Xtime: Redefining the Automotive Service Experience with Smart Fixed Ops Technology

 

In the rapidly evolving world of automotive retail, dealerships are constantly looking for ways to improve operational efficiency, increase service revenue, and deliver exceptional customer experiences that keep vehicle owners coming back. Xtime is a powerful automotive service experience platform that helps dealerships modernize their fixed operations, streamline communication, and elevate overall performance. As part of Cox Automotive’s Retail360 ecosystem, Xtime offers an integrated suite of solutions that empower service departments to operate more effectively and profitably in today’s competitive landscape. 

Understanding Xtime: A Full-Featured Solution for Service Departments

At its core, Xtime is a cloud-based software platform designed specifically to enhance fixed operations (fixed ops) — the service and repair portion of a dealership’s business. Fixed ops are crucial to dealership profitability, yet they often struggle with manual processes, inconsistent communication, and inefficient workflow. Xtime addresses these challenges head-on by offering a suite of tools that optimize every part of the service journey, from initial appointment scheduling to inspection, communication, and customer retention. 

The solution is built to help dealerships service more vehicles in less time, boost customer satisfaction, and grow service revenue, ultimately creating happier customers and more profitable operations. Dealers using Xtime often see significant improvements in key performance metrics, such as repair order dollars and customer retention. 

Core Xtime Modules and Capabilities

Xtime’s platform is organized into several key modules — each tailored to support a specific area of the service workflow. These integrated tools work together to create a seamless customer experience and efficient service department operation.

1. Schedule: Simplifying Appointment Booking

One of the foundational components of Xtime is Schedule — a modern scheduling tool that allows customers to book service appointments online or via mobile devices at any time. By offering 24/7 access to available time slots, dealerships can reduce booking friction, lower no-show rates, and ensure better shop capacity management. 

This consumer-friendly scheduling experience not only enhances customer convenience but also helps dealerships service more vehicles and maximize technician productivity. With real-time availability and automated reminders, Schedule ensures that both customers and service teams stay aligned, improving operational efficiency across the board. 

2. Engage: Personalized Service Interactions

Xtime Engage focuses on transforming the service lane experience by enabling personalized and transparent communication with customers. This module helps speed up the check-in process, keep customers informed throughout their visit, and simplify payment options — all of which contribute to stronger customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Key features of Engage include:

• Digital self check-in, allowing customers to begin their service experience immediately without manual paperwork. 

• Tablet reception systems, giving service advisors instant access to vehicle history, pricing, and service menus. 

• Real-time communication, including text or email updates, to keep customers informed about service progress. 

By offering a more modern, efficient, and personalized experience, Engage not only improves customer satisfaction but also increases retention and revenue per repair order. 

3. Invite: Targeted Service Marketing

Keeping customers engaged between visits is essential for maximizing long-term service revenue. Invite is Xtime’s service marketing tool that enables dealerships to send personalized messages, service reminders, and special offers based on previous visits or declined services. 

With Invite, dealerships can:

• Reconnect with customers who haven’t visited recently, helping recapture potential missed revenue. 

• Promote timely service offers that encourage appointments during slow periods. 

• Increase show rates and overall shop utilization through targeted outreach. 

This module helps dealers better manage customer relationships and boost the number of service visits and repair orders — key drivers of fixed ops profitability. 

4. Inspect: Digital Vehicle Inspections for Faster Approvals

One of the biggest challenges in the service lane is getting customers to understand and approve recommended work. Xtime Inspect solves this by enabling digital vehicle inspections with photos, videos, and detailed notes that technicians can share directly with customers. 

Visual documentation builds trust and transparency, making it easier for customers to see exactly what’s wrong and why a repair is necessary. This approach leads to faster service approvals and higher dollars per repair order. 

Inspect also includes features that streamline communication between dealership staff and keep real-time inspection data synchronized with the service workflow. 

Integrated Support and Dealer Services

Beyond its core modules, Xtime offers robust integration capabilities and dealer support services. The platform works smoothly with leading DMS (Dealer Management Systems), CRM platforms, and payment processors, ensuring seamless data flow and eliminating redundant tasks. 

In addition, Xtime provides dealer performance consulting, training, and managed services to help teams maximize the value of the platform and achieve consistent growth. These services include performance reviews, campaign management support, and customized solutions to address specific dealership needs. 

Xtime is more than just automotive service software — it’s a comprehensive platform that modernizes every step of the service experience. From flexible online scheduling to personalized customer engagement, targeted marketing, and visual inspections, Xtime helps dealerships run more efficient service departments while delivering the kind of customer experience today’s vehicle owners expect. By enabling transparent communication, boosting revenue per repair order, and improving customer retention, Xtime stands out as a strategic tool for dealerships looking to thrive in a digital age.