German Auto Trade Groups Clash Over Sweeping ZDK Reforms and Dues Dispute
The Zentralverband Deutsches Kraftfahrzeuggewerbe (ZDK) has pushed through sweeping reforms to its statutes, aiming to bring greater transparency and clearer leadership. Tensions with the Zentralverband des Kraftfahrzeughandwerks (ZVK) have escalated, with both sides now locked in a dispute over membership dues and organisational control.
The changes, adopted in January, mark a sharp break from past practices, including an end to shared governance and a restructuring of how workshops join the association.
Under the new rules, the ZDK has scrapped the previous system of guaranteed mandates for the ZVK in its governing bodies. Instead, one seat should now be reserved for a representative from craft leadership, though this is no longer a fixed requirement. The reforms also enforce a strict separation between the two organisations, eliminating overlapping personnel in decision-making roles.
The ZDK has accused the ZVK of creating a 'deliberately engineered scenario' to force a split. The dispute intensified after the ZVK demanded 95% of the ZDK's existing membership dues, prompting the ZDK to revise its fee structure. In response, the ZVK has signalled plans for legal action.
To prevent workshops from becoming isolated if their state associations withdraw, the ZDK has introduced direct pathways for them to join the Bonn headquarters. The association also plans to increase outreach in affected regions, explaining the reasons and potential consequences of any withdrawal.
Internally, the ZDK is refocusing its committees to act solely as advisory bodies, while granting exclusive spokesperson rights to its leadership. This move aims to prevent conflicting public statements. President Thomas Peckruhn and CEO Jürgen Hasler have framed the changes as necessary to reflect 'industry realities' and improve transparency.
Personnel decisions will now be made through the membership assembly, giving established industry figures a clearer route to leadership positions. The reforms come at a time when relations between the two associations have reached a critical point.
The ZDK's overhaul removes long-standing ties with the ZVK and tightens control over its own governance. Workshops now have new options to maintain affiliation, while the dues dispute remains unresolved. Legal challenges from the ZVK could further shape how the reforms are implemented in the coming months.
