Inland Kenworth has launched an iPhone/iPad/iTouch app that it says can improve the customer service experience. The Inland Kenworth app allows users to find any Inland Kenworth location.
Users have the option of searching by Inland location or by using a GPS function to find the nearest Inland location. From there all information about the location is displayed. The app includes a Google map display which allows customers to follow directions to the dealership. In addition, clicking on the location’s phone number will automatically dial the location
According to Boyd McConnachie, vice president of business development for the Inland Group, the app was first discussed last fall and the decision to proceed with it was made in January with the app ready early in February.
McConnachie believes the app will help customers in two ways. For example, if the customer is in Albuquerque, but knows he is going to be in Los Angeles in a few days and is in need of an oil change, he can browse the app to see if there is an Inland location in Los Angles.
In addition, if the customer is in New Mexico heading toward Phoenix and the vehicle’s check engine light comes on, he can use the app to find the closest Inland location.
McConnachie hopes the app will drive business to the dealership. “If a customer has to scroll through various competitors’ locations to get to us, they may not find us if they are not familiar with us and we may not get the opportunity to do business with them.”
He adds, “I think this app is a good marriage of technology and our brick and mortar business. That is the trend today and we are happy to be utilizing the new technology.”
Inland operates in a wide geographic are, with location in both Canada (British Columbia and the Yukon) and the United States (California, Arizona and New Mexico). It currently has 20 locations, with three additional locations scheduled to come on board later this year.
