Subaru Canada Partners with Xtime to Power Subaru Service Scheduler

• Xtime scheduling solution improves communication between Canadian Subaru dealers and car owners
• Cloud-based software allows customers to schedule service with ease and convenience
  

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Oct. 11, 2016 /CNW/ - Subaru Canada, Inc. is pleased to announce its exclusive partnership with Xtime to create a connected solution to improve communication between Subaru Canada's dealer network and Subaru owners for an enhanced service experience. The Xtime scheduling solution will integrate cloud-based software into Subaru service departments across Canada. Subaru Service Scheduler, powered by Xtime, provides Subaru dealers with a comprehensive set of tools to deliver a high-quality ownership experience that increases customer loyalty.

Subaru Service Scheduler includes two of Xtime's offerings: Scheduler and Two-Way Text Messaging. Scheduler's easy-to-use scheduling options allow customers to select the ideal date and time for their appointment via web, mobile or phone. This additional convenience enables dealers to deliver a superior ownership experience that improves customer satisfaction, loyalty and retention. In addition, Scheduler provides dealers with a high-level view of their total shop capacity, allowing them to identify open appointment slots and maximize their service revenue.

Two-Way Text Messaging is an innovative shop management tool allowing dealers to provide service status updates to their customers at every stage of the repair. This simplifies the customer approval process by increasing speed and efficiency, while also helping to build a more transparent and trustworthy experience for Subaru owners.  Both of these tools will serve not only to maximize efficiency and convenience, but also help to foster the strong customer relations that are invaluable to Subaru dealers. 

Subaru Canada's commitment to customer communication through the tools of automation and integrated technology was a major factor in its decision to partner with Xtime. The addition of this technology is an important step in the process of continuous improvement, and towards Subaru Canada's objective of creating an outstanding customer experience.

"At Subaru, we believe in adopting the latest technologies to better serve our customers," said Floyd Jones, Senior Director, After Sales at Subaru Canada. "This partnership will help us deliver an excellent ownership experience, while working toward our long-term vision for the connected car."

"Our customers love the convenience of scheduling appointments online with Xtime," said Keith Leung, general manager of Downtown Subaru in Toronto. "Xtime's Schedule tells customers what their maintenance requirements are, when they can get an appointment, and, most importantly, how much it will cost. I get positive feedback from customers on a daily basis."

"We are excited to launch this valuable partnership with Subaru Canada," said Chris Howie, Xtime's vice president of sales. "Subaru has a forward-thinking, hands-on dealer network, and we look forward to working with them to elevate the ownership experience they provide."

Subaru dealers can choose to adopt any other products included in Spectrum, Xtime's fully integrated, cloud-based platform. The Spectrum platform consists of four products: Invite, Schedule, Engage and Inspect (powered by ServicePro).   Whether on an individual or collective basis, the implementation of these programs represents an important step in the process of providing an outstanding customer service experience.

Including Subaru, Xtime currently partners with 13 manufacturers' brands in Canada, and has been integrated into more than 1,000 dealerships across the country. To learn more about Xtime Schedule's impact on the ownership experience, visit xtime.com/products/schedule/

About Xtime
Xtime delivers retention solutions for the automotive retail industry. Xtime, headquartered in Silicon Valley, is the exclusive or preferred provider for 24 major global automotive manufacturers in the United States, Canada and Australia, as well as leading dealership groups, and services 7,500 dealerships. Xtime is a Cox Automotive™ brand. For more information, visit Xtime.com

About Subaru Canada
Subaru Canada, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of 92 authorized dealers across Canada. For more information, please visit www.subaru.ca or www.pr.subaru.ca or follow @Subaru_Canada on Twitter.

SOURCE Subaru Canada Inc.

For further information: Julie Lychak, (905) 568-4959, jlychak@subaru.ca; Naomi Kislanski, (905) 568-4959, nkislanski@subaru.ca; Sebastien Lajoie, Media Relations, Quebec Region, (514) 336-0600, slajoie@subaru.ca