Forstinger plans expansion after returning to profit

Forstinger, an Austrian car accessories chain that became insolvent in 2023, expects a clearly positive operating result in 2026 and plans to expand its network of shops and workshops, Austrian broadcaster ORF reported. The company is seeking car dealerships without successors to convert into new locations.

The company, based in Tulln, Lower Austria, said its restructuring plan was producing lasting results. It reported losses last year but expects a surplus this year.

“Our consistent focus on cars, workshop services and transparent fixed-price offers has proved absolutely right,” managing director Rudolf Bayer said in a statement.

The workshop division developed particularly strongly and became a key growth driver. Services accounted for 8 percent of revenue two years ago and now make up 18 percent, according to Forstinger. The company attributed the increase to its combination of accessories, spare parts and specialist workshop services.

Repair work, oil and tyre services, and §57a inspections have recorded significant growth, the company said. Customers’ growing awareness of costs has also boosted demand.

Forstinger plans to optimise and expand its shop and workshop network using car dealerships measuring between 700 and 1,000 square metres, preferably under rental agreements. Their showrooms would be converted into shops, with two to four workstations authorised to carry out §57a inspections at each location.

The company said it had already successfully implemented the concept at three locations, including former car dealerships in Neukirchen and Baden and a closed-down business in Vienna’s Floridsdorf district.

Forstinger generated revenue of around 75 million euros in 2025 and employed more than 400 people across Austria. It operated 69 shops and 68 specialist workshops, according to the company.