REDWOOD SHORES, Calif., May 30, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Xtime (www.xtime.com), the leader in cloud-based customer management applications for the automotive service industry, today announced it is the exclusive service scheduling provider for Hyundai Blue Link®. Blue Link is an innovative telematics solution from Hyundai that combines safety, service and infotainment into a complete package. Blue Link subscribers can access Blue Link features through voice recognition technology, online via a web browser or through the Blue Link smartphone app.
Hyundai chose Xtime to incorporate telematics scheduling as well as mobile and online scheduling capabilities into the Hyundai Blue Link platform. Through Xtime telematics scheduling technology, a traditional maintenance alert has evolved into a highly valuable in-car application that focuses on customer retention by enabling drivers to easily schedule service at any of Hyundai's more than 800 dealerships. "Xtime is proud to be an integral part of Hyundai's industry-leading Blue Link system," said Neal East, CEO of Xtime. "Hyundai's new product fulfills the promise of a truly mobile service experience for car owners. Whether it's directions, recommendations or, in our case, dealer service scheduling, Hyundai has brought together an impressive collection of mobile services for its customers."
"Including Hyundai Online Service Scheduling, powered by Xtime, as part of the Blue Link ecosystem has allowed us to provide our owners with an enhanced level of support," said Barry Ratzlaff, director of Hyundai Customer Connect. "This combination of tools allows Hyundai owners who are Blue Link subscribers to connect to their Hyundai dealer in ways that are more convenient for the owner and allow the dealer to provide better service as a result of the connection. It is a win, win, win solution for the customer, Hyundai dealers and Hyundai Motor America."
As with all Xtime scheduling applications — online, dealership, mobile and call center —telematics scheduling integrates VIN-specific service recommendations, real-time appointment availability and certified DMS integration to create the industry's leading service scheduling application. VIN-specific factory, dealer, and dealer premium service recommendations are automatically generated with full descriptions and pricing. Appointment availability is guaranteed through automatic shop loading of the customer's requested services against all shop capacities (hours to sell, advisor slots, waiters, loaners and valet) and across all appointment channels (advisor, call center, web, mobile, DMS and walk-ins). Automatic integration with the dealer's DMS is provided via certified interfaces for ADP, R &R, Arkona and InfinitiNet.
"Of all the applications embedded within the Blue Link platform, Xtime has proven it generates revenue for both Hyundai and Hyundai dealers by bringing consumers back to the dealership for service," said East. "Our ServiceCRM™ platform connects the last mile to the dealership via a single, integrated, cloud-based product that is in large-scale production today. Telematics scheduling is a critically important addition to the platform and it further strengthens our leadership in the market by extending the value we create."
About Hyundai Motor America
Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Costa Mesa, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 800 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program, which includes the 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle warranty, Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and five years of complimentary Roadside Assistance.
About Xtime
Xtime is the leading provider of hosted Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and scheduling software for automotive service departments in North America. Xtime counts more than 4,500 dealerships as customers, has registered more than 1 million customers and processes more than 1 million appointments each month. Xtime is the exclusive or preferred provider for many of the leading global automotive manufacturers, including Lexus, Toyota Canada, Toyota US, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Infiniti, VW, Audi, Chrysler and Hyundai. Xtime is also the trusted choice for many of the industry's leading dealership groups including AutoNation, Group 1 Automotive, Sonic Automotive, Asbury, Luther, Ferman and Checkered Flag. Xtime is based in Redwood Shores, California and can be reached at (650) 508-4361 or www.xtime.com.
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