DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -

DMEautomotive announced the debut of version 3.0 of its Driver Connect mobile app. The biggest highlight of the newest version of the application is its new tap-to-pay functionality, allowing consumers to pay for service via their phone after being alerted that their vehicle is ready for pickup.

Mike Walther, president and chief executive officer of DMEautomotive, believes this function will fill a gap of convenience that customers have desired.

“This takes dealership customer convenience to a new level and, with it, customer retention and satisfaction,” Walther said. “Rather than calling to see if their car is ready and then waiting around in the service bay to pay, customers simply check their smartphone, tap to pay and when they return to the dealership, just grab their keys and go.

“Not only is this great for the customer, but it is great for the dealer, with the potential to save service advisor time and reduce personnel costs,” Walther added. “But, most importantly, it improves the customer experience which should greatly enhance loyalty and CSI.”

Other features of the app include allowing the consumer to view a complete breakdown of services provided, taxes, fees, etc., exactly as they would in-house, as well as email a copy of the receipt to themselves. The customer has the options of calling a service adviser or requesting a shuttle via the app, as well.

In the realm of mobile technology, DMEautomotive’s research has also revealed the following:

  • Customers who use a dealer-branded mobile app are 73 percemt more likely to purchase a vehicle.
  • Customers who use a dealer-branded mobile app will spend 7 percent more on a vehicle purchase.
  • Customers who download a dealer-branded mobile app make 25 percent more dealership service appointments.
  • Less than half of consumers are likely to visit a dealership for "bread and butter" core maintenance services within the first two years of ownership. Within seven-plus years, only 13 percent of customers will select dealerships for these services.
  • 62 percent of customers surveyed expressed an interest in joining an automotive loyalty program.

To find out more about Driver Connect and its updates, visit the application website.