Dealerships Shift Gears: Mobile Service Emerges as Key to Recapturing Lost Revenue

NEW YORK, NY – November 17, 2025

The Changing Landscape of Auto Repair

The automotive service industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by a surge in independent repair shops and evolving consumer expectations. A new report released by Curbee, titled “The 16,” reveals a growing disparity between the number of franchised dealerships and independent repair facilities – with 16 independent shops now for every dealership. This shift is forcing dealerships to rethink their service strategies and explore innovative solutions to retain customers and recapture lost revenue.

For years, dealerships relied on their exclusive access to warranty work and a perception of superior expertise to dominate the service market. However, changing vehicle ownership patterns, the increasing age of vehicles on the road, and a growing preference for convenience are disrupting this traditional model. The average age of vehicles is now 12.8 years, meaning more drivers are seeking affordable maintenance and repair options outside of the dealership network.

“Consumers today value convenience above almost everything else,” said one industry analyst. “They want service that comes to them, fits their schedule, and doesn’t require a lengthy trip to the dealership.” This demand has fueled the rise of mobile mechanics and prompted dealerships to explore mobile service options as a way to stay competitive.

Curbee's Solution and the Rise of Mobile Service

Curbee is a technology provider specializing in enabling dealerships to offer mobile vehicle service. Their platform, M.A.R.S., allows dealerships to dispatch technicians and parts directly to customers' homes or workplaces, providing on-demand service and a more convenient customer experience. The company claims its solution is helping dealerships bridge the gap between declining service appointment volumes and the growing popularity of independent shops.

According to Curbee, dealerships are seeing a decline in service volume, with a recent Cox Automotive study showing that U.S. dealerships handled 12% fewer service visits in 2025 than in 2018. Simultaneously, independent shops are gaining market share, capitalizing on the demand for convenience and affordability.

“Dealerships are realizing they need to meet customers where they are,” explained an automotive technology consultant. “Mobile service allows them to do that, offering a level of convenience that traditional brick-and-mortar shops simply can’t match.”

Curbee's platform integrates with existing dealer management software, streamlining the mobile service process and allowing dealerships to efficiently manage appointments, dispatch technicians, and track service history. The company reports an impressive 92% acceptance rate for mobile service appointments among customers who haven’t visited a dealership for over 18 months, suggesting a significant opportunity for dealerships to re-engage lost customers.

Beyond Convenience: Cost Savings and Operational Efficiency

The benefits of mobile service extend beyond customer convenience. Dealerships are also realizing cost savings and operational efficiencies by utilizing mobile technicians. By reducing the need for dedicated service bays and minimizing overhead costs, dealerships can improve their profitability and increase their overall service capacity.

“Mobile service allows us to optimize our resources and focus our in-store technicians on more complex repairs,” said a service director at a large dealership group. “It’s a win-win for both us and our customers.”

The ability to offer mobile service also allows dealerships to expand their service area and reach new customers who may not be willing or able to travel to a traditional service center. This is particularly important in suburban and rural areas where access to convenient auto repair options may be limited.

However, implementing a successful mobile service program requires significant investment in technology, training, and logistics. Dealerships must ensure their technicians are equipped with the necessary tools, diagnostic equipment, and parts to perform repairs on-site. They also need to establish efficient dispatching and scheduling systems to manage appointments and ensure timely service delivery.

OEMs are also recognizing the potential of mobile service. Ford, for instance, has deployed a large national mobile fleet, while GM Ventures has invested in Curbee, signaling a broader industry trend. Tesla has long been a pioneer in mobile service, offering it as a core component of its service strategy.

This growing investment in mobile service is driven by the realization that the automotive industry is undergoing a fundamental shift. Customers are demanding more convenient, personalized, and on-demand service experiences, and dealerships must adapt to meet these evolving expectations.

As the number of independent repair shops continues to grow and consumer preferences continue to evolve, mobile service is poised to become an increasingly important component of the automotive service landscape. Dealerships that embrace this technology and prioritize customer convenience will be well-positioned to thrive in the years to come.