35 years of Reichstein & Opitz: An anniversary for Jena!

35 years of Reichstein & Opitz: An anniversary for Jena!

There is reason to celebrate in the heart of Jena: The Reichstein & Opitz car dealership is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year. Founded in 1990 by two visionary entrepreneurs Wilfried Opitz and Traugott-Volker Reichstein, the company has developed from humble beginnings in the form of two wooden huts and a used car lot on Stadtrodaer Straße to become an integral part of the region. The decisive step into the future came with the conclusion of a Ford dealer agreement, which paved the way for the sale of new cars.

With a move to Amsterdamer Straße, the car dealership was able to record sustainable growth. Today Reichstein & Opitz operates locations in Jena, Apolda and Saalfeld and employs around 170 people. The offering ranges from new and used car sales to workshop services and mobility solutions. Managing directors Wilfried and Enrico Opitz emphasize how important the connection to the region and the loyalty of customers as well as team spirit are for the company's success.

Commitment to the region

To mark the anniversary, a fundraising campaign was launched, the proceeds of which will benefit the Jena Hospice and Palliative Foundation. But the car dealership's social commitment doesn't end there: the company also supports local sports clubs such as Science City Jena and FC Carl Zeiss Jena, as well as cultural events such as the KulturArena Jena. Another centerpiece of the commitment is the ASB’s “Wish Cart,” which fulfills special wishes for people in the final phase of their lives.

While Reichstein & Opitz continues to work on its success story, other companies in Thuringia are also in focus. The Baden-Württemberg family business Marquardt has expanded its production in Thuringia and is investing heavily in the production of battery management systems for electric cars. With a new production facility in the “Erfurter Kreuz” industrial area, the number of jobs is to be increased by 200 by 2025. CEO Harald Marquardt sees this step as a clear commitment to Germany as a location and to support electromobility, which is faced with major challenges due to structural change. This is also evident in the automotive industry, which is characterized by fundamental change.

Challenges of the automotive industry

Because the challenges are great: According to a report on the current economic situation in Germany, growth of only 0.3 percent is expected for 2025, after 1.1 percent was originally forecast. The Berlin Brandenburg business association warns of a possible minus and calls for an economic warning day to reduce bureaucracy and create more favorable conditions.

The transformation to electromobility is particularly important in the automotive industry, which employs around 52,000 people in the capital region. While some companies like Tesla are already fully committed to electric cars, others, like ZF, are still struggling to switch from combustion engine technology. These challenges also represent an opportunity for Thuringia when it comes to the future of the automotive industry.

The local commitment of companies like Reichstein & Opitz, which is characterized not only on an economic level but also by social responsibility, is a positive example at a time when it is necessary to shape the future while keeping the people in the region in mind. If you look into the future, digitalization, e-mobility and innovative service concepts are the keywords that are inextricably linked to successful development.

It is worth continuing to take a look at developments in the automotive industry in the region, as it becomes clear how important cohesion and commitment are to the community - both in theory and in practice.

For more information: Jena news, South German newspaper, RBB24.