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Graf Hardenberg acquires Freiburg's Autohaus Gehlert in strategic expansion

A major deal reshapes the automotive landscape in Baden-WĂźrttemberg. How will this acquisition redefine Graf Hardenberg's growth strategy?

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The image shows an old map of the city of Freiburg, Germany, with text at the top and bottom of the...
The image shows an old map of the city of Freiburg, Germany, with text at the top and bottom of the poster. The map is detailed and shows the streets, buildings, and other landmarks of the area.

Graf Hardenberg acquires Freiburg's Autohaus Gehlert in strategic expansion

Graf Hardenberg Group Expands Strategic Growth with Acquisition of Autohaus Gehlert in Freiburg

The Graf Hardenberg Group is continuing its strategic expansion with the takeover of Autohaus Gehlert GmbH (VW, Seat, Cupra, Audi Service) in Freiburg, effective July 1, 2026. This move also strengthens the company's presence in southwestern Germany.

For customers, the transition will be seamless, as announced by Graf Hardenberg on Thursday. Autohaus Gehlert will retain its current name, and Managing Director Matthias Wagner, along with his 130 employees, will continue operations in Freiburg and the surrounding region.

During extensive contract negotiations, the two companies aligned their corporate values. Customer satisfaction—both for individual and business clients—will remain a central priority. Organizationally, the new Freiburg location will be integrated into the Ortenau region under the leadership of Andy Kocijan and Mark Häfner, ensuring close collaboration with the existing businesses of the Hardenberg Group.

Autohaus Gehlert: Where Tradition Meets the Future

"A Key Location with Great Potential"

Volker Brecht, Executive Board Member and CEO of Graf Hardenberg, commented on the Freiburg expansion: "Freiburg is a key location with tremendous potential for us. We are particularly pleased to welcome Autohaus Gehlert into our group and to further support mobility in the region."

Franz-Xaver Grünwald, Managing Director of Gehlert, added: "In the Graf Hardenberg Group, we have found our ideal partner for this business transition—one that will uphold my entrepreneurial vision and continue to prioritize customer focus for all stakeholders. I call that good fortune!"

With this agreement, GrĂźnwald's succession plan has been successfully resolved for employees, customers, and the manufacturer. The property will remain under the company's ownership, with a long-term lease secured by the Hardenberg Group. Formal approval from the Federal Cartel Office is expected shortly.

Based in Ettlingen/Karlsruhe, the Graf Hardenberg Group is one of Germany's most successful automotive retail groups. The company currently employs over 1,900 people across 37 dealerships at 18 locations in Baden-WĂźrttemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate. Its brand portfolio includes Volkswagen, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Audi, Ĺ koda, Seat, Cupra, Porsche, Ford, Hyundai, Genesis, Vespa, and Harley-Davidson.

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