Meineke to offer digital inspection aid

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Feb. 13, 2017) — Meineke Car Care Centers L.L.C. is launching a digital vehicle inspection program, called "eInspection," that will provide customers with a "simple-to-understand" electronic report of the findings of their visit to a Meineke location.

Meineke franchise owners also will benefit from the program — supplied by AutoVitals Inc., a developer of "integrated shop productivity solutions" — in terms of improved shop efficiency and workflow.

When customers visit a Meineke shop for vehicle service, the automotive technician can conduct the courtesy inspection using the eInspection high-tech tool, which is powered by AutoVitals' Smartflow technology.

As the inspection is conducted, the technician captures data, photos, video and other metrics of the vehicle's condition and service needs on the eInspection tablet. This information is then sent to the service manager as part of that customer's repair order and inspection report.

Customers will be able to discuss their vehicle inspection report with the service manager and see the detailed information on repair and maintenance needs.

AutoVitals claims this will help make the courtesy inspection process more convenient, transparent and easier to understand, which in turn should help improve customers' trust in their repair recommendations, satisfaction with their overall experience and loyalty to the service provider.

Danny Rivera, president of Meineke Car Care Centers, said the eInspection tool will help Meineke franchisees deliver on the company's pledge to provide customers with a "world-class experience that centers on the highest-quality vehicle repair backed by trusted, transparent and reliable services….

"Technology can make the future of car care better and easier," he added, "and I'm proud that Meineke and AutoVitals are leading that charge."

Commenting on the partnership, AutoVItals Founder and CEO Uwe Kleinschmidt said: "Combining Meineke's presence in the automotive aftermarket with our technology puts us at the cutting edge of a changing marketplace."

Founded in 2009, Goleta, Calif.-based AutoVitals focuses on providing high-value management and engagement service for the independent automotive aftermarket. Prior to founding AutoVitals, Mr. Kleinschmidt spend seven years with Bosch A.G. working on connected vehicle technologies.

There are more than 930 Meineke centers in operation throughout the U.S. and Canada, servicing about 3 million cars a year. Meineke is a division of Driven Brands Inc.