About Us Our Team

Steve Kraft
Steve is the owner and founder of Kraft German Auto. He was born in July, 1955 in Brooklyn, NY. He began working on cars with his dad from a young age, where he developed his passion for fixing things. He graduated from NYC Technical School in 1970, specializing in automotive repair. Steve trained for 10 years at Silver Star Motors, Rallye Motors, Sovereign Motor Cars, and Helm’s Bros. deeply developing his expertise and tradecraft.

Taking all he learned from college and years of hands-on training at various Mercedes dealerships, mechanical and technical workshops, Steve opened Kraft German Auto in August 1986. He has been in business for himself since that moment, combining decades of experience with the love of cars learned working beside his father as a boy. That care and passion goes into everything Kraft German Auto does. Kraft German Auto is a thriving dealer-alternative that specializes in Mercedes Benz cars and specializes in making the customer happy. Steve is married, has one child, and in his spare time he loves to travel and hang out with his daughter, who is now in college.

Denis Pekine
Denis was born in Moscow, Russia, in 1971. He graduated as an electronic engineer and moved to the United States in 1992. By 1993 he had entered the automotive service and repair field, installing radios, alarms and sound systems. He joined the team at Kraft German Auto in 2000, and in addition, took a second job at the Mercedes dealer to perfect his knowledge of Mercedes electrical systems. This experience helped him gain mastery of diagnosing all components of Mercedes Benz cars including all engine and transmission diagnostics, internal and external electrical issues.

Denis is a master Mercedes Benz technician. He specializes in the advanced MB and AMG network diagnostics, Star Technology, Xentry diagnostic systems and electrical services, Advanced networking systems, MB 276/278 V6 and V8 engines along with diesel engines. He is married with no children, which allows him time to pursue his passions, which include bike riding and skiing.

Peter Pacheco
Born in Brooklyn NY in 1978, Peter graduated from Lincoln Technical Institute as an ASE Tech specializing in the repair and maintenance of small engines in 2010. He graduated as a certified C-tech. In 2016 he came to Kraft German Auto to assist with small brake jobs, oil changes, basic fluid services, and tires.

Peter is now an experienced technician that handles basic and complex brake repair, suspension and steering component repairs. He also specializes in HVAC troubleshooting/repairs, using gauges and schematic laptop computers. Peter is married with 4 children and is the proud grandpa of one grandchild. During his free time Peter likes to ride his motorcycle and hang out with his children.

Christopher Barrow
Born in Barbados 1958, Chris moved to the United States in 1982. He started in the automotive service industry, working at various repair shops, including several years at Brooklyn Engine Rebuilders where he perfected his craft of rebuilding engines and transmissions.

In 1995, he came to work for Kraft German Auto where he is a master tech removing, rebuilding, and installing engines and transmissions. Chris is superior in automotive troubleshooting. We consider him to be the house engine- and transmission-rebuilding specialist. He also does the more detailed brake, suspension, and steering repairs for our vintage vehicles. He has one child, and in his spare time, he is a DJ and loves to party.

Amir Aki
Amir was born in Montenegro in 1986. He graduated from technical school for automotive repair, and moved to the states in 2006. For nine years, he worked for a shop on Staten Island as an engine specialist, then, in 2017, he decided to take a position at Kraft German Auto as a Mercedes diesel engine specialist as well as B-technician. Expert in HVAC troubleshooting and repair, reading of meters and soldering components, Amir also services brakes, steering, and suspension components. He is married, with one child, and in his free time he likes to travel.

Pablo Gonzalez
Born in Argentina in 1985, Pablo graduated from technical school in 2004. He decided to pursue electrical engineering and spent 3 years acquiring manual and practical experience on his way to becoming a professional mechanic. He moved to the United States in 2005 and worked at an automotive service and repair shop for 10 years before coming Kraft German Auto as a shop manager in addition to his duties as a technician.

Pablo is an ASE Master certified technician, including having an I-Car Platinum Level-2 Technician certificate along with various certifications, which include engine evap systems, air conditioning systems, and CF transmissions. Pablo is married with no children. In his free time he likes to travel.

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