Mobile Service: No Longer Just an OEM Initiative—It’s a Dealership Advantage
Mobile Service: No Longer Just an OEM Initiative—It’s a Dealership Advantage
Mobile service has evolved from a niche OEM-driven initiative into a game-changing dealership advantage. While brands like Tesla and Ford have pioneered mobile service with OEM-backed programs, independent dealerships are now recognizing its profitability, customer convenience, and operational benefits.
As consumer expectations shift towards on-demand services, mobile service is quickly becoming a must-have offering rather than an optional perk. Forward-thinking dealerships are leveraging mobile service to increase revenue, improve retention, and differentiate themselves from competitors.
Why Mobile Service is Gaining Traction Among Dealerships
Initially, mobile service was OEM-driven, with manufacturers like Tesla making it a core part of their customer experience and Ford scaling its mobile service fleet nationwide. However, dealerships across all brands are now seeing the value in launching mobile service independently, even without direct manufacturer support.
- Growing Customer Demand for Convenience
🔹 Consumers now expect on-demand, hassle-free services, similar to mobile banking, telemedicine, and grocery delivery.
🔹 Mobile service eliminates the need for customers to visit the dealership, allowing them to continue their daily routine while their vehicle is serviced.
🔹 Offering at-home or workplace service improves customer satisfaction and retention.
- Competitive Differentiation & Customer Retention
🔹 With more dealerships offering mobile service, those that don’t adapt may lose customers to competitors who provide more convenient options.
🔹 Customers who use mobile service are more likely to return to the dealership for future maintenance and repairs.
🔹 Higher Net Promoter Scores (NPS) from mobile service users indicate greater customer loyalty.
- Revenue Growth & Increased Service Opportunities
🔹 Mobile service enables dealerships to generate revenue beyond the traditional service lane.
🔹 During mobile service visits, technicians can upsell additional maintenance services, such as battery replacements, tire rotations, or fluid changes.
🔹 Service advisors can use mobile recall appointments as an opportunity to recommend preventative maintenance, increasing average repair order values.
- Operational Efficiency & Cost Savings
🔹 Mobile service reduces dealership overhead costs, as fewer service bays are required to meet customer demand.
🔹 Technicians can complete routine maintenance and minor repairs on-site, keeping main service lanes free for larger, more complex jobs.
🔹 Fleet customers, business owners, and high-mileage drivers benefit from mobile service, creating new revenue streams for dealerships.
How Dealerships Can Successfully Implement Mobile Service
While launching a mobile service program may seem challenging, strategic planning and the right technology can help dealerships operate efficiently and profitably.
- Start with High-Demand Services
To ensure a cost-effective launch, dealerships should focus on services that maximize technician efficiency and minimize setup time:
✅ Recalls & Warranty Repairs – Perform OEM-mandated recalls without disrupting dealership operations.
✅ Routine Maintenance – Oil changes, tire rotations, brake inspections, and battery replacements.
✅ Prepaid Maintenance Programs – Provide VIP customers with at-home service for prepaid maintenance plans.
✅ Fleet & Business Accounts – Offer mobile service to commercial clients, maximizing revenue from fleet maintenance contracts.
se & repair efficiently in remote settings without direct shop supervision.
🔹 Provide a great customer experience, explaining services and recommending additional repairs.
🔹 Follow strict safety and compliance protocols while working in various locations.
Additionally, service vans should be fully equipped with tools, diagnostic equipment, and necessary parts to handle the most common mobile service jobs.
- Use Technology to Optimize Scheduling & Routing
Successful mobile service programs rely on efficient scheduling and route optimization to minimize technician travel time and maximize productivity.
🔹 Automated scheduling platforms ensure customers receive appointment confirmations and service updates.
🔹 GPS tracking & route planning allow technicians to complete more jobs per day.
🔹 Digital invoicing and reporting keep all service records up to date in the dealership’s DMS.
How Connexion Mobility Helps Dealerships Scale Mobile Service
Connexion Mobility’s Mobile Service Platform provides the tools and technology needed to launch, manage, and optimize mobile service operations.
🚀 Key Features:
✔ Automated Scheduling & Dispatching – Assigns jobs based on location, technician availability, and service type.
✔ Route Optimization – Ensures efficient travel routes, reducing technician downtime.
✔ DMS Integration – Eliminates manual data entry, syncing all mobile service details directly into the dealership system.
✔ Customer Notifications & Digital Invoicing – Provides customers with real-time updates and receipts, enhancing transparency.
✔ Performance Analytics – Tracks service efficiency, technician productivity, and revenue growth.
Why Mobile Service is Now a Dealership Advantage
While mobile service was once seen as an OEM-driven initiative, it is now a valuable competitive advantage for dealerships looking to:
✅ Attract and retain customers by offering unmatched convenience.
✅ Generate new revenue streams beyond traditional service lane operations.
✅ Reduce dealership overhead costs while improving technician efficiency.
✅ Stay ahead of competitors who have yet to embrace mobile service.
With the right strategy, training, and technology, dealerships can turn mobile service into a long-term success—regardless of OEM backing.
Take Your Dealership’s Service Operations Mobile
Mobile service is the future of dealership operations, and those who adopt it early will gain a competitive edge. With Connexion Mobility’s Mobile Service Platform, launching and managing mobile service has never been easier.
🚗 Ready to scale your dealership’s mobile service?
🔗 Contact Connexion Mobility today to get started!
