Sears launches AI-based tire selection app

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. (Jan. 19, 2017) — Sears Auto Center has developed a web app that uses artificial intelligence to help consumers identify the appropriate tires to fit their driving preferences.

Sears also disclosed it has joined the myCarfax Service Shop program, providing all Sears Auto Centers nationwide exclusive access to Carfax information and resources.

The new app, dubbed "Digital Tire Journey," uses IBM Watson Natural Language Classifier service to help customers identify what type of driver they are — Comfort Warrior, Value Seeker, Off-Roader, High Performer, Safety Seeker or Winter Warrior — Sears said.

To determine which type of driver a consumer might be, the Sears Auto Digital Tire Journey app asks: "When it comes to tires, what's most important to you?"

After the user types in an answer, the Digital Tire Journey shows what type of driving style they have with the help of the Watson Natural Language Classifier service. The tool then recommends tires with consumer ratings to assist drivers in making an informed purchasing decision.

"Our vision is to put our members' lives in drive," said Brian Kaner, president of Sears Auto Centers. "We do that by investing in people, products and technology to keep them moving safely on the road of life.

"The Digital Tire Journey is an innovative service that helps customers cut through the clutter while integrating digital, mobile and online with in-store shopping."

Getting tire results is easy, Sears said: Enter a license plate or make/model of the vehicle to view tires from top brands that are right for the driver, along with objective ratings from previous customers.

Users have several purchase options: buy the tires online, schedule an appointment for installation at the nearest Sears Auto Center or reach a call center agent to ask additional questions and purchase the tires by phone.

Sears stresses that the new app differs from existing ecommerce websites selling tires in that it does not limit users to drop-down menus of pre-selected tire terms without considering the driving and lifestyle preferences of shoppers.

To find the best tire, consumers need to consider not only their vehicle's make, model and tire size, but also how it supports their everyday routines and hobbies.

For more information, visit www.searsauto.com or Digital Tire Experience.

By joining myCarFax.com, Sears hopes to help its customers reduce the headache of car care, increase member loyalty and bring more people to Sears Auto Center for service.

Using myCarfax Service Shop tools like Carfax Service History Check, Sears Auto Center technicians will be able to make more accurate service recommendations, which boosts customer confidence, Sears said. Maintenance work done at Sears Auto Centers is included on Carfax Reports and helps drive new customers using Carfax to shop for and buy used cars.

To foster repeat visits, Sears Auto Center is enrolling customers in the free myCarfax.com service, which provides them with vehicle-specific email and mobile reminders from that direct them back to Sears Auto Center when recommended oil changes, tire rotations and other services are due.

"Sears Auto Center prides itself on delivering excellent customer service," Mr. Kaner said. "Through our partnership with Carfax and the myCarfax Service Shop program, we are able to provide our customers with unrivaled information to help them keep their vehicles safe and well-maintained while maximizing potential resale value."

Sears Holdings is in the process of shutting 30 auto centers across the country as the struggling retailer continues to winnow underperforming locations. The closings will cut the Sears Auto Center network to about 630 locations.

The retailer also is rolling out DieHard Edge Maintenance Plans and the DieHard 360° vehicle assessment services, which are designed to "provide peace of mind and protect drivers' investments in their vehicles."