9:30 am, February 2, 2017
STONEACRE has become the first UK motor retailer to partner with Smartdriverclub to enable connectivity from customers’ cars.
Connectivity will not only support customer acquisition, boost retention and increase aftersales revenue but Stoneacre customers will have access to a range of cost-saving and peace-of-mind benefits for the lifetime of their vehicle – from crash alerts to car tracking.
Through the new Stoneacre Connect service, Stoneacre’s 49 dealers across the UK can now access important knowledge about their customers’ cars post-sale via a simple plug-in telematics device in the on-board diagnostics port, pictured above. The feed of data will let Smartdriverclub deliver daily reports of mileage, fault alerts, low battery levels, collisions and stolen vehicles so that dealers can contact customers to arrange services, repairs and replacement vehicles.
In return, Stoneacre Connect customers will have access to safety features such as round-the-clock emergency assistance in the case of an accident, a ‘Where’s My Car?’ feature to help locate their vehicle if they have forgotten where it’s parked, business mileage information, theft tracking that can speed up police recovery plus access to insurance from Smartdriverclub with the potential for good drivers to earn up to 40 per cent discount.
Smartdriverclub chief executive Penny Searles
They will also be able to view special deals from Stoneacre such as offers on tyres and MOTs. Customers can view all of their Stoneacre Connect services via their smartphone using the free Stoneacre Connect app or online via their laptop or tablet device.
Gerry George, aftersales director for Stoneacre, said: ‘One of the biggest challenges for the UK used car dealer market is generating aftersales revenue, and you can only really do that if you give your customers a very good reason to come back to you again and again.
‘The beauty of Stoneacre Connect is that it benefits our customers on a number of levels. It not only makes their lives easier by helping us to be proactive in offering our services when they need them but it also offers a whole range of useful additional services that currently only new car buyers can enjoy.’
Penny Searles, the chief executive of connected car service Smartdriverclub, said: ‘The team at Stoneacre immediately recognised the opportunity to increase revenue and enhance customer retention with connected car technology, as well as the potential to change the way they interact with customers once they leave the showroom. The launch of Stoneacre Connect gives them a real point of difference in a highly competitive market.
‘Stoneacre’s centralised services match perfectly with the simple proposition of listening to the car and delivering ongoing services to the customer. We look forward to working closely with Stoneacre and welcoming more dealers to the service.’
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