News
2012
The new age of driver services is here 2
MotorCenter services at the core of a driver’s daily life
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MotorCenter Avia – a landmark you simply cannot pass
6-7 Company interviews with Schmiedmann and Autoasi 8 Investor’s voice: Fennia 9 We build MotorCenters throughout Finland!
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MotorCenter services at the core of a driver’s daily life TEXT HELI SATULI IMAGE JANNE LEHTINEN
At YIT’s MotorCenters, the leading operators of their respective fields are ready to serve drivers at a single ”pit stop” along drivers’ daily routes. For companies in the after-market of car business, this is about effective business premises, tailored to suit the company’s needs, and a nice flow of customers. 2
Schmiedmann, a service company specialising in spare parts, tuning and maintenance for BMWs, has launched operations in new premises at MotorCenter Konala.
Inspection, service and repair shop services for drivers are often located far away from drivers’ daily business routes and commute routes. Finding services requires stress coping skills, petrol and most of all, the thing that most people never have enough at their disposal – time. YIT MotorCenters are a revolution in time management for active drivers. Now all the services drivers need are available along their daily route, under the same roof.
Center has a comprehensive set of services, where vehicles are taken care of thoroughly, covering inspection, repair, accessories and the “maintenance” of drivers. The services form an extensive, appealing package where companies do not compete against each other, but mutually strengthen each other’s appeal. This ensures that the utilisation rate of the premises is high.
with its customers at all project stages, from planning to the grand opening and marketing. The design of the premises always accounts for the special features of the local residents and community. Premises are customised to match the customer company’s preferences. This ensures that the services are optimal for all parties. Several new centers in planning
Customised solutions Location ensures success YIT always specifies MotorCenter locations very carefully. The main criteria are major traffic flows, good connections, a sufficient number of customers, and a location that is easy to reach. In addition, it must be possible to cost-efficiently implement the premises. Large convenience goods stores must be located near by. The companies in the premises are also selected carefully. Each Motor-
In MotorCenter projects, YIT is responsible for the entire project – finding the site, selecting the partners, constructing the business premises, and selling the concept. In each project, YIT contributes its solid know-how of the Finnish market, customers, and the required functions of business premises. Effective processes, sufficient resources and solid competence ensure that the budget and schedules are followed. YIT engages in close cooperation
The success of the existing MotorCenters has surpassed the expectations of YIT and its partners. The combination of vehicle maintenance and active recreational services and products have turned out to be a real success story – and the strong growth continues. In addition to the Metropolitan Area, the focus will also be on other growth centers in the next few years. The concept is continuously improved with partners. YIT is leading the way to a better daily life for active drivers. 3
MotorCenter Avia: a landmark you simply cannot pass TEXT HELI SATULI IMAGE AKI RASK
At MotorCenter Avia, completed at a crossing in Vantaa, business is booming. It is a recent example of a full-service paradise for drivers. The fame of Tuusulanväylä as the heart of the car trade, combined with Avia’s diverse services and good location make MotorCenter a landmark you simply cannot pass.
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Vantaa’s first MotorCenter was opened at the crossing of Tikkurilantie and Niittytie in summer 2012. The modern premises (2,800 square metres) of MotorCenter Avia have everything active drivers need: car inspection, maintenance, repair and wash. Leading brands are there, such as Autoasiworkshop, K1 inspection station, Rengasmaailma and Tuulilasivarikko. MotorCenter Avia is also home to many special stores such as the small accessory logistics professional Würth, the special exhaust pipe fitter Euro
Stainless, and Dunlop Hiflex, which specialises in hydraulics, pneumatics, and hoses. Two excellent target groups MotorCenter Avia has all the features of a successful business venue: the location, visibility, good public transport connections, and competent, diverse and friendly services. The exceptionally wide customer base is also the main strength of MotorCenter Avia. The center has two excellent target groups. In addition to private car drivers, MotorCenter Avia serves car dealers operating in the area because the center is located right next to Tuusulanväylä’s well-known car dealing area.
