- 22 independent workshops with ATE BrakeCenter certification honored
- ATE Smart Awards recognize innovative responses to the challenges posed by skilled labor shortages and e-mobility, as well as the use of AI solutions in workshop operations
- Award recipients come from six European markets as well as Australia
- Awards presented at Automechanika in Frankfurt on September 12th 2026
- Enno Straten, Managing Director of AUMOVIO Aftermarket: “With the ATE Smart Awards, we recognize outstanding achievements in challenging times. Workshops today face major challenges, from new powertrain technologies and rising customer expectations to economic pressures. The ATE Smart Awards honor businesses that respond with smart, forward-looking approaches.”
Press release
ATE Smart Awards: AUMOVIO recognizes workshops for innovations and smart strategies for the future
Frankfurt, Germany, September 14, 2026. AUMOVIO presented the inaugural ATE Smart Awards to workshops demonstrating exceptional innovation and sustainable practices. The technology company honored a total of 22 independent workshops in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, Italy, and Spain. In addition, six ATE BrakeCenters in Australia were recognized. The ATE Smart Award is a newly established international award for independent workshops with the ATE BrakeCenter workshop module that are actively shaping change in day-to-day workshop operations through innovative solutions. The awards recognize outstanding achievements and successful innovations by ATE workshop partners, highlighting these businesses as key drivers of quality, progress, and customer satisfaction in the automotive aftermarket. The awards were presented at Automechanika in Frankfurt, the world’s largest trade show for the automotive aftermarket.
Practical solutions were recognized in four categories reflecting key areas for the future: “E-Mobility,” “Sustainability,” “Digitalization & Artificial Intelligence,” and “Recruiting & Retaining Employees.” To be eligible, workshops had to be members of the ATE BrakeCenter partner network. ATE BrakeCenter is a workshop program for independent businesses specializing as certified partners in professional brake service using ATE tools and products.
With the ATE Smart Awards, we recognize outstanding achievements in challenging times. Workshops today face major challenges, from new propulsion technologies and rising customer expectations to economic pressure that can threaten their very existence. The ATE Smart Awards honor businesses that respond with innovative, forward-looking approaches - for example, by specializing in electric vehicles or integrating artificial intelligence into day-to-day workshop operations.
Enno Straten, Managing Director of AUMOVIO Aftermarket
ATE Smart Awards: Recognizing AI Expertise and Exemplary Solutions for the Future
In the “E-Mobility” category, ATE BrakeCenter workshops were recognized for successfully navigating the transition to electric mobility through new services, efficient processes, team training, or smart solutions for handling high-voltage vehicles. In the “Sustainability” category, AUMOVIO honored smart approaches that make workshop operations more environmentally friendly through efficient use of resources, particularly energy-saving solutions, and sustainable processes firmly embedded in everyday operations. In the “Digitalization & Artificial Intelligence” category, AUMOVIO recognized ATE BrakeCenter businesses that have intelligently integrated digital or AI-supported solutions into processes, customer intake, or workshop management. In the “Recruiting & Retaining Employees” category, workshops were recognized for successfully developing strategies to attract skilled employees, retain them over the long term, and create an appealing work environment. More than 300 ATE BrakeCenters applied for the inaugural ATE Smart Awards.
ATE BrakeCenter: 120 Years of Brake Expertise for Workshops
ATE is one of Germany’s oldest automotive brands and is celebrating its 120th anniversary this year. Continental acquired the company in 1998; following the spin-off of Continental’s former Automotive group sector, the ATE brand is now part of AUMOVIO. ATE BrakeCenters are a key component of the ATE brand and provide a modular program for independent workshops. Participating businesses can offer customers all the benefits of an independent workshop while also benefiting from a partnership with a strong, well-known brand - from high-quality branded replacement parts to first-hand brake and repair expertise. It is a compelling concept for workshops and end customers alike, as work on brake systems currently accounts for approximately one-third of all workshop costs.
The winners are:
“E-Mobility” category:
Germany: Auto Böhler, Bruchsal
Austria: KFZ Brandstetter, Artstetten
Poland: AutoInterus, Warsaw
Italy: Officina Naddeo, Padua
Spain: Izquierdos Motor , Tacoronte, Tenerife
“Recruiting & Retaining Employees” category:
Germany: Auto Busch & Hartmann, Wiesenbronn
Austria: Haider ATB, Tragwein
Switzerland: Garagen Casutt, Gossau
Poland: Morela Serwis Samochodowy, Lomianki
Italy: AC Service, Santa Giusta
Spain: Automoción Miraflores, Zaragoza
“Sustainability” category:
Germany: Schalk Tuning, Hettstedt
Austria: KFZ Christian Jäger, Altenmarkt
Switzerland: Dorf-Garage Keller, Erlen
Poland: Carzona, Rybnik
Italy: G.P. di Pacelli Giuseppe, Pagani
Spain: AJ Motors Iurretta, Iurretta
“Digitalization & Artificial Intelligence” category:
Germany: Autoservice Kaiser, Leipzig
Austria: KFZ Brandstetter, Artstetten
Poland: Slusarczyk, Tarnow
Italy: Autoriparazioni Ciampa, Collegno
Spain: Izan Tailerrak, Etxebarri
“Best ATE BrakeCenter Australia”
Southern BM, Moorabbin
Prestige & Performance, Melbourne
Euro Technik, Perth
German Auto, Victoria
Anthony Costello Motors, Canberra
Peter Lennox Automotive, Thomastown
Ilona Tzudnowski
Media Spokesperson, Automotive Operations & Technology
+49 69 7603-2093