AUSTIN, Texas –

Lexus has chosen connected car platform Dealerware to join a group of software vendors to power its newly reimagined Lexus Customer Convenience System.

Lexus’ approval of the Dealerware platform follows a nine-month pilot program in which multiple Lexus dealerships increased fleet utilization rates by as much as 18%.

In the pilot program, those dealerships also improved customer service experiences during a challenging year, according to Dealerware.

The company said now that it will help power Lexus’ Customer Convenience System, all 243 North American Lexus dealerships will be able to use Dealerware's mobile contracting, cost recovery, fleet management and reporting tools.

That, according to Dealerware, will boost the service experiences for those dealerships’ customers and simplify the management of large vehicle fleets.

Dealerware, which describes itself as modern fleet management for the modern retailer, said that all participating dealerships at the end of the pilot program decided to continue using Dealerware instead of reverting to their previous fleet management platforms.

“We began as a pilot dealer with Dealerware and elected to remain on their platform because we really like how easy it is for our team to use and the superior experience we can deliver to our customers,” Monika Slezak, service manager at Lexus of Stevens Creek in San Jose, Calif., said in a news release.

Dealerware said J.D. Power research shows the Dealerware platform helps increase customer satisfaction scores. Dealerware said Lexus dealers choosing Dealerware for their fleet management and fixed operations customer service needs will see elevated customer experiences and mobile-first, one-minute customer contracting.

Customers will also experience the following, according to Dealerware:

— Modern rental capabilities

— Ease of pickup and delivery

— Automated cost recovery

— Actionable reporting & analytics

— Strong dealer support

“The new LCCS is evolving to deliver an even more customer-centric experience that includes courtesy loaners, pickup and delivery, retail rental, and other modern mobility services that today's luxury consumer appreciates," said Dealerware president and chief operating officer, Russell Lemmer. “We look forward to helping Lexus dealers delight existing customers, attract new buyers and continue to reinforce their status as a top luxury brand.”