Located where the action is Located along Ring III, MotorCenter Avia is easy to reach by customers, employees, goods suppliers and distributors. It is easy to stop by the MotorCenter on the way home, both when driving and using public transport. The nearby Koivuhaka shopping center has comprehensive convenience goods services. The strong enterprise centers of the Koivuhaka and Aviapolis areas are also located in the area. MotorCenter Avia is already the second new age service center for car drivers, implemented with property investor Tapiola. The first MotorCenter in Vantaa has been warmly received by customers, and business is booming. Avia’s appeal also benefits the center’s less known new companies for which the consistent external look of MotorCenter and the strong brands provide support and backbone.
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Schmiedmann
”MotorCenter is the fifth gear to our corporate growth” TEXT HELI SATULI IMAGE JANNE LEHTINEN
Schmiedmann, which has operated in Finland for about two-and-a-half years, is a service company specialising in BMW spare parts, tuning and maintenance. When Toni Kärkkäinen, the CEO of Schmiedmann Finland, heard of the MotorCenter being planned in Konala, Helsinki, he knew that was the place to go. “The MotorCenter concept was appealing and the location was perfect for us. We had been looking for new, bigger premises for a long time and they really matched our needs and helped us to meet our customer demand. Schmiedmann, with head6
quarters in Denmark, has an online store with more than 320,000 BMW spare parts, but maintenance and personal service are a pivotal part of the business. Kärkkäinen especially praises the functionality of the new business location in MotorCenter.
Schmiedmann has operated in MotorCenter Konala for a short time only but the results indicate that the move was worth it. In fact, in the next few years, the company’s plan is to expand its service location selection beyond Ring III.
“The premises fully cater to our needs. The storage space there is about four times bigger than that in our previous premises, and the number of maintenance spots increased to three. We also got four-wheel alignment equipment for maintenance, as there has been a high demand for the equipment.”
“We’ve had an excellent start. Our customers have found our new location easily, and the location also appeals to new customers. We expect a busy autumn, and good growth in net sales through the success story of MotorCenter,” says Kärkkäinen.
Autoasi
”Now I can kick back and focus on my business” TEXT HELI SATULI IMAGE JANNE LEHTINEN
MotorCenter Avia’s excellent location, well-functioning premises and a reliable lessor are a package which inspired Mika Wihinen, repair shop entrepreneur of the Autoasi chain, to switch business premises. “Our previous business location was a great success, but Vantaa’s MotorCenter provided a superior combo. I knew right away that this location would be a customer magnet. The relocation decision paid off. The center was completed on schedule, and it is easy to serve customers at the tidy,
well-functioning premises. And there really has been a good customer flow,” says Wihinen. The entire chain (250 repair shops) has grown rapidly in recent years. Autoasi repair shops send out a clear message: you can also have your car serviced at a postmarket repair shop instead of a brand-specific repair shop. The MotorCenter concept is the perfect match to delivering the message. The Autoasi chain, a leading repair shop chain in Finland, is included
in the Avia center and all other MotorCenters too. Wihinen only has positive comments on the cooperation with YIT. “The people at YIT make good on their word. They adhere to schedules and keep their promises. In addition, Tapiola’s reputation as a reliable lessor is important to me. MotorCenter means that I can relax and focus on increasing the net sales of my company and plan the future with confidence.”
