Traditional shop Reifen-Lindert” in Thuringia closes after 100 years!

Traditional shop Reifen-Lindert” in Thuringia closes after 100 years!

In sad news for the tire industry in Thuringia, the traditional company “Reifen-Lindert” has ceased operations after more than 100 years. The last tire change took place on August 30, 2025, as the “Freie Wort” reports. Founded in 1923 by Wilhelm Lindert, the workshop has survived many turbulent times, including the war years and the privations of the GDR. Thomas Lindert, the last owner, succeeded him after the unexpected death of his cousin Andreas Lindert in 2024, without ever winning a championship title or having support.

“It's time to set off on new adventures,” says Thomas Lindert, who was unable to find a successor in the family because his daughter Lisa works as a nurse. External successors were also not found, which sealed the unity of the family business. “Reifen-Lindert” was an integral part of the region and helped many families get the tire changes they needed over the decades.

Continue the tradition

Another company that deals with tires in the region is “Reifen Lindinger”, founded in 1921 by Adolf Lindinger. With a newly designed homepage, the company presents itself as modern and customer-friendly. The emphasis here is on personal contact and a relationship of trust with customers. The range includes a wide range of tires and rims from well-known manufacturers, including price-conscious options. Specialist staff are available to customers during certain opening hours and will work to quickly source out-of-stock items, showing how important customer service is in the industry.

There are many more innovations in the tire world. Suppliers like Continental are continually working on innovative technologies to improve the user experience. In 1968, the first electronically controlled driverless car was used at the Contidrom test facility. The aim of these tests was to test tires under precisely defined conditions. Today the company develops intelligent tires that fit seamlessly into the new smart vehicles. These technologies include the Continental C.A.R.E™ prototype, which monitors tire pressure and temperature and alerts you to damage. So you can see that the tire industry is anything but standing still.

The farewell to “Tire-Lindert”

With the closure of the family business “Reifen-Lindert”, an era in the region ends. The customer base, which has grown over generations, will miss the personal care and family atmosphere. The last tire change, a symbolic act for many loyal customers, will probably be remembered for a long time.

In times when large companies dominate the market, it is important to appreciate the small businesses that often form the backbone of the community. It remains to be hoped that the tradition of tire craftsmanship will live on through the remaining companies like “Reifen Lindinger”.