Going Deeper on the Future of Mobile Service

Mobile service has officially moved past the "nice-to-have" phase.

In a recent episode of The Truth About Cars, Curbee CEO Amit Chandarana goes deeper on why mobile service is no longer an experiment for dealerships, but a foundational part of the future of fixed operations. As Amit puts it:

“Dealers don’t lose customers because of quality. They lose them because of convenience.”

That shift in perspective changes everything.

Mobile Service Isn’t the Problem, Execution Is

Many early mobile service efforts struggled, not because the concept was flawed, but because the execution was.

Dealers bought a van, assigned a technician, and hoped it would work. What was missing was operational infrastructure: intelligent scheduling, route density, technician workflows, inventory planning, and real-time visibility.

“Mobile service isn’t a marketing idea. It’s an operation. If it’s treated like a side project, it breaks down quickly.”

When mobile service is operationalized correctly, it becomes predictable, scalable, and profitable.

Retention Starts Before the Drive

Every time a customer needs service, they pass dozens of alternatives before reaching the dealership. Independent shops win not because they’re better, but because they’re closer, faster, and easier.

Curbee refers to this as The 16. On average, an American drives past 16 independent repair shops before reaching their local franchised dealership.

Amit notes:

"Mobile service lets dealers intercept customers before they ever make that drive. When you remove friction, loyalty improves naturally.

Once customers experience service at home or work, their expectations shift permanently.

Efficiency, Visibility, and Technician Productivity

Operationalized mobile service delivers immediate internal benefits as well.

Smarter routing and appointment density increase technician productivity. Real-time visibility allows fixed ops leaders to proactively manage performance instead of reacting after the fact.

“Visibility changes everything. When you can see what’s happening in real time, you can actually run the operation instead of chasing problems.”

The OEM and Recall Opportunity

Mobile service also presents a major opportunity for recall completion and OEM-led programs.

OEMs want higher participation. Dealers want predictable workflows. Customers want convenience.

"Mobile service solves all three, but only when it’s standardized."

When treated as a real operational channel, mobile service transforms recalls from disruptions into efficient, customer-friendly experiences.

The Road Ahead

Mobile service is no longer optional.

Dealers that invest in operationalizing it today will win on retention, efficiency, and customer experience. Those that wait will be forced to play catch-up in a market where convenience is already the expectation.

As Amit summarizes it:

“The future isn’t about replacing the service drive. It’s about expanding it beyond the four walls of the dealership."

And for fixed ops leaders thinking long-term, that future is already arriving.

If you're ready to bring mobile service to your dealership, start with a partner who has already done the hard work. Reach us at hello@curbee.com.