AUTODOC PRO restructures its B2B business: digital-first strategy and faster parts logistics for workshops

Growth of almost 40 per cent as the starting point

Restructuring comes from a position of strength. "Our B2B revenue rose from 30.5 million euros in the first quarter of 2025 to 42.4 million euros in the first quarter of 2026 – an increase of almost 40 per cent compared with the same period last year," Diepenhorst says. His conclusion is clear: "The demand is real, the market is there, and our offering is attractive."

What has changed, he says, is how that potential needs to be captured. The previous "phygital model" – a digital platform combined with personal support from local service staff – was the right approach for the launch phase and will remain in place in France. For the next stage, a digital-first orientation is the logical step for an e-commerce company.

The move also has a direct effect on coverage. In Germany, for example, the physical roll-out had reached only around 50 per cent of the planned service areas. "By switching to a purely digital model, these geographical boundaries disappear immediately – allowing us to reach every single workshop," says Diepenhorst. The same applies to other markets such as Austria, Italy and Luxembourg, where the digital roll-out is currently underway.

Delivery times: two to three days on average, next-day from seven warehouses

Asked what delivery times workshops can realistically expect today, Diepenhorst is specific: "It depends on the respective market and the chosen shipping option – on average, products are delivered two to three days after ordering. For items in stock in one of our seven warehouses, however, we also deliver a large range of products the next day."

For businesses that have to give customers firm repair dates, transparency about incoming goods is crucial: "The workshop can see in real time via the platform when the part will arrive." Availability of fast-moving items is secured by stocking them in the company's own logistics centres – at what AUTODOC describes as a clear price advantage.

An honest line between online and the traditional trade

The AUTODOC PRO chief is notably candid about the limits of his own model: "In an emergency, when a part is needed within 45 minutes, the local dealer around the corner clearly has the advantage. Our offering is aimed at plannable repairs, where range depth, price and smooth processing are the decisive factors." He also quantifies the opportunity: "Since 90 per cent of all workshop repairs are plannable, there is enormous margin potential here for businesses if they optimise their processes."

AUTODOC PRO explicitly positions itself as a complementary supplier. The company does not want to take over a workshop's entire purchasing volume – but for a third of its requirements, a look at prices below those of traditional suppliers is worthwhile, Diepenhorst argues.

For hard-to-handle products, the company relies on direct shipping: "Especially for bulky goods such as car body parts or tyres, which are difficult to handle, dropshipping is the perfect solution." The model is scalable and efficient, enabling fast delivery times without maintaining warehouse infrastructure in every market. AUTODOC does not intend to invest in asset-heavy structures like local wholesalers: "We want to remain 'asset-light' and flexible." That changes nothing about the priority given to logistics: "Reliable delivery is, alongside price and range, one of the three pillars of our offering. We will not compromise on that."

For the coming months, Diepenhorst announces concrete developments:

● Expanded delivery options and continuous optimisation of logistics – "New functions, targeted category promotions and optimised logistics will ensure even faster and more reliable delivery"

● A completely intuitive returns process

● A dedicated marketing programme for professional customers

● Continuous expansion of the product range, currently around 7.8 million products

● Further sharpened pricing to make AUTODOC PRO even more competitive

Expert comment: using delivery options correctly

How these delivery tools play out in practice is described by Stanislav Prokhoda, Supervisor Technical Care at AUTODOC, who has worked in the parts business for more than ten years. Many customers assume fast delivery from an online retailer is a myth – a conversation he says he still has almost every week. His observation: people often pay more at the dealer not because they trust them more, but because they are afraid of waiting. "When a car is off the road, everything else stops too."

His decision logic is simple. Standard shipping works when there are three to five business days available and no hard deadline. Express shipping involves same-day dispatch, a priority carrier and delivery within one to two business days in most regions. The outcome depends not only on the shipping option chosen, but also on warehouse proximity, the postcode and the time the order is placed – all of which are visible before purchase confirmation.

For example, two customers needed parts before the weekend. The first chose Standard, did not check the estimated delivery date and did not allow for a buffer day – as a result, the repair was delayed. The second chose Express, ordered before midday and received the part the next day. "The difference wasn't the platform. The difference was how the tools were used." His advice for time-sensitive repairs: check the estimated delivery date on the product page, which updates in real time based on location and shipping method; order before midday if same-day dispatch matters; count backwards from the repair date and build in one buffer day; and use live tracking after dispatch to book the workshop slot without guessing. His verdict: "Express is worth the extra cost when a delayed repair costs more. Standard is fine for everything else."

Outlook

With its digital-first strategy, AUTODOC PRO is looking to strengthen its position as the leading purely digital player in the European independent aftermarket. Diepenhorst promises the trade: "We are and will remain a reliable and cost-efficient partner for independent workshops." For garages, the realignment means Europe-wide availability above all, as well as transparent real-time delivery dates and a choice of shipping routes, ranging from standard delivery to next-day dispatch from one of seven logistics centres.