ŠKODA and Volkswagen passenger car customers can now access the available workshop slots – enabling them to self-serve their car servicing booking with their dealer without the need for re-work, callback confirmations and adjustments that were part of the existing process.

The elegantly smart innovation, developed by Real Time Communications (RTC), integrates with Volkswagen Group’s approved Online Service Booking platform. It provides a classic ‘marginal gain’ that saves time and frustration for dealers and customers alike. Developed by RTC in conjunction with Volkswagen Group brands at a national level, the integration is now live for all RTC customers (with Volkswagen and ŠKODA sites).

The Online Service Booking platforms are all hosted by the brands themselves, which means customers benefit from a seamless brand experience, from visiting the OEM website and booking online to visiting the dealership on the day and at a time that works for them.

Reflecting upon the impact of this latest digitisation completed by RTC, Karen Parker – Head of Aftersales at Heritage Automotive – notes:

“We already have an integrated service booking platform on our own site that was delivered by RTC, connecting directly to our workshop availability. So, to have the OEM brands’ Service Booking platform do the same gives a consistent approach for our customers.

"With the OEM brand sites generating their own traffic to their website, some of these customers may not have used us before for service work, so ensuring that they get the best possible experience is vital at the start of that relationship. Having the connection to our workshop availability is a great way to set customer expectations and deliver an excellent service.”

Mandy Harris, OEM Account Director at RTC, added her thoughts:

“We have been working with Volkswagen Group brands now for a number of years, and have fantastic levels of support across the Volkswagen Group network for our RTC Aftersales products.

"Adding this additional functionality by integrating the systems is a big win for our customers, the brands and the end users. We’re looking forward to continuing to support both the brands and the dealer network with this integration.”

For more information on the Real Time Communications service booking or other solutions, contact a member of the team today at info@rtcauto.co.uk