Our History
From the initial technical ideas to today's custom vehicle manufacturing: the history of BICKEL-TEC is characterised by craft expertise, continuous development and individual solutions for demanding requirements.
experience that goes beyond has grown over generations.
From our beginnings as a haulage company to an internationally recognised specialist for sophisticated vehicle manufacturing: discover the most important milestones in our history.
The beginning
Karl Bickel founds Karl Bickel KG in Rheinau-Helmlingen, a haulage company with an affiliated coal trade.
Establishment of Bickel-Tuning GmbH
Bickel-Tuning GmbH is established. It quickly becomes the expert for tuning solutions of all kinds for Audi and VW.
Specialisation in commercial vehicles
Specialisation in the construction and assembly of topsleeper high roofs for trucks and the distribution of commercial vehicle accessories.
The first race truck
Construction of the first race truck for the European Truck Racing Championship.
European Champion and World runner-up
Managing Director Gerd Körber becomes European Champion and World Championship runner-up in the premier truck-racing class with the Bickel-Tuning self-build Phoenix/MAN. Three further titles follow until the end of his career in 2008.
New paint shop
Construction of the new paint shop for commercial and special vehicles. Quality in vehicle construction and painting opens the door to the global market.
Collaboration with DAF
Enquiry from DAF Eindhoven for the construction and support of race trucks for the European Championship.
Podium finishes for DAF
Second and third place for DAF in the European Truck Racing Championship.
Business expansion
Integration of Karl Bickel KG into Bickel-Tuning GmbH. Foundation of Bickel-Logistics GmbH in Trier.
Truck racing with IVECO
Gerd Körber has been recruited by IVECO Germany as technical support and driver for the truck racing project and regularly competes in European Championship races in an IVECO.
Strategic realignment
Sale of Bickel-Logistics GmbH and Bickel-Lagerlogistik in Trier.
Expansion of vehicle manufacturing
By acquiring Thorry Metalltechnik GmbH in Achern-Fautenbach, we are expanding our vehicle construction business sector with a specialisation in platform bodies for a gross vehicle weight of 18 to 32 tonnes.
Internationally recognised
The internationally recognised BICKEL-TEC GmbH employs 45 members of staff with an annual turnover of 4.2 million euros.
Expansion and certification
Extension of an additional paint shop. Certification to ISO 9001:2015 by TÜV Süd. Successful initial assessment according to ETG 2 on behalf of Daimler Trucks by SNCH Luxembourg.
Further quality standards
Certification in accordance with DIN EN ISO 3834-2:2006 and DIN EN 1090-2:2018, EXC. 2 by DVS ZERT.
Certified transport security
Certified friction coefficient and lashing point calculations in accordance with VDI 2700, Sheet 14 and DIN EN 12195-1 by the Research Centre for Transport and Logistics for the transport surfaces of the body platform and the semi-trailer. Redesign of the homepage.
Experience as a basis for tailored solutions.
Vehicle construction, metalworking, paintwork and decades of practical experience still form the basis for sophisticated custom solutions today.