevention. Electric vehicles also place new demands on premises and buildings: emergency and quarantine areas, safety distances, groundwater protection and insurances need to be considered. Result: 360° support Our work for BMW is far from over after the planning period. We support our long-standing customer during the tendering process, the selection of suitable partner companies and the subsequent supervision of implementation, right through to implementation and commissioning. We are pleased to be able to offer 360° support for this complex topic and would like to thank BMW Germany for the trust that is expressed in this order. What's next? Do you also need support in planning the charging infrastructure at your dealership? You can reach us by phone at +49 (0)89 716 77 97 00 and by mail: [email protected]

"Pit stop" – the word stands for precision and the highest level of technical expertise. Our customer from Zuffenhausen places the same demands on their retail around the globe. That is why their service organisation was provided with a detailed workshop planning manual. cotedo developed it along with different departments of the customer. cotedo COO Dennis Hartmann explains: Challenge: communicate globally uniform standards. Fundamental success factors such as a process-supporting workshop layout and sensible functional neighborhoods are the basis. On that basis, we designed ideal repair conditions, also by implementing industrial efficiency concepts. Solution: detailed workshop planning manual Our cooperation partner, architect Michael Schramm, whose office archiNetwork provided the 3D renderings used in the manual, is enthusiastic: The information covers a wide spectrum, from dimensions to building construction to equipment. This gives planners and clients detailed navigation. Result: competent handbook for the worldwide service organization The leitmotif of the book is "motorsport". This was chosen for a reason – the service should become faster, more profitable and at the same time more resource-efficient. The new planning manual will have a decisive influence on this. We are delighted to be able to contribute our knowledge to the success of another world-famous brand. What's next? Interested? You can reach us by phone at +49 (0)89 716 77 97 00 and by mail: [email protected].