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In addition to the (paper) report which can be ordered above via an order form, the AUMACON Garage Formula Top-40 is also available in Excel and/or pdf. Interested? Email for rates and other questions to backoffice@aumacon.nl and preview the sample Excel file in advance. The Excel file (Edition 2025) contains no fewer than 4,529 establishments.
See here for an impression of the National Garage Formula Event 2024.
The National Garage Formula Event 2026 will be held on Tuesday 1 September 2026 at Dauphine Amsterdam.
Edition 2025:
Higher requirements, staff shortage and succession perspective main causes
Universal formulas are stagnating in their branch growth. The fact that the total number of formula members is still growing significantly is solely due to the rapid development of a number of supporting formulas, for which admission is considerably easier.
It now seems that many universal formulas have shifted their focus to quality management. Moreover, many garage businesses are limited in their development by staff shortages or lack of business succession; business closures tend to have this as the reason. Financial causes occur only sporadically. Given the favourable market conditions, there is currently little reason for still unattached garage owners to join a formula.
In the Netherlands, 20 formulas belong to the 'universal' category, 18 formulas can be labelled 'supportive', of which 2 formulas focus primarily on lubricant sales, 6 formulas are brand-oriented, 6 tyre formulas, 2 leasing formulas and 2 technology formulas focused on car companies.
Together, the Dutch garage formulas now have 4,529 participants. Ten years ago, in 2015, the number of formula members was only just under 2,500 companies.
Plenty of movement
The 10 largest formulas saw their combined number of participants increase by 6 per cent in the past year. That increase is above the overall increase of 2 per cent. Incidentally, the overall figure is affected by the repositioning of the AutoProfijt formula, which still had 173 branches in 2024, but this year - after reorganising its membership - will end up with only 70 branches.
Meanwhile, 18 formulas have passed the 'magic' limit of 100 branches, claiming national coverage. The status of 'national coverage' is important when one wants to offer services to, for instance, leasing companies that operate nationwide.
Bosch Car Service was by far the largest formula for years. Since last year, the supporting in-house formula, Bosch Workshop partner, has taken over. Vakgarage follows in third place. 15 formulas recorded fewer than 50 participants; most of these smaller formulas lead a stable existence and only sporadically record changes in the number of branches.
The first copy of Edition 2025 was presented at the National Garage Formula Event in Amsterdam to this year's fastest, universal grower: Vakgarage - a formula of aftermarket supplier LKQ.
AUMACON director Clem Dickmann commented: "Vakgarage is one of the oldest formulas on the Dutch market. Consistent efforts have been made over the years to develop the formula and they have long been among the Top-10 formulas in the Netherlands. Vakgarage has now grown to 359 branches whose members report stable, high satisfaction in the annual Bovag/Rosa survey. That this formula still manages to achieve the greatest progression in the number of branches in the stagnating formula market is therefore downright remarkable."
Ton Sieljes, formula manager of Autovakmeester - last year's winner - presented the first copy of the new Top-40 report to ChrisJan Lammerts, marketing manager of Vakgarage Nederland. The presentation took place on 2 September 2025 in Dauphine Amsterdam and was made with the cooperation of BNR Nieuwsradio.
[Photo caption:] The first copy of the AUMACON Garage Formula Top-40 Edition 2025 is received by ChrisJan Lammerts (left) of Vakgarage, from the hands of Ton Sieljes of Autovakmeester- last year's winner.
Sponsor partners
For the realisation of this fourteenth edition, AUMACON cooperated with six high-quality sponsor partners: Bovemij, Marktplaats, Michelin, OOMT, Tyres-On and VWE Automotive. Bovag, VASS, Kentenkenloket.nl, Brembo and Aftersalesmagazine also contributed to this issue.
About the AUMACON Garage Formula Top-40
The AUMACON Garage Formula Top-40 aims to provide an independent and complete picture of chain formation in the Dutch market for universal car maintenance. The formulas acting in it are described in a 226-page (bound) report that helps market players and other stakeholders gain insight into this rapidly changing sector. The new research report not only presents an overview of each formula's business and management data, but also includes a complete overview of all participants; a total of 4,529 companies. For each of those participants, as much additional information as possible has been added, such as dealerships, brand specialisations and other info, such as nominations for industry awards. For each formula, participation conditions are also included, providing insight into the membership fees and requirements for joining.
Within the range of garage formula, six clusters can be distinguished. Universal franchise formulas - often driven by the parts sector - are the most common form. There are also 18 formulas that focus primarily on certain car brands or submarkets (such as information, leasing, car tyres or lubricants). The complete report can be ordered from aumacon.nl.
Amsterdam/Leiden, 2 September 2025
