1,000th Mopar Express Lane opens

BRADLEY, Ill. (July 11, 2016) — FCA U.S. L.L.C.'s Mopar business unit is marking two milestones: the opening of the 1,000th Mopar Express Lane auto maintenance location in the U.S., which also happens to be the first stand-alone location.

The new 12,500-sq.-ft. Mopar Express Lane, located on the property of and owned by Taylor Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Bradley, features a lounge area with concierge service, charging stations and Wi-Fi, a complimentary car wash and additional perks, such as complimentary nail service once a week.

First introduced in 2008, Mopar Express Lane offers oil change and light maintenance service, including a complimentary multipoint vehicle inspection covering bulbs, wiper blades, batteries, tires, air filters, etc.

Taylor Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram owner Steve Taylor said the facility “was developed with a customer-centric approach” that will feature “convenient service” from factory-trained technicians. Having a stand-alone site enhances the dealership's ability to attract customers with car brands other than those in the Fiat-Chrysler family, FCA said.

“Reaching our 1,000th operational Mopar Express Lane location reinforces the commitment of our brand and our dealerships to providing a top-notch customer experience,” said Pietro Gorlier, head of parts and service for FCA, who attended the faclity's grand-opening this week.

The new Express Lane offers weekend hours, consistent with most other Express Lanes, Mr. Gorlier said, and uses premium products, such as Pennzoil motor oils and Magneti Marelli auto parts.

To mark the occasion, FCA arranged for two-time NHRA Funny Car champion Matt Hagan to be on site with his Mopar Express Lane-sponsored Dodge Charger R/T Funny Car.

In addition to the 1,000 Express Lanes open in the U.S., there are 850 more at FCA dealerships in more than 15 countries, including Brazil, Saudi Arabia and Japan.

FCA did not disclose sales data for the typical Express Lane, but did say dealerships adding Express Lane service average a 42-percent increase in business/sales within the first year and a 40-percent increase in oil sales within the first year.

Tires are an “important part of the customer retention strategy,” FCA said without disclosing to what extent. Express Lane stores carry most major brands.

Mopar (a contraction of the words MOtor and PARts) was trademarked in 1937 with the launch of an antifreeze product. Today, Mopar is the service, parts and customer-care brand of FCA U.S. and distributes more than 500,000 parts and accessories in 150-plus markets around the world.