In the classic car market, there's a trend towards viewing classic cars as investments and valuable
assets. This is mostly due to their limited availability, which drives up their value. Additionally,
classic cars tend to gain value faster than other investment options. At the same time,
maintaining a classic car requires ongoing investment in regular maintenance. You cannot leave
it in a garage and let it collect dust for years. In general, there's a growing demand for classic
cars. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly influenced the market, with more car lovers
exploring online platforms for buying, selling vehicles, and connecting with each other.
- What are some of the challenges and opportunities that the COVID-19 pandemic has
brought to your business?
There has been a significant shift towards online purchasing and selling. But we noticed
increased competition, as businesses now compete globally and not just locally. Move to online
platforms has transformed how businesses interact with customers. Before, people saw these
platforms as something additional, but now, they're an essential part of searching for selling or
buying a classic car. As a result, businesses have had to adapt their strategies to effectively
connect with customers digitally.
- How do you cope with the competition from other online platforms and dealers?
We focus on bringing in modern technologies and strategies to Dyler. I have another project
called Coingate, a cryptocurrency payment processor, where I can see what strategies are
effective and can apply them to Dyler. We also focus on creating special and exclusive content.
For example, our blog features articles and interviews with famous figures in the car industry.
This content attracts significant interest and helps us to stand out from competitors.
- What are some of the features and services that make Dyler.com stand out from the rest?
First of all, Dyler offers free listings. Unlike competitors who charge fees or commissions for a
car sold, we don’t require any payment to list a car. We've also incorporated AI-generated
descriptions for listings, streamlining the process of publishing a car ad. By simply answering a
few questions, the description is automatically created.
- How do you promote and market your website to attract more buyers and sellers?
As an online platform, SEO is crucial. You have to pay attention to what your customers search
for, how they interact with your website and how your website performs from a technical
perspective. At the same time, traditional strategies remain relevant. Social media continues to
play a significant role. Additionally, we actively seek partnerships, like with Defenders for Sale.
Some collaborations may involve our affiliate shop, offering classic car enthusiasts related
products, for example, posters or gloves. We're also seeking partnerships to create exclusive
content for our blog. Building a network of partners is important in niche markets.
- What are some of the goals and plans you have for the future of Dyler.com?
In 2022, we launched the German version of Dyler, followed by the release of Dyler for Italy this
January. We see great potential in local markets. When users visit a website and use it in their
own language, with cars available in their region, they are more likely to stay engaged. For
example, someone in Spain searching for a Porsche 911 would prefer to see cars located nearby
rather than in the USA. We're considering expanding to other regions, such as Dyler Spain or
Dyler Netherlands. Additionally, we're exploring the possibility of adding auctions into our
platform. Auctions are popular among classic car enthusiasts for their simplicity, reliability, and
potential for higher final prices.
- What are some of your favorite classic cars and why?
As for classic cars, I’m consistent and believe that BMW M1 would be my ultimate dream.
Strangely, I’m fond of the Lamborghini LM002 - basically the first-ever luxury carmaker’s SUV
from the 1980s. From the interwar period, I’m fond of the Hispano-Suiza design. All of these
gems are above my budget, but it’s always an eye-catcher to see them.
- Do you own any classic cars yourself? If so, what are they and how often do you drive
them?
BMW M6 was my childhood poster hero. I took the cheapest possible version in 2014 and got a
rusted 1984 BMW M6 from Germany. Luckily, it was at rock-bottom prices for such cars back
in 2014, and it has now increased fourfold in price. Also, I got involved in the restoration
process, which took nearly 8 years and cost more than the car itself when I bought it. It’s a shark-
nosed, Achatgrun BMW M6 with Alpina wheels. I have a feeling for BMWs, and there’s always
a special model in any particular timeframe; so for the 90s, it was the BMW 8 series. I think it’s
the pinnacle of technology in the 90s and a reinvention of the car itself. One’s got to love such an
attitude. I have an Alpina B12 with a 5.0 V12 engine from that timeline, only 97 of these were
produced, with mine having an 8th badge. Currently in our possession, we have an 80s
Mercedes-Benz Gelandewagen, 1984 to be exact. We took it from one of the Dyler dealers, and
it used to be an airport car to scare birds. Our mission was to go through the Budapest-Bamako
rally with it: an 8,000 km journey from Europe to the Atlas Mountains, Sahara Desert, and sub-
Saharan continent; which we completed successfully in 2018. Very poor selection on engine size
and fuel type (2 litre's, petrol), but we have many fond memories with it.
- What are some of the hobbies and interests you enjoy outside of work?
I have a solid track record in endurance races: competed in Ironmans, did a handful of marathons
and various ultraruns. Currently I spend my leisure time exploring a topic which was always in
my interest - philosophy. Other than that my biggest project so far - daughter, takes most of my
free time.
- Do you have any advice or tips for aspiring entrepreneurs or classic car enthusiasts?
My main tip is to be brave and take bold steps. Even if things don't go as planned, every
experience is valuable. Don't fear making mistakes — it’s part of the learning process.
Additionally, it's crucial to stay proactive and keep an eye on what is going on in the world, so
that you can adapt to changes effectively.
We hope you enjoyed this interview as much as we did. Stay tuned for more exciting content
from Defenders for Sale Spain, and don't forget to check out dyler.com
for your next classic car
purchase or sale.
Thank you for reading!