Xtime a Cox Automotive brand is the go-to service experience platform for auto dealerships. It streamlines and elevates fixed‑ops operations by combining appointment scheduling, digital inspections, real-time status communications, multimedia messaging, and integrated marketing tools. Whether it’s boosting service inflow, increasing repair-order (RO) profits, or enhancing customer retention, Xtime delivers an end-to-end solution that meets the evolving demands of both dealerships and vehicle owners.
1. History & Positioning
Founded & Embedded: Originally an independent innovator in fixed-ops software, Xtime was acquired by Cox Automotive in November 2014. At that time, it was already powering over 6,000 dealerships worldwide, handling more than 2.5 million appointments monthly—translating to over $6 billion in annual service revenue .
Integrated Ecosystem: Xtime is now a core part of Cox Automotive’s Retail360 suite, working alongside brands like Dealertrack, vAuto, Manheim, and Kelley Blue Book, bringing a seamless journey from initial vehicle purchase to every future service appointment .
2. Spectrum of Solutions: Modules That Matter
Xtime evolves traditional service lanes by offering a coherent suite of tightly integrated modules:
A. Schedule
Driven by a capacity-optimized appointment engine, Xtime Schedule empowers customers to book service online or via mobile any time. With customizable menus, recalls, warranty nudges, and integrated rideshare support (e.g., Lyft), dealerships keep their bays full without manual overbooking .
Key Benefits:
24/7 booking with real-time slot visibility
Shop capacity alignment by technician availability
Automatic reminders that reduce no-shows
Embedded multimedia capture for pre-visit issue identification
B. Engage
The Engage module transforms check‑in and check‑out with tablets and walk‑around tools. Advisors greet customers personally, confirm service history, showcase photos/videos of concerns, and guide them through repair options—all while fostering trust and speeding throughput .
Benefits:
Accelerated write‑up processes
Dynamic upselling via intelligent diagnostics
Real-time service updates (paid via text)
Analytics for revenue-driving insights
C. Inspect
This digital inspection suite enables technicians to capture multi-angle photos, sequence videos, even include narration, then send directly to customers. According to Cox Automotive, ASRs often get approved in as fast as seven minutes using Xtime’s enhanced multimedia features .
D. Invite + Text Marketing
Re-engage vehicle owners with scheduled outreach—mail, email, or SMS—inviting them for maintenance or recalling previously declined services. These campaigns leverage CRM data to be both personalized and automated.
E. Reporting & Connected Workflow
Xtime doesn’t leave you blind. Its performance dashboards offer real-time traction on key metrics: additional RO counts per month, average dollars per RO, app utilization, and multimedia-driven conversion rates . Plus, smooth integration with DMS, CRM, payment platforms, and rideshare tools ensures data flows seamlessly backbone to boom.
3. Real-World ROI: Proven Results
Based on dealer data collected between August 2023 and July 2024:
Significant increases in RO volume per month and revenue per RO
Customers using multimedia-enhanced inspections reported ASR approvals in as little as 7 minutes
Dealership testimonial highlights:
Chapman Honda Tucson noted that Lyft rides integrated through Xtime arrive in just 3–4 minutes
Ferman Volvo’s Service Manager said: “I wouldn’t want to work at a dealership that doesn’t use Xtime.”
Xtime supports approximately 7,600 franchises and boasts a 13.3 % increase in service retention among clients .
4. Recent Innovations at a Glance (2025 Updates)
At NADA 2025, Cox Automotive announced powerful upgrades to the Xtime platform :
Messaging Center – Unified texting interface, including bulk message abilities.
Video Enhancements – Noise cancellation, high-res images, subtitled MPI videos.
Real-time Dashboards – Immediate feedback on performance and ROI.
Deepened DMS Integration – Smoother data handoff across systems and workflows.
These upgrades support the 65 % of consumers who view digital engagement as “critical or very important” in their automotive service journeys .
5. Dealer & Dealer-Staff Perspectives
What Users Love:
Common praise for intuitive interface, seamless multimedia quoting, and smooth tech-to-advisor communication
One shop echoed: “Xtime is way better than CDK Smart”
Common Complaints:
Some integration challenges e.g., quotes not syncing perfectly with DMS systems like CDK—can lead to double entries
Backend glitches: parts quoting hangs, interface lag, buggy behavior during quoting workflows
One technician shared:
“X‑time can’t price based on the price tape…takes way more time than it should.”
These comments underscore the need for thoughtful, well-supported integrations and thorough training during implementation.
6. Who Should Use Xtime?
Ideal for:
Franchise and OEM-branded dealerships keener on service differentiation
Fixed‑ops teams aiming for operational excellence and profit growth
Customer-experience leaders who prioritize transparency and engagement
Management-driven by analytics and KPI-based performance
Xtime’s modular architecture (Schedule, Engage, Inspect, Invite/Text, etc.) allows users to adopt features that match their existing strengths, workflows, and budgets.
7. Getting Onboard: Implementation Roadmap
Schedule a Demo – Cox Automotive offers personalized presentations based on dealership size and target KPIs .
Integrate Digital Tools – Sync Xtime with your DMS/CRM/payment systems, and set up scheduling and multimedia options.
Train Staff Thoroughly – Focus on check-in/out processes, MPI video capture, advisor communication, and text workflows.
Launch & Promote – Activate inviting outreach, Service Tracker links, scheduling widgets, and rideshare options.
Track & Improve – Use dashboards to dive into RO count, multimedia engagement, ASR conversions, text performance, and integration effectiveness.
8. Why Xtime Stands Out
All-in-One Platform – Unlike point solutions, Xtime integrates appointment booking, lane engagement, inspections, communications, and analytics.
Proven Results – Measurable increases in RO volumes, customer retention, and fixed-ops revenue.
Tech-Forward Features – High-res media, subtitles, tablet tools, and messaging center elevate customer experience.
Part of Cox Automotive – Ensures ongoing investments, back-end infrastructure, and ecosystem compatibility.
Scalable & Modular – Suitable for single-site independents or national franchises, allowing selective feature adoption.
Xtime has redefined how dealerships manage their service business combining digital convenience with operational rigor. Whether you're exploring fixed-ops modernization or aiming to exceed customer expectations, Xtime delivers: fast multimedia approvals (often within seven minutes), smooth ride dispatch via Lyft, analytics-driven decision-making, and complaint-driven enhancements that continue to evolve the platform.
That said, its effectiveness depends heavily on solid system integration, thorough team training, and ongoing tech support a factor often voiced in community feedback. When embedded correctly, however, Xtime consistently delivers higher RO numbers, more per-RO revenue, and improved service retention—all while delivering a transparent, satisfying experience your customers will remember.