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”Premises already fully leased before the kickoff” TEXT HELI SATULI IMAGE FENNIA
Insurance company Henki-Fennia, part of the Fennia group familiar to entrepreneurs, is a property investor in MotorCenter Konala. Owned by its insurance customers, HenkiFennia was assured of MotorCenter’s appeal. There are two clear reasons for this. “First of all, there was a real demand for this kind of concept in Finland. For the first time, MotorCenter systematically gathers driver and motorist services under the same roof. Secondly, the location is perfect,” says Timo Rantala, Head of Real Estate Investments at Fennia. Fennia group is a major Finnish property owner. In addition to flats, 8
the company is the owner of about 220,000 square metres of office, business and storage space. Rantala points out that careful risk surveying at the purchasing stage is important because property investments are about long-term commitment to Fennia. All locations must meet the same strict profit and responsibility criteria. “We select our partners extra carefully. The developer must be reliable and innovative so that we can meet the environmental goals specified for the location. Also in this regard, cooperation with YIT was an easy choice.” Rantala says that MotorCenters are a prime example of a concept which
only YIT and its network is capable of implementing in Finland. “YIT has the skill to build, maintain and manage property, and the know-how to predict future trends in different sectors. In addition, YIT has a real handle on project conceptualisation, marketing and sales.” Rantala points out that investing in a new commercial center always involves risks. It is totally usual that not all premises are rented by the kickoff day. “MotorCenter Konala was at full capacity at the construction stage. This demonstrates YIT’s skills and the strong concept.”
We build MotorCenters throughout Finland! Rovaniemi
MotorCenters provide know-how and synergy benefits to customers and companies. They are motorists’ service centers where the customer has access to comprehensive services, from vehicle inspections to repairs and tyre changes. Each company focuses on its own core competence, and the division of work between the companies is carefully considered.
Kemi
Oulu
Companies engaged in motoring and active leisure products and services are particularly being sought for premises. Seinäjoki
We create success stories – is your company in?
Jyväskylä Mikkeli
Tampere
For more information, visit yitgroup.com/motorcenters
Lappeenranta
Kouvola
Turku
Hyvinkää Lohja Metropolitan Area
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YIT: 100 years of experience and an international approach YIT is a leading European service company in building systems, construction services and services for industry. We serve customers with our 26,000 professionals in 14 countries in 450 locations in the Nordic countries, Central Europe, Russia and the Baltic countries. In 2011, YIT’s premises revenue exceeded EUR 4.5 billion. In Finland, YIT has about 10,000 employees, and YIT is one of Finland’s leading private employers. YIT celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2012. The company was established in the Grand Duchy of Finland in 1912. In the course of decades, YIT has become the leading construction company in Finland. The company has always been one step ahead in globalisation. Already more than 60% of YIT’s net sales are from outside Finland, and two out of three employees are based elsewhere than Finland. The company has a good position compared to its competitors in Finland and abroad. YIT wants to lead the way in creating and maintaining good living environments. Projects are always based on the customer’s preferences. We are constantly developing innovative solutions for energy efficiency, safety, technology, maintenance and construction. Energy saving and environmental friendliness are part of everything we do. YIT’s responsibility is proven in our daily actions and results. In summer 2012, the company was selected as the most responsible summertime employer in Finland for the second time. We invest in staff competence, and our code of conduct guides the action of all our employees. You can always rely on YIT operations and the quality of our products.
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Interested? YIT’s MotorCenter specialists will be happy to give you more details:
Metropolitan Area
Metropolitan Area
Uusimaa
Juha Mustakangas 040 356 7023 juha.mustakangas@yit.fi
Anna Rauramo 050 560 0282 anna.rauramo@yit.fi
Eljas Liila 050 560 8823 eljas.liila@yit.fi
Southeast Finland
Northern Finland
Tero Huusko 040 844 9744 tero.huusko@yit.fi
Ari Loukkola 050 560 1403 ari.loukkola@yit.fi
Metropolitan Area Project Development
Uusimaa Project Development
Southeast Finland Project Development
Tero Aaltonen 040 839 9833 tero.aaltonen@yit.fi
Mikko Pätynen 040 711 0184 mikko.patynen@yit.fi
Juha Keiski 040 519 0183 juha.keiski@yit.fi
n i o J
us!
® BMW specialist
Central Finland, Ostrobohtnia Timo Orjala 0400 469 776 timo.orjala@yit.fi
Southwest Finland Ville Vehviläinen 050 581 0710 ville.vehvilainen@yit.fi
motonet
JJJ Jamine Oy autonhoito
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YIT Constructions Ltd Business Premises P.O. Box 36 (Panuntie 11), 00621 Helsinki Tel. +358 20 433 111 yitgroup.com/businesspremises