New Mercedes-Benz scanner finds vehicle faults
Drive-through digital detector examines vehicles as they enter the workshopMercedes-Benz has revealed a drive-through vehicle scanner that detects issues with your vehicle as it enters the workshop.
Currently under development, the digital detector comprises a raised plate over which the car is slowly driven.
Equipped with cameras and a scanner, it reads the number plate, measures the tyre tread depth and takes photos of the car from all sides including the underbody.
“In this way it documents the condition of the vehicles,” explained Mercedes-Benz executive Eva Wiese.
“This notifies the service consultant of any visible damage to the vehicle and afterwards it can be easily displayed and explained to the customer.”
The digital detector is part of the digitisation process that Benz is undertaking throughout its business as part of its ‘Best Customer Experience’ program.
The move from franchise to agency dealer structure in Australia is being executed under the banner of BCE.
Benz has accelerated digital development during the coronavirus lockdown phase in Germany while customers have been unable to visit their dealership.
This has included personal video tours of vehicles prepared by salespeople for individual customers rather than providing information by phone calls or emails.
“Customers have loved that, so we have decided even after the lockdown phase when we have reopened our showrooms, we will still offer free live chats with our product experts,” Wiese explained.
“Appointments can also be made by Skype to speak to service consultants and product experts.”
Benz is also developing a completely contactless vehicle acceptance process. Vehicles can be booked in online for normal maintenance and digital signatures and payments are also being introduced.
Other new initiatives include a tour of the vehicle on video by the workshop technician explaining any additional work recommended and what it will cost.
“The customer can decide which additional works they would like to have carried out,” Wiese explained.
In Australia, Mazda Australia initiated a similar program earlier this year.
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