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GMP Performance was founded in Charlotte, North Carolina in 1975. We specialize in performance upgrades and service for German cars.
What changes: today this story, the mission statement, every shop description and the full team list sit on one long page with no headings Google can read. Here it is organized, and each shop's details also live on its own location page.
We are known as a specialist in German automotive enhancements, tailoring current model vehicles with custom wheel and tire packages, sport suspension and exhaust, engine power upgrades and interior appointments.
The company has grown into a routine maintenance and repair facility, an installation specialist, a national reseller, and an international importer and exporter of the industry's most respected brands.
We have a motorsports mentality in everything we do and make sure cars are ready for the track, even if they are only being driven down the street.
Each of our three shops is fully air conditioned and heated, lit with bright LEDs, and fitted with Rotary lifts custom ordered with 3 inch puck pads that lift at the pinch welds and fit the lowest cars. Every shop has a waiting lounge with bar-top work stations, couches and oversized chairs.
Our top priority is to deliver a professional experience in a passionate environment to the German automotive enthusiast, for the street and at the track, by providing service, upgrades, detailing, track support and storage.
GMP Performance mission statementFrom a Rabbit carburetor adapter to three shops in two states.
Born in the former East Germany, Joe comes to the United States as a machinist and starts running autocrosses and hillclimbs in a Triumph Spitfire and a BMW 2002.
Joe and Claudia Klitzsch start Deutsche Motoren und Teile, "German Motors and Parts," supplying German car enthusiasts with parts from home.
On Mother's Day Joe buys a 1975 VW Rabbit as a daily driver. His carburetor adapter for it sells by the dozen, and the car becomes the test bed for GMP's first catalog.
GMP races the Bilstein Cup, joins the 1985 VW Caravan as one of three tuners picked by VW North America, and forms Zender North America to import German aero.
Joe and Claudia's son Stephen joins after college and relaunches GMP Performance for retail, partnering with APR for ECU upgrades.
GMP becomes a corporate partner in Michelin's custom performance program, followed by speedART USA in 2004 and Kleemann by 2008.
Stephen wins Rookie of the Year and the NASA Southeast GTS3 championship in the company Audi S3. GMP adds a 53 foot multi-car hauler for track support.
Service manager Quentin Boatright joins, adding factory-interval maintenance and pickup and delivery in a custom 24 foot enclosed trailer.
Charlotte's warehouse becomes a showroom with racing simulators and vertical car storage. In September, the Mooresville shop opens.
In October, GMP opens in Peachtree City with store manager Paul Brooker, a longtime partner from APR.
GMP celebrates its 50th anniversary at the original Charlotte shop on May 24, 2025.
Each one shares the same standards and equipment, with its own personality.
Our passion started at High Performance Driving Events, where seasoned instructors ride along on closed road courses. We support events hosted by the Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche and VW car clubs and dedicated HPDE organizations.
We set up a paddock for our clients, check tire pressures, brake pads and rotors, and scan codes that pop up. A 24 foot enclosed trailer handles a single car and guests, and our 53 foot four-car hauler comes with an awning and lounge. We call it the bucket list track travel truck: a foursome sends their cars with us to renowned tracks and flies in to meet them.
Each shop has its own team. Call the one closest to you.
Phil SandlofStore Manager
Matt ZelieUpgrades Advisor
Drew McGovernUpgrades Advisor
Clara DeskinsService Advisor
Jason LeakeStore Manager
Jack MoynihanUpgrades Advisor
Corey BedorthaService Advisor
Paul BrookerStore Manager
Patrick AllenService Advisor
