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Forum of the BCMD: Drive of the Future – and Selection of the Chauffeur of the Year
The sponsors and partners of the event welcomed the participants with a small fleet of cars outside the gates of the venue at the small private airport in Egelsbach near Frankfurt. Toyota presented the Mirai with hydrogen drive, a Lexus ES 300, and the LM, a luxury van which a YouTuber recently declared to be "more luxurious than a private jet." According to their own statements, Europcar, as the main sponsor, wanted to present "something different" and chose the gigantic electric SUV Kia EV 9 and an electric sedan from the brand Lucid. Joachim Flämig from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles arrived with the new VW Caravelle as an 8-9 seater with a long wheelbase ("unfortunately only in white and with ugly rims" - original quote from Flämig). We from taxi today were present with our current VW test vehicle, the ID.BUZZ GTX, to complete the fleet.
The eighth forum of the Federal Association of Chauffeur and Rental Car Companies also offered an interesting session on the topic of drive technology. In the discussion about the right drive, representatives from the car manufacturers Toyota and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (VWN) as well as experienced operators of alternative drives, Dirk Holl and Thomas Mohnke, exchanged ideas. Frank Still from Toyota presented his company's four-drive strategy: full hybrid, plug-in hybrid, battery-electric, and hydrogen-electric. Joachim Flämig from VWN emphasized that VW relies on a broad technological base with the multitraction platform of the new Caravelle. However, Flämig highlighted the advantages of diesel, especially for customers in the commercial vehicle sector who depend on long ranges and powerful drives.
Thomas Mohnke emphasized that hydrogen is only a viable solution for commercial passenger transporters if at least two hydrogen filling stations are available near the company headquarters. The lack of infrastructure became a decisive obstacle for Dirk Holl: After the only hydrogen filling station in his region was closed, he had no choice but to sell his vehicles.
Holl now relies on electric vehicles, but pointed out that the operating costs of an electric car are currently about 15 percent higher than those of a diesel model. Despite this economic challenge, there was consensus in the discussion that the decarbonization of transport is unstoppable. Synthetic fuels and HVO 100 were met with skepticism accordingly. “The change in thinking must start in the mind,” Flämig advised the listeners.
Award for Outstanding Chauffeurs: Commitment and Experience Honored
The highlight of the diverse theme day was the honoring of the "Chauffeur of the Year." Ralph Zoberbier, an independent entrepreneur with many years of experience, secured the first place. He was followed by Jochen Mayer, board driver at SOKA-BAU, and Sebastian Betz, who works as a mini-jobber at a member company.
Ralph Zoberbier: Passion for the Profession
For 13 years, Zoberbier has been running his own chauffeur service with great conviction. After more than three decades as an engineer and project manager in the telecommunications industry, he decided to start anew in the premium segment of the limousine service. He sees his joy in dealing with people and his confident demeanor as essential foundations of his success. His goal is to continuously improve his service and to compete with the best in the industry.
Jochen Mayer: Experience and Professionalism
Jochen Mayer brings over 25 years of experience in the chauffeur and limousine service industry. He began his career in 1992 with a local knowledge test in Berlin and worked for a long time as an independent driver before taking a position as a board driver. Discretion, safe driving, and the highest level of service are essential for him. Through regular driver safety training and continuing education, he ensures that he can also act confidently in challenging traffic situations. He sees the award as recognition of his many years of work and motivation to continue ensuring the highest standards.
Sebastian Betz: Flexibility and Commitment
As a backup chauffeur at globalmobility and a permanent employee at FraPort, Betz sees himself not just as a driver but as a reliable companion for his passengers. Flexibility, dedication, and a strong service understanding distinguish him. He draws his motivation from the appreciation he offers to his customers—and which he also wishes for his work. In addition to the driving activity, he takes on additional tasks to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey for his passengers.
The recognition of these three chauffeurs highlights how diverse the profession is. Whether as an independent entrepreneur, employed board driver, or flexible assistant—each contributes in their own way to the quality and reliability of the industry.
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