Customers using the AutoNation Connected Car Program have access to safety services such as crash alert and vehicle health notifications in vehicles without built-in connectivity when choosing AutoNation to purchase their vehicles.

The AutoNation Connected Car Program is powered by Automatic Labs’ in-vehicle adapter and app, and the program initially launched last April at five AutoNation USA stores.

On Thursday, AutoNation and Automatic Labs Inc., a SiriusXM company that says it “brings the power of connectivity” to most cars available at AutoNation, are expanding the AutoNation Connected Car Program to additional markets.

Automatic’s Dealer Insights platform and customized analytics deliver daily reports to AutoNation. Those reports feature information such as lists of customers with active recalls, engine light check alerts, service recommendations, and data points showing information on the health and performance of customer vehicles.

Using that information, AutoNation sends targeted communications to its customers specific to their vehicles’ service and maintenance needs.

Since the program launched, 97% of customers who activated at point-of-sale are still engaged with Automatic month over month. AutoNation says it has benefitted from higher retention of customers’ vehicle maintenance and service business.

“Following the successful launch of the AutoNation Connected Car Program, we are excited to expand the program in additional markets across the country,” AutoNation executive vice president and chief marketing officer Marc Cannon said in a news release.

He continued, “Our customers have recognized and appreciated the value of Automatic, and now we will be delivering that value to many more customers.”

“This expansion of the AutoNation Connected Car Program powered by Automatic reflects its success at the AutoNation USA dealerships and the positive response from customers who appreciate the value of Automatic's connectivity features,” said Joe Verbrugge, SiriusXM executive vice president and division president, connected vehicle.

Verbrugge continued, “This service establishes a strong and lasting connection between dealers and their customers long after the sale. We are very excited to continue building on the program’s success with AutoNation.”