As the tradition goes, MEKO recognises excellence within the organisation at its annual Awards ceremony. For 2023, BilXtra, Mekonomen Company, and Sørensen og Balchen were awarded for impressive strides and notable achievements. “MEKO is proud of its resilience even in tougher times and is keen to celebrate this,” said Anders Oxelström, Director of Communications.
Before Christmas, MEKO arranged its annual management conference in the outskirts of Stockholm, gathering people from across its branches in Northern Europe. As many times before, a particular emphasis was put on the prestigious awards ceremony, celebrating operational, organizational, and commercial excellence within the group.
This year, there were stand-out nominees in each category. In the end, however, Carl-Johan Åström, CEO of Mekonomen Company Sweden; Geir Hoff, CEO/Country Manager of Mekonomen Norway; and Morten Birkeland, CEO of Sørensen og Balchen, were called up to the stage to pick up the awards.
“For several years, their unwavering commitment to consistent execution on strategic goals has not only fostered substantial growth but has also significantly contributed to the enhanced profitability of our organization.
They exemplify excellence in driving initiatives that align seamlessly with our overarching strategy. Building on last year’s impressive results, they’re in the process of delivering further revenue growth and a solid margin that significantly contributes to the overall business area’s EBIT-margin for 2023.
Please join me in congratulating BilXtra within Mekonomen Company.”
“Their exemplary execution of a well-crafted plan, challenging the existing structure, hasn’t only led to enhanced profitability but has also set a new standard for strategic transformation. The team has demonstrated exceptional leadership in navigating change, fostering a resilient culture, and successfully steering the organization towards a more profitable future. They’re ready to hit a homerun in the next big leap.
Without further ado, let's applaud and recognize Mekonomen Company Norway.”
“Their bold decision to shift focus to new customer groups during challenging times has showcased remarkable courage. This pivotal shift has also been instrumental in reclaiming revenue growth and ensuring sustained profitability. This street-smart team has skilfully navigated this transition, demonstrating strategic wisdom and resilience in the face of change. Their commitment to adaptation and success makes them a standout candidate.”
In the spotlight today, we honor Sørensen og Balchen.”
It rolls more quietly, feels more modern, and promises simpler car ownership. But beneath the surface, a new government vehicle inspection report from Norway shows that electrification is not only changing how we drive—it is also changing how our cars wear and how they need to be maintained.
What if servicing a car were as natural to do yourself as replacing a light bulb? It sounds like a distant reality, but in 2025 students have shown that this could be a possible future. With the ambition to strengthen car owners’ full right to their vehicle—including the right to choose who performs service and repairs—students from Eindhoven University of Technology have developed ARIA (Anyone Repairs It Anywhere), a modular electric car designed to be repaired by the owner without specialized expertise.
In the workshop — among vehicle lifts, tires, batteries, and glowing service lights — the technicians of tomorrow face their greatest challenges. This is where MEKO strengthens its role as an educator and guide through an industry undergoing rapid change. With the launch of MEKO Academy, the Group brings all of its training initiatives together under one shared name, creating a center where knowledge, technology, and professional pride come together.