In the fast-changing world of automotive retail, customer expectations have never been higher. People want fast, transparent, and convenient service experiences that fit their digital lifestyles. For dealerships, meeting those expectations while keeping operations profitable can be challenging.
That’s where Xtime comes in — a powerful service management platform built to simplify dealership operations, strengthen customer relationships, and increase fixed-ops revenue. With a focus on automation, integration, and communication, Xtime is redefining how dealerships handle every stage of the service process.
What Is Xtime?
Xtime is a cloud-based software suite designed specifically for automotive dealerships to streamline their service departments. Developed by Cox Automotive, Xtime integrates multiple functions into one digital ecosystem — scheduling, check-in, inspections, communication, and customer retention.
The platform helps dealerships eliminate manual inefficiencies while creating a more transparent, modern experience for customers. Instead of juggling separate tools or spreadsheets, service teams can manage every touchpoint through Xtime’s intuitive interface.
Simply put, Xtime connects people, processes, and technology to create a smoother, more profitable service experience for everyone involved.
The Purpose Behind Xtime
Xtime’s purpose is to bring dealership service operations into the digital age. In an era where most customers book travel, shop, and pay bills online, they expect the same convenience from their car dealership.
By digitizing the service process, Xtime allows customers to book appointments, receive updates, approve repairs, and pay — all from their mobile devices. At the same time, dealerships gain visibility into shop capacity, technician productivity, and customer trends.
The goal is simple: more vehicles serviced, happier customers, and higher revenue.
The Four Pillars of Xtime
Xtime’s effectiveness lies in its four interconnected modules — each built to improve a specific part of the service journey.
1. Xtime Schedule
This module empowers customers to book service appointments online anytime, anywhere. It syncs directly with the dealership’s capacity, technician availability, and parts inventory to prevent overbooking or bottlenecks.
For customers, it means convenience. For service managers, it means predictable workloads and fuller schedules. Xtime Schedule also integrates with manufacturer recall and maintenance data, so appointments automatically include the right services for each vehicle.
2. Xtime Engage
When customers arrive at the dealership, Xtime Engage ensures a fast, efficient check-in. Service advisors can greet customers with a tablet, verify appointments, and confirm recommended maintenance instantly.
Engage also enables digital communication throughout the visit. Customers can receive text updates, approve additional work, and pay online — reducing waiting time and improving satisfaction. With contactless and paperless processes, dealerships look more professional and tech-forward.
3. Xtime Inspect
Transparency is the foundation of trust. Xtime Inspect lets technicians perform digital multi-point inspections, capture photos or short videos, and send them directly to the customer.
Seeing a leaking gasket or worn tire makes it easier for customers to understand the urgency of repairs. As a result, dealerships using Xtime Inspect consistently report higher approval rates and greater revenue per repair order (RO). The visual format also reduces disputes and builds long-term credibility.
4. Xtime Invite
The Invite module drives retention and repeat business through automated marketing. It analyzes customer history and sends targeted messages — from maintenance reminders to follow-up offers for declined services.
Instead of generic advertising, Invite delivers personalized outreach that feels relevant. The result is better customer engagement, more booked appointments, and consistent service traffic even during slow periods.
Why Xtime Stands Out
Dealerships choose Xtime not only because it simplifies operations but because it delivers measurable results. Here’s what makes it stand apart:
1. Unified Platform
Xtime replaces disconnected systems with one platform that manages the entire service journey. It connects seamlessly to popular Dealer Management Systems (DMS) like CDK Global, Reynolds & Reynolds, and Dealertrack, reducing duplicate data entry and minimizing errors.
2. Elevated Customer Experience
From online scheduling to real-time updates, Xtime gives customers control over their service experience. They can track progress, review inspection results, and approve work digitally — creating a sense of confidence and convenience that encourages loyalty.
3. Improved Efficiency and Throughput
Automation is at the heart of Xtime. By optimizing scheduling, communication, and inspection workflows, the platform helps service departments handle more appointments without increasing labor costs. That means faster turnaround times and greater profitability.
4. Insightful Analytics
Xtime’s built-in reporting tools offer valuable insights into dealership performance. Managers can monitor appointment trends, technician productivity, customer satisfaction, and revenue growth — enabling smarter, data-driven decisions.
Proven Results with Xtime
Across thousands of dealerships, Xtime has proven its ability to transform fixed-ops performance. According to industry research and user reports:
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Dealerships using Xtime achieve up to 25% faster check-in times.
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Average repair order values often rise by 30–40%, thanks to transparent digital inspections.
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Customer retention rates improve significantly due to personalized follow-up marketing.
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Overall service revenue grows as more customers choose dealerships over independent shops.
These results show that digital transformation in the service lane isn’t just a trend — it’s a measurable advantage.
A Day in the Life with Xtime
Imagine a typical customer experience powered by Xtime:
A vehicle owner receives an automated reminder for their scheduled maintenance. They click the link, open the dealership’s online scheduler, and book a time that fits their calendar. When they arrive, they check in digitally through a tablet instead of waiting in line.
During the inspection, the technician records a short video showing a worn brake rotor and sends it directly to the customer via text. The customer views the video, approves the repair on their phone, and pays online once the service is complete.
Later that month, the customer receives a follow-up message with a thank-you note and a coupon for their next visit. The process feels effortless, professional, and personalized — all powered by Xtime.
How Dealerships Can Maximize the Power of Xtime
To unlock Xtime’s full potential, dealerships should follow a few best practices:
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Invest in Training – Ensure advisors and technicians understand every module. A well-trained team delivers a consistent digital experience.
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Promote Online Booking – Highlight your Xtime scheduler on your website, social media, and emails to increase self-service appointments.
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Encourage Digital Inspections – Make photo and video documentation a standard part of every RO to increase customer trust and approvals.
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Use Analytics Regularly – Monitor KPIs such as repair order value, customer return rate, and average wait time to identify improvement areas.
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Automate Customer Outreach – Set up automated marketing campaigns using Xtime Invite to keep your bays full and customers engaged.
By combining strong training with process consistency, dealerships can turn Xtime into a growth engine.
The Future of Dealership Service with Xtime
As vehicles become more advanced — from hybrid and EV systems to connected technologies — service departments will need smarter, data-driven tools. Xtime is already positioned to meet that future, helping dealerships manage increasing complexity with ease.
Through continuous innovation and integration with emerging automotive technologies, Xtime ensures that dealerships remain competitive and profitable in an ever-evolving market.
In the modern automotive landscape, success in service depends on efficiency, transparency, and customer satisfaction. Xtime delivers all three. By connecting every stage of the service process — from booking to follow-up — the platform empowers dealerships to operate smarter, communicate better, and grow faster.