The State of Auto Retailing Today

New research shows that dealers and customers don’t trust information provided online in the early stages of a purchase—but by adopting a more modern approach to retail, dealers can streamline workflows and meet the needs of any type of shopper for every type of deal.

Get your copy of the eBook to learn:

  1. Key findings from the 2023 Cox Automotive Digitization of Car Buying Study
  2. How the trust gap impacts efficiency at your dealership
  3. A solution for dealers looking to optimize their operations to meet the needs of any type of shopper and build more profitable deals

The Forward-Thinking Dealership

When it comes to advancing operations, dealers usually fall into one of three distinct categories: static, modern, and forward-thinking. Forward-thinking dealers have the mindset, the strategies, and the connected solutions to stay a step ahead of the rest.

Get your copy of the eBook to discover how to forward-thinking dealers achieve:

  • Higher sales profits
  • More vehicles sold
  • Higher net profit

Key Findings from the 2023 Vehicle Service Industry Study

Most consumers rely on their dealership for auto service, repair, and maintenance, but the 2023 Cox Automotive Vehicle Service Industry Study found that customer trust in dealer service departments is declining.


This free eBook highlights the reasons why competitors are gaining market share and how a focus on customer experience can help your fixed ops department win back customers for life.

Download the eBook to learn:

  • Why trust is the top reason service customers return to dealerships
  • How cost transparency can boost your service department’s bottom line
  • The top features customers want from dealership websites and digital tools
  • How to win back the trust of your fixed ops customers — and earn their business for life

Make the Most of Data Insights at Your Dealership

Navigate and Overcome the Top 3 Data Challenges 

In the fast-evolving world of automotive retail, VinSolutions empowers you with the knowledge to tackle your biggest data obstacles. Our expertly crafted ebook reveals the top three challenges dealerships face and provides actionable solutions to turn data into a competitive advantage. 

  • Stay Ahead with Real-Time Data: Discover strategies to minimize data lag, ensuring your sales team has the latest information for every customer interaction. 
  • Achieve Data Consistency: Learn how to employ intelligent solutions that resolve data discrepancies, allowing your team to focus on building strong customer relationships. 
  • Enhance Data Trustworthiness: Gain insights on effectively leveraging third-party data, providing your dealership with reliable information for informed decision-making. 

Don’t let data challenges hinder your success. Propel your dealership forward with expert insights. 

Increase Dollars per RO with Flexible Customer Financing

Are you leaving money on the table? With 36 percent of consumers unable to pay for a $500 auto repair, it’s no wonder so many ASRs go unsold.1 Many forwardthinking dealers offer service financing options, but it’s likely that their current solutions require a separate system. And shuffling between platforms hurts advisor efficiency and makes for a sub-optimal consumer experience.

Now, you can present your customers with a streamlined service financing option that is fully integrated with Xtime. FlexPay financing can be offered at multiple touchpoints to consumers who are unsure about paying out of pocket for a service expense. You can sell more services with an easy-to-use, fully integrated service financing solution that helps to drive additional dealership revenue.


76%

of consumers have said they are more likely to make a purchase if a simple and seamless payment plan is offered.2


Features and Benefits

With seamless Xtime integration, FlexPay makes it easier and more efficient for consumers to apply for service financing, resulting in higher close rates and a better consumer experience.

FlexPay offers a consistent presentation of your service financing through several different touchpoints within Xtime.

To learn more about FlexPay, click here.

  1. MarketWatch Home, “Are Americans Ready for an Unexpected Car Repair?” 2023.
  2. Citizens Point of Sale.

Enhancing Service Operations for Kia Dealers with the Xtime Suite 

In the fast-paced world of automotive retail, efficiency, customer satisfaction, and profitability are paramount. With the advent of advanced software solutions, Kia dealerships now have the tools they need to excel in these areas. The certified suite of Xtime products—Schedule, Engage, and Inspect—stands at the forefront of this transformation. In this blog post, we’ll explore how these cutting-edge tools enhance service operations for Kia dealers, drive customer loyalty, and significantly boost profitability. 

The Certified Suite of Xtime Products 

Schedule: Driving Efficiency and Show Rates 

The cornerstone of any successful service department is effective scheduling. Kia Schedule, part of the Xtime Suite, excels in this area by driving an impressive average show rate of 86 percent. This state-of-the-art scheduling tool not only ensures that appointments are booked efficiently but also enhances the overall customer experience by reducing wait times and streamlining service processes.  

By leveraging Schedule, dealerships can: 

  • Optimize their appointment calendars for maximum efficiency. 
  • Reduce no-show rates, ensuring a steady stream of customers. 
  • Provide a seamless booking experience, enhancing customer satisfaction. 

Engage: Increasing Customer Retention 

Customer retention is a critical metric for any dealership, and Xtime’s Engage tool has proven its worth in this arena. Kia customers who are checked in through Engage are 15 percent more likely to return for future services than those processed through traditional service write-ups. This tool transforms the check-in process, making it more interactive and informative, thus fostering stronger customer relationships. 

Key benefits of Engage include: 

  • Personalized service introductions that build trust and transparency. 
  • Enhanced communication through digital mediums, keeping customers informed and engaged. 
  • A streamlined check-in process that reduces friction and improves satisfaction. 

Inspect: Boosting Service Recommendation Sales 

Vehicle inspections are a vital component of after-sales service. Xtime’s Inspect tool empowers Kia dealers to perform thorough inspections and present clear, actionable recommendations to customers. This approach has led Kia dealers to average an impressive $82,000 per month in additional service recommendation sales. By using Inspect, dealerships can ensure that every vehicle receives a comprehensive check-up, and customers are fully aware of any necessary repairs or maintenance. 

Benefits of using Inspect include: 

  • Detailed, digital inspection reports that customers can easily understand. 
  • Increased sales through proactive service recommendations. 
  • Enhanced trust as customers see tangible evidence of their vehicle’s condition. 

How Xtime Enhances Kia Dealers’ Operations 

Integration and Certification: A Seamless Experience 

Xtime’s certification with Kia ensures full integration with the dealer management system (DMS) and other key platforms. This integration brings together scheduling convenience, clear service explanations, and complimentary multipoint inspections for every visit. The result is a cohesive, streamlined service experience that aligns perfectly with Kia’s Promise to Care. 

Key integration benefits include: 

  • Seamless data flow between Xtime and dealership systems, reducing administrative burden. 
  • Consistent service quality through standardized processes and procedures. 
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction through clear communication and efficient service delivery. 

Fulfilling the Promise to Care 

Kia’s Promise to Care is more than just a slogan; it’s a commitment to providing exceptional service to every customer. Xtime’s suite of products helps dealers fulfill this promise by ensuring that every service interaction is handled with the utmost care and professionalism. From the moment a customer schedules an appointment to the time they drive away, their experience is marked by efficiency, clarity, and a focus on their needs. 

Conclusion 

In today’s competitive automotive market, having the right tools can make all the difference. The certified suite of Xtime products—Schedule, Engage, and Inspect—offers Kia dealers a powerful solution to enhance service operations, improve customer retention, and drive profitability. By integrating these advanced tools, Kia dealerships can fulfill their Promise to Care and achieve new levels of efficiency and customer satisfaction. 

Ready to take your service operations to the next level? Discover the benefits of Xtime Suite for yourself and join the ranks of Kia dealers who are transforming their businesses with cutting-edge technology. Connect with us today to learn more and schedule a demo.