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Despite the numerous challenges that arose in 2020, Lincoln and its dealer partners delivered exceptional client experiences and world-class vehicles this year, earning recognition as the highest ranking luxury brand in the J.D. Power and Associates annual Sales Satisfaction Index, moving up five spots over its 2019 ranking.
The study, now in its 35th year, has been redesigned to place greater emphasis on digital retail and remote buying. It measures customers’ satisfaction with selecting vehicles from inventory, receiving credit approval, purchase price agreements, and complete purchase paperwork.
Lincoln’s standard Pickup and Delivery service continues to be a key differentiator for the brand, with more than 223,000 experiences in 2020—an increase of 19 percent in November alone. Plus, in the spring, Lincoln worked closely with its dealer partners to accelerate the launch of its Effortless Sales Experience, which includes a fully remote sales platform and a virtual walk-around tool to better serve clients during the pandemic, allowing them to enjoy convenient and effortless services while keeping them safe in the comfort of their homes.
“Serving our Lincoln clients in ways that extend beyond the vehicle is one of the most important and exciting opportunities for our brand,” said Lincoln North America Director Michael Sprague. “Despite the challenging year, by working in lockstep with our dealer partners we were able to deliver on an ownership experience that is a true representation of Lincoln luxury and, simply put—effortless.”
The J.D. Power Sales Satisfaction Index is based on responses from nearly 36,000 buyers who purchased or leased their new vehicle from January through June. A comprehensive analysis of the new vehicle purchase experience, it measures customer satisfaction with the selling dealer as well as satisfaction with brands and dealerships that were shopped but ultimately rejected in favor of the selling dealership.
Visit lincoln.com for more information.
[12.10.20]
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Daimler Buses NA is further strengthening its motorcoach business in the US by joining forces with its North American business unit Daimler Coaches North America (DCNA), the parts distribution of Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA), and distributors of Detroit Diesel engines. Setra operators will now fully benefit from the unique infrastructure that DTNA operates in North America.
“With the foundation of our business unit DCNA, Daimler Buses demonstrates with our North American bus operations its commitment to the North American motorcoach industry and its ambition to continually grow in this core market. By leveraging our Daimler infrastructure in North America, we will provide best in class service to our Setra operators and continue to expand our customer base,” says Head of Daimler Buses Till Oberwoeder.
North American Service Centers
As of September 2020 DCNA has partnered with four experienced and highly qualified Detroit Diesel Distributors in the U.S. to significantly grow its service network:
- Interstate Companies (Midwest)
- Penn Power Group (Northeast)
- Stewart and Stevenson (Southeast)
- Valley Power Systems (West Coast)
Daimler Coaches North America has qualified eight new workshop locations for those selected Detroit Diesel distributors, to perform dedicated motorcoach service. These service locations will expand their service for Detroit Diesel engines and Allison transmissions to full coach support. Their service will now include electrical, HVAC, pneumatics, and interiors. Customers will benefit from this unique full coach service to the industry: the new workshop set-up will enable Setra operators to have all of their coach service performed in one location by specialized coach mechanics, resulting in reduced service repair times for our operators.
Additionally, the new service locations are qualified to serve as selling points for motorcoach spare-parts offering a true one stop shopping experience to Setra operators.
“These new workshop locations in the U.S. offer a service coverage and parts supply that operators expect from Setra as the premium motorcoach brand. It is our ultimate target to minimize idle times for our customers—wherever they need us, we will be there,” adds Head of Daimler Coaches North America Thomas Rohde.
Aftermarket service parts logistics
The backbone of the aftermarket parts distribution is the DTNA supply chain, which includes 10 parts distribution centers (PDC) across the U.S. and Canada, as well as a Dedicated Delivery Service (DDS) for next-day delivery on 90 percent of orders. Setra’s motorcoach parts are integrated into DTNA’s existing support of more than 50 product lines that serve the commercial transportation industry with reliable new and remanufactured parts. In working with DTNA’s aftermarket, Detroit Diesel’s service partners will be able to leverage its best-in-industry supply chain network, ensuring fast and reliable supply for Setra motorcoach operators.
Visit daimler.com for more information.
[12.08.20]
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Never before has loyalty to customers and the motorcoach industry been more vital than during these unprecedented times. Through it all, Prevost remains committed, offering customers consistent support through the largest service network in the motorcoach industry.
“Prevost recognizes the importance of customer support, now even more than ever,” said Vice President of Parts and Service Kevin Dawson. “We want customers to know we’re here to help, and we’re not going anywhere.”
Prevost’s vast network includes 17 OEM-owned service locations and 60 mobile service vans strategically stationed throughout North America.
“Prevost service centers are more accommodating than ever,” said Prevost owner-operator Joel Prive of Lamoille Valley Transportation. “I sent a text to setup service for the next day. It was after 7 p.m., but I received a confirmation that evening. What more can you ask for? Buy the best, get the best!”
Each service center and mobile unit is staffed with factory-trained technicians—focused on motorcoaches—ready and willing to perform work on any make or model of motorcoach.
“Our factory-certified technicians are trained to work on any motorcoach make or model,” said Service Network Director Randy Castillo. “Whether a Prevost, a Volvo, or any of our competitor brands, we provide exceptional service with a quick turnaround to get you back on the road right away.”
Prevost offers a large inventory of genuine parts in addition to parts for all makes and models available for order from centralized parts warehouses, with many fast-moving parts available at one of the 17 service centers throughout North America. In addition to exceptional availability, most parts purchased and installed in a Prevost Service Center also come with a one-year warranty.
“We’re proud to offer Prevost Uptime, our preventive service agreement program,” said Business Development Manager Craig Heaton. “Using our OEM-established maintenance intervals, or Service-At-A-Glance, service agreements ensure each vehicle is well-serviced making it more reliable and fuel-efficient, while also lowering the total cost of ownership for the operator.”
For customers looking to ease their budget, reduce unplanned stops, and keep vehicles on the road, Prevost Uptime is the solution. Prevost Uptime service agreements implement fixed costs and include scheduled maintenance for engines, exhaust after treatment systems, transmissions, axles and chassis. Additionally, all services completed through the Prevost Uptime program are accompanied by a 24-month warranty on both parts and labor.
With more OEM-owned service centers than its top three competitors combined and a specialized customer support team with more than 260 years of industry experience, Prevost is committed to its customers and to the motorcoach industry now more than ever.
Visit prevostcar.com for more information.
[12.08.20]