His CarTec Group is an empire where the precision of Bavarian automaker BMW, the aristocratic elegance of Rolls-Royce, and the sporting charm of Aston Martin vehicles converge under one roof. “Without the right drive inside you, you’ll never get anywhere,” says the straightforward man who has led his company to an annual turnover of €240 million. That passion, according to him, isn’t about money — it’s about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. And in Karel Kadlec’s case, it works. CarTec Group is not only the largest BMW dealer in the Czech Republic but also globally the most successful Rolls-Royce dealer. The company supplies vehicles of this brand to both Czech customers and clients worldwide. “Do you know about my first car sale?” he smiles, recalling the beginnings. “A friend of mine was over two meters tall and couldn’t find a car he would fit in. So I offered him a BMW. And since then, we’ve sold thousands.”
His face radiates the calm of someone who knows his life’s work stands on solid foundations. And he has reason for this. While other luxury car dealers often bet on ostentation, his philosophy has proven key. “We don’t need a showroom on Pařížská Street, like we once had. Those who want
a Rolls-Royce will find us. And they appreciate the privacy and peace they have with us,” he explains his perspective.
This strategy pays off, especially when it comes to cars with the RR monogram. “We’ve had the second most successful year,” states the owner with pride. “We again sold higher tens of units. For a brand that globally produces only a few thousand cars annually, it’s a success we’re proud of.”
Besides Rolls-Royce vehicles, BMW cars are also an important part of CarTec Group’s portfolio, where the company is the most successful dealer in the country. The sport-luxury portfolio is then complemented by Aston Martin, the iconic British manufacturer specializing exclusively in sports cars. “In a record short time of three months, we built a showroom and service facilities according to the brand’s strictest standards. For a name with such history and prestige, everything must be perfect. From day one,” he proudly describes. In the modern premises, clients can now choose from the complete model range, from the sporty Vantage through the luxurious DB12 to the top-tier twelve-cylinder Vanquish. “There’s still room for growth in our market,” he says confidently. “There are more and more people who can afford and want luxury.”
This mix of experience and enthusiasm is crucial at a time when the automotive industry is transforming. Karel Kadlec has a clear vision for this future and is preparing his company for an era when luxury will receive a new definition. “Our clients’ requirements change very slowly,” he explains. “We must move with the times, but we will never abandon what brought us to where we are, and that is a personal approach to each customer.”
Even as dealers of other brands transition to digital sales models, CarTec remains faithful to its core philosophy, which banks on personal relationships with clients under the motto The Difference Is in the Approach. “In our segment, you can’t sell cars like bread rolls,” he says firmly. “Our customers require more than clicking and buying. They want an experience and certainty. And that simply can’t be delivered through a screen.” With more than 1,600 new cars sold, a thousand used BMW vehicles sold in the past year, and a position as one of the leading Rolls-Royce dealers in the world, he could be satisfied. However, Karel Kadlec measures success differently. “The best advertisement? When a customer trusts you so much that they recommend you to their friends.”