The international partnership brings training in advanced diagnostics, ADAS systems and electric vehicle servicing. The first 30 participants from Central and Eastern Europe have already started training in Zagreb.
Zagreb, 29 October 2026 – With the formal signing of an agreement between Tokić Group and SmartSafe Europe, attended by representatives of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Croatia and guests from 15 European countries, Tokić’s training centre TEC has become the European training centre for the entire SmartSafe product ecosystem. This covers advanced technologies for vehicle diagnostics, ADAS systems and service equipment for electric vehicles, further strengthening Tokić Group’s role in developing knowledge and expertise in the European automotive aftermarket.
With this partnership, Tokić confirms a role that goes beyond the distribution of auto parts, tyres and equipment. Through systematic investment in technology and training infrastructure, the company is building expert capacity that meets the increasingly complex demands of modern vehicles. Alongside some twenty existing training programmes, Tokić was among the first in the region to offer certified training in electric vehicle repair, followed by high-voltage battery repair. In addition to its pioneering use of artificial intelligence in its operations, Tokić continued developing its training offer by opening its own EV showroom, and with this new partnership it is expanding its training reach to the European market.
“Investment in technology and education is one of the pillars of our growth, and this partnership confirms that it is paying off. The fact that SmartSafe chose our training centre as the base for developing its network and business in Europe shows that our expertise is recognised beyond Croatia’s borders. Quality service support, including training, is a prerequisite for the success of every new product and market,” said Ivan Šantorić, President of the Management Board of Tokić Group.
Training for Europe has already begun
The new training sessions for all of Europe will be held in person in Zagreb, at TEC, Slavonska avenija 3, in Croatian, English and German. They will be delivered by specialised trainers with more than 20 years of experience, using modern equipment and with access to the manufacturer’s technical information. Participants will receive an official certificate upon completing the programme, and the first two-day training for 30 participants from Central and Eastern Europe began immediately after the signing ceremony.
The training programme covers different levels of expertise, from programmes for service technicians and distributors to an EV Academy with six levels of qualification for service technicians. The offer is complemented by specialised training for partners and field specialists, as well as training in ADAS equipment and wheel alignment, high-voltage systems in electric and hybrid vehicles, diagnostics, sensor systems and automatic transmissions.
“This is a step forward for the Croatian automotive industry. SmartSafe develops innovative equipment that meets the current needs of workshops, as well as technologies that are yet to come. It is important to recognise technological changes in time and prepare for the demands they will place on the service sector,” said Kristian Krsnik, Head of the TEC training centre.
Deepening cooperation through training is extremely important for both Tokić and SmartSafe, emphasised Bojan Marijanović, SmartSafe Director for Central and Eastern Europe. “In our search for the best place for training in Europe, we recognised this very training centre. For our great team, this is not just an opening ceremony, but the beginning of a partnership that will allow us to take a joint step into the future,” said Liao Wenjie, Regional Manager of SmartSafe Europe.
The international dimension of the partnership is also reflected in connecting the Croatian and Chinese economies and in the exchange of technological knowledge. The cooperation between Tokić and SmartSafe is a concrete example of linking companies and expert capacities in the European market.
“The global automotive industry is undergoing a profound transformation unlike anything we have seen before. Combining advanced solutions such as those developed by Tokić and SmartSafe, while strengthening economic ties between Croatia and China, contributes to the development of European industry and mobility. In recent years, numerous Chinese car brands have entered the Croatian market, and this cooperation represents a further step in connecting our markets and technological knowledge,” said Li Guangjun, Economic and Commercial Counsellor at the Embassy of China.
The new partnership is part of Tokić Group’s broader strategy, which combines technology investment, international partnerships and continuous professional development. By developing TEC, Tokić further strengthens its ability to provide expert support to workshops working with new generations of vehicles, regardless of their technology or manufacturer.
