A new integration between Uber for Business and dealer service department communications and payments software provider myKaarma could help dealerships reduce shuttle costs and guest wait times, decrease the number of days needed for loaner cars and simplify travel management, according to the companies.

The companies say the integration can provide dealer service departments with an efficient transportation method that can help increase customer satisfaction and reduce costs.

With myKaarma’s integration with the Uber Central API, dealerships can book Uber rides directly through the myKaarma application with a fully integrated lookup and specify pick up and drop off locations on behalf of customers.

Then, based on their pickup and drop off location, the customer receives a text message with a secure link for a ride.

Dealerships can use this integration, which enables communication between the transportation manager, the driver and the customer, alongside myKaarma’s pickup and delivery module or as a standalone module.

Real-time ETAs also keep dealerships connected with their customers every step of the way, according to the companies.

All rides, along with any relevant details, are tracked within the application.

Running on mobile phones, desktop and tablet computers, myKaarma’s software offers two main features: end-to-end customer communication and payments.

myKaarma designed the communications tools to blend into a service adviser’s daily workflow. Users can use the tools through mediums of communication such as voice, text, and email.

The full platform, service@home, includes pickup and delivery. It also features video walkarounds and driver tracking, along with the communications and payment features.

myKaarma said those features are integrated and synced with the DMS.

With the software, service advisers can send photos and videos to customers. Those photos and videos more clearly explain their repair recommendations, myKaarma said.

Then, the service advisers can receive real-time authorization for additional work.

After completion of the service process, customers can pay their bills online or through other options, which myKaarma says eliminates any wait at the dealership when they pick up their vehicle.

myKaarma said service departments implementing its cloud-based software tools see an average increase in dollars per repair order of 37%, a 50% reduction in voicemails left with advisers, a near 100% reduction in authorization disputes, a 33% decrease in loaner car days and an increase in CSI scores.

Service departments gain access to a real-time record of communication with their customers and “a bird’s eye view of the service department that allows them to manage their operations more efficiently,” according to myKaarma.

“At myKaarma, it is our mission to optimize as much of the dealer's process as possible and give back time to service managers, service advisors, and other dealer personnel,” myKaarma chief executive officer Ujj Nath said in a news release.

Nath added, “Our integration with Uber for Business provides dealers with one place to book and track Uber trips for their guests without having to retype their pickup or drop off address. This will have an immediate impact on reducing loaner car days and delayed wait times for transportation and increasing long term customer loyalty."

Uber for Business global head of guest products Neal Watterson said coordination of shuttles and loaners for customers can be inefficient, time-consuming, and costly for auto dealers.

“The ability to make the entire process seamless is an important step forward for the industry at large — and can make a big difference in increasing customer satisfaction, Watterson said.

Watterson added, “We’re excited to partner with companies like myKaarma to make access to customer transportation simple and efficient for the automotive sector.”