In the rapidly evolving automotive industry, dealerships face increasing challenges when it comes to meeting customer expectations for service. Consumers today are accustomed to digital, fast, and seamless experiences in all areas of their lives from banking to retail and they expect the same level of convenience and transparency when servicing their vehicles.

Enter Xtime, a cutting-edge fixed operations platform that empowers dealerships to modernize the entire service process. By combining intelligent scheduling, digital check-in, multimedia inspections, and personalized marketing, Xtime enables service departments to run more efficiently while offering a premium experience that keeps customers coming back.

What Is Xtime?

Xtime is a cloud-based service management platform designed to streamline and improve fixed operations in automotive dealerships. It helps dealers deliver a consistent, transparent, and digitally enabled service experience—from the moment a customer books an appointment to the time they return for their next service.

As part of Cox Automotive, Xtime integrates with other powerful tools in the automotive ecosystem, allowing it to seamlessly connect with Dealer Management Systems (DMS), Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software, and OEM service platforms. This integration makes it easier for dealerships to manage workflows, enhance customer communication, and increase profitability.

Xtime’s service suite, called Xtime Spectrum, includes four primary modules:

  • Schedule – for service appointment booking

  • Engage – for service lane check-in and communication

  • Inspect – for digital inspections and approvals

  • Invite – for customer retention and marketing

1. Xtime Schedule: Convenient Online Service Booking

The first step in a great service experience is easy appointment scheduling. With Xtime Schedule, customers can book appointments online 24/7 via desktop or mobile, giving them the flexibility they want without needing to call during business hours.

Customers can:

  • Select available time slots based on real-time shop capacity

  • Choose transportation options like shuttle or loaner

  • Upload photos or videos of their vehicle issues

  • View recommended maintenance or recall items

  • Receive email or SMS confirmations and reminders

For dealerships, this system improves bay utilization, reduces no-shows, and enables smarter shop scheduling. Because Schedule integrates with major DMS platforms, data flows effortlessly from booking to check-in.

2. Xtime Engage: Streamlined Digital Check-In

When the customer arrives for their appointment, Xtime Engage transforms the check-in process into a fast, digital, and professional interaction. Service advisors use tablets or kiosks to greet customers, confirm scheduled work, and review maintenance recommendations.

Key features include:

  • Digital vehicle walkarounds and documentation

  • Personalized maintenance menus with pricing

  • Electronic approvals and signature capture

  • Mobile check-in and valet options for contactless service

  • Live updates via text or email throughout the repair process

This modern workflow reduces wait times, improves upsell opportunities, and enhances the customer’s perception of the dealership. Advisors spend less time on paperwork and more time on service consultations.

3. Xtime Inspect: Transparent and Visual Service Recommendations

One of the standout features of Xtime is its Inspect module, which brings transparency and trust to the vehicle inspection process. Service technicians use tablets to complete digital multi-point inspections (MPIs), attaching photos and short videos that show the exact condition of components like brakes, tires, filters, and fluids.

Customers receive inspection results in real-time, along with clear explanations and service recommendations. Benefits of Xtime Inspect include:

  • Higher customer trust and repair approval rates

  • Visual storytelling that explains the “why” behind service needs

  • Real-time communication between technician, advisor, and customer

  • Shortened decision times with digital service approvals

This transparency builds credibility, encourages timely repairs, and increases average revenue per repair order (RO).

4. Xtime Invite: Marketing and Retention Made Easy

Getting customers to return for their next visit is just as important as the first appointment. Xtime Invite helps dealerships stay top-of-mind by delivering targeted and automated service marketing campaigns.

These campaigns can be triggered by:

  • Mileage and time intervals for maintenance

  • Declined services from previous visits

  • Open recalls or warranty work

  • Service history patterns and seasonal promotions

Campaigns are sent via email, SMS, or app notifications and include direct links to Schedule, enabling customers to book their next appointment with a single tap.

Xtime Invite drives:

  • Higher retention rates

  • Increased shop utilization

  • More effective outreach without manual effort

The Benefits of Using Xtime

Dealerships that adopt Xtime experience measurable improvements in both operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. Here are some of the most commonly reported benefits:

Increased Revenue Per RO

By enabling transparent communication and digital inspections, Xtime increases the likelihood that customers approve recommended repairs.

Reduced No-Shows

Automated appointment confirmations and reminders keep customers informed and accountable, reducing missed appointments.

Improved CSI Scores

Customers appreciate the modern, streamlined experience and are more likely to provide positive feedback on surveys.

Operational Efficiency

From scheduling to inspection to invoicing, Xtime reduces manual tasks and eliminates data duplication.

Stronger Customer Engagement

Text updates, video inspections, and follow-up marketing keep customers informed and engaged, boosting loyalty and retention.

Xtime's OEM Support and Integration

Xtime is trusted by over 30 leading OEM brands, including Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Ford, and Volkswagen. These manufacturers recommend or require their dealerships to use Xtime because it ensures consistency, accuracy, and brand-aligned service processes.

The platform also integrates with:

  • Dealertrack DMS

  • VinSolutions CRM

  • Kelley Blue Book Service Pricing

  • vAuto and other Cox Automotive tools

This ensures dealerships have a connected ecosystem for both fixed ops and sales, providing a holistic view of the customer journey.

Recent Innovations from Xtime

Xtime continues to evolve its platform to meet the demands of the market. Some of the recent innovations include:

  • Smart Advisor Dashboards – Live performance tracking for ROs, inspections, and upsells

  • AI-Powered Scheduling Assistants – Chat and voice-based service booking

  • Video Subtitling – Automated captions for inspection videos to improve accessibility and understanding

  • Integrated Payments – Allowing customers to pay digitally before picking up their vehicle

These features show Xtime’s ongoing commitment to innovation and customer-centric development.

Best Practices for Implementing Xtime in Your Dealership

To get the most out of Xtime, consider these best practices:

  1. Roll Out Modules in Phases – Start with Schedule and Inspect, then add Engage and Invite.

  2. Train Your Staff Thoroughly – Ensure service advisors and technicians are confident using the system.

  3. Promote Digital Booking – Drive traffic to online scheduling with website banners and email links.

  4. Use Video to Build Trust – Encourage techs to record quick inspection videos for customer clarity.

  5. Monitor KPIs – Use Xtime’s analytics tools to identify areas of improvement.

With the right strategy, Xtime can drive real business transformation in your fixed operations.

 

In an increasingly digital world, customers expect more from their service experience than ever before. Xtime gives dealerships the tools to exceed those expectations while increasing shop efficiency, improving customer satisfaction, and boosting revenue.

From intuitive scheduling to personalized communication and transparent inspections, Xtime creates a customer-first approach that strengthens loyalty and retention. Dealerships that embrace this technology are setting themselves up for long-term success.