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FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. — Hyundai Motor America on Wednesday rolled out the first of a three-phase program aimed at helping customers plan and schedule vehicle servicing at franchise dealerships.

Beyond making it easier for the consumer, automaker officials believe the dealer benefits of the Hyundai Online Service Scheduling Program include improved scheduling and resource utilization, resulting in improved customer service and more efficient service operations.

Hyundai explained the first phase of the Online Service Scheduling Program is called Electronic Service Menus. Management highlighted that Electronic Service Menus provide make-, model- and even VIN-specific information about the service requirements for an owner's vehicle.

The company said the online system that's available 24/7 can explain different service options, including manufacturer-recommended maintenance and premium dealer offers.

Executives noted Electronic Service Menus have now been rolled out to nearly 800 Hyundai dealerships in the U.S. and are accessible through www.hyundaiusa.com.

In the second phase of the implementation, Hyundai explained that Electronic Service Menus can be integrated with Online Service Scheduling, management reporting and certified DMS connectivity.

Executives contend the instant connection to local Hyundai dealerships' service departments can ensure that both the expertise and equipment are available when customers make their appointment. Via the program, the automaker thinks it can eliminate needless delays and improve the utilization of fixed assets in the shop.

Furthermore, the Hyundai stated owners also can print itemized service menus on demand through a Web interface and sign up for personalized appointment notifications and repair status sent by e-mail and text message.

"Hyundai's Online Service Scheduling Program is yet another result of this dedicated effort to enhance the customer experience," executives stressed.

In the final phase, Hyundai revealed its dealers can have the option of automating and integrating Electronic Service Menus and Online Service Scheduling with an array of platforms. Those options can include call center and smartphone scheduling, comprehensive shop control, greeter boards and e-mail/text-based service marketing on a unified Web-based platform.

By integrating both the customer-facing and back-end technology, the automaker believes its dealers can further improve the customer service experience and generate increased service and parts revenue by increasing retention and improving efficiency.

The OEM plans for the Hyundai Online Service Scheduling Program to be fully implemented by the end of the end of this year across its U.S. dealer network and be available to every Hyundai owner.

"Hyundai's Online Service Scheduling Program will bring the owner, dealer and manufacturer into alignment when it comes to after-sales service and maintenance," explained Barry Ratzlaff, director of service operations at Hyundai Motor America.

"Through the online portal Hyundai owners can access the full range of service options and recommended pricing for their vehicle, providing assurance that their service needs are exceeded," Ratzlaff continued.

"You don't have to own a luxury car to get treated to the luxury service experience," he declared.

The program also is meant to extend Hyundai Assurance, the brand's initiative that includes the five-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new-vehicle warranty, Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and five years of complimentary roadside assistance.

Moreover, the automaker indicated implementation of the Online Service Scheduling Program is in coordination with the launch of its all-new flagship, the Equus premium sedan. OEM officials believe with the Equus that, "Hyundai is ushering in new customer relationship management tools that save owners both time and money."

To back up those claims, examples Hyundai shared were valet service for appointments and an iPad that will contain the entire Equus owner's manual.