National car care company AAMCO is offering mobile coupons via a new version of its iGaauge mobile application for Google’s Android phone users.

Launched in December for Apple’s iPhone and iPod touch, iGaauge gives users access to diagnostic tools and up-to-the-mile maintenance information at the touch of a button. Users can receive mobile coupons via both versions of the application.

“AAMCO is always looking at ways to extend our brand and engage current and potential customers,” said Jack Bachinsky, vice president of marketing at AAMCO, Horsham, PA. “Mobile applications are a great way to reach and engage consumers, particularly the younger demographics of Millennials and Gen Y who are less familiar with AAMCO.

“We feel the features of the iGaauge are extremely compelling and extend far beyond applications developed by our competitors, putting advanced diagnostic tools, GPS functionality and AAMCO offers right in the palm of your hand,” he said.

“Exclusive offers delivered through the iGaauge offer an incentive to download the application and help generate leads and drive interest in AAMCO and its total car care services.”

AAMCO claims to be the largest chain of transmission specialists worldwide with nearly 900 automotive repair centers throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

AAMCO engaged Qorvis Communications to design the application.

Gauging the success of mobile coupons
AAMCO’s iGaauge application provides a car’s maintenance schedule, troubleshoots car issues, provides traffic updates, locates the nearest gas station, contacts roadside assistance and connects users to the nearest AAMCO with a single click or tap.

Special AAMCO offers and coupons are available exclusively to iGaauge users via the application.

The current deals include the following: Save $25 on any factory recommended maintenance service; a free brake inspection and $25 off any brake service more than $100; and an oil change for $19.95, not including synthetics.

The iGaauge for Android application can be downloaded free of charge at the Android Market.

AAMCO claims that it continues to have strong brand recognition across the baby-boomer generation as a result of television-heavy advertising of the previous decades.

“However, the younger demographic of Gen Y and Millennials are less familiar with AAMCO,” Mr. Bachinsky said. “As mobile devices are ubiquitous with younger consumers, an application such as the iGaauge is a great way to reach this demographic and alert them to AAMCO’s total car care services.

“We have been very pleased with the response to the iGaauge for iPhone to date,” he said. “We do not have specific results to share at this time.

“AAMCO is exploring other [smartphone] platforms to launch the iGaauge for the future.”

To get the word out, AAMCO has developed print and TV advertising that mentions the iGaauge.

Dealers also have in-store posters to display in their shops.

“We will be engaging customers and leads through direct marketing outreach to alert them to the application and encourage downloads,” Mr. Bachinsky said. “AAMCO also participates in social media vehicles such as YouTube, Facebook and Twitter and uses those platforms to engage consumers.”