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Car buyers now have more choices than ever before, making customer loyalty a challenge for manufacturers and dealerships alike. Automotive loyalty programs are designed to address this challenge by creating stronger connections between brands and their customers. These programs go beyond just offering rewards; they foster long-term relationships that turn one-time buyers into loyal repeat customers.
It’s important to remember that retaining an existing customer is much more cost-effective than acquiring a new one. Studies show that acquiring a new customer can cost up to five times more than keeping an existing one. Despite this, many businesses often focus on attracting new customers while overlooking the value of loyalty programs for those who keep returning. For car manufacturers and dealerships, balancing customer retention with acquisition is vital for sustainable growth and success.
In this blog, we will discuss examples of the best automotive loyalty programs.
Top 10 best automotive loyalty programs in 2022
Following are the 10 best automotive loyalty programs.
1. Ford: FordPass
About: Ford Motor Company continues to lead with innovation and customer-centric service. Ford is dedicated to enhancing the customer experience through its comprehensive loyalty program.
How it works: Ford’s loyalty program is seamlessly integrated with the FordPass app. tracks rewards, earning points for vehicle purchases and service visits.
Benefits:
- Accumulate 42,000 points with a new Ford purchase, redeemable for $200 in discounts.
- Gain 10,000 points per service visit, saving up to $50.
- Enjoy up to $1,000 off select models.
- Up to $150 in free maintenance services.
- Access expedited service and support.
Why it works:
- Engagement: Encourages frequent interaction.
- Value: Direct monetary rewards enhance satisfaction.
- Ease: Simple redemption through FordPass.
2. Nissan: MyNissan
About: Nissan, a pioneer in automotive excellence, offers MyNISSAN Rewards to enhance the ownership experience with valuable rewards and exclusive offers.
How it works: MyNISSAN Rewards lets you earn Points for vehicle service and online shopping. These points are redeemable at a 1:1 ratio for services like oil changes and tire rotations. You can earn points through dealership visits or online shopping and redeem them for various services or vehicle purchases.
Benefits:
- 1 point = $1; earn Points for service visits and online shopping.
- Access special discounts on services and new vehicle purchases.
- Apply Points toward service, parts, accessories, or vehicle purchases.
- Use Points to reduce maintenance and repair costs.
- Earn additional Points through purchases from over 500 retailers.
Why it works:
- Engagement: Encourages regular service visits and online shopping.
- Value: Direct, flexible redemption options provide substantial savings.
- Convenience: Easy to track and use Points through the MyNISSAN app.
3. Lexus: Pursuits Visa® Credit Card and Business Solutions
About: Lexus Pursuits Visa® Credit Card and Business Solutions provide tailored financial rewards and services for Lexus owners and businesses.
How it works: Earn 5 points per $1 spent at Lexus dealerships, 2 points on gas, dining, and entertainment, and 1 point elsewhere. Redeem points on service, parts, and vehicle purchases. Business Solutions offers competitive APRs, terms up to 84 months, and leasing options. Additional benefits include vehicle credit lines and consolidated billing.
Benefits:
- High reward rates on Lexus purchases.
- Flexible financing with competitive rates.
- Convenient services like consolidated billing.
- Comprehensive protection like added coverage options.
Why it works:
- Maximizes rewards for loyal customers.
- Tailored financing for business needs.
- Efficient management of multiple accounts.
4. Subaru: Benefits of Ownership
About: Subaru offers an array of loyalty programs and benefits to enhance ownership experiences for military members, college graduates, and all Subaru drivers.
How it works:
- The beneficiaries must be legitimate Subaru vehicle owners.
- They have to contact their regional Subaru dealership network to avail the benefits.
- Each Subaru Benefits of Ownership program requires separate procedures.
Benefits:
- Military discount: $500 off for military personnel.
- College graduate program: Special financing for recent grads.
- Guaranteed trade-in program: High trade-in value for qualified vehicles.
- Subaru Advantage insurance: Up to $665 savings on insurance.
- Subaru mobility assist: $1,000 for vehicle modifications.
Why it works:
- Inclusive support: Tailored to diverse customer needs.
- High value: Maximizes financial benefits and trade-in value.
- Flexibility: Adaptable programs and savings options.
5. BMW: Loyalty Offer
About: BMW is a leading luxury car manufacturer known for high-performance vehicles and advanced technology.
How it works:
- Eligibility: Current and former BMW owners or lessees.
- Credits: Up to $7,500 on select 2024 models; up to $6,500 on the i5.
- Offers: $500 to $5,000 credits on leases or loans for 2024 and 2025 models.
Benefits:
- High credits: Up to $7,500 on select models.
- Variety: Credits available for a broad range of models.
- Automatic: Applied to lease or loan through BMW Financial Services.
Why it works:
- Loyalty boost: Attracts and retains customers.
- Sales growth: Drives repeat purchases and leases.
6. Enterprise: Enterprise Plus®
About: Enterprise Plus® transforms every rental into rewards, thanks to a seamless point system.
How it works: Earn 1 point per dollar spent at participating locations. Accumulate points with each rental, which never expires as long as you remain active. Redeem for free rental days with no blackout dates. Membership includes four tiers: Plus, Silver, Gold, and Platinum, each offering increased rewards based on rental frequency.
Benefits:
- Plus: Free membership; earn points and status with every rental.
- Silver: 10% bonus points, one free car upgrade yearly.
- Gold: 15% bonus points, two free upgrades annually.
- Platinum: 20% bonus points, four free upgrades per year.
Why it works:
- Transparent earning system.
- Flexible, valuable rewards with tiered benefits.
7. Volvo
About: Volvo’s Loyalty Bonus offers up to $1,000 off on new 2024 XC60 and XC90 models for existing and recent Volvo owners.
How it works: Current Volvo owners or those who have leased or owned a Volvo within the last 6 months can receive up to $500 off a lease or $1,000 off a purchase of a new 2024 Volvo. This offer is valid from August 1 to September 3, 2024.
Benefits:
- Up to $1,000 Discount on purchase or lease.
- Exclusive Offer for Volvo and Saab owners.
- Additional Perks include potential financing benefits and waived payments for existing lessees.
Why it works:
- Loyalty: Rewards returning customers.
- Savings: Provides substantial discounts on new models.
- Flexibility: Applicable to both leases and purchases.
8. Europcar: Privilege Loyalty Program
About: The Privilege Loyalty Program by Europcar rewards frequent renters with discounts and exclusive benefits.
How it works: Members receive a 10% discount on rentals of 3+ days. Membership levels, from Club to Elite VIP, are based on rental frequency. Benefits include faster pick-up, free vehicle upgrades, and rewards like free weekend rentals. Status is reassessed every two years.
Benefits:
- Permanent discount: 10% off all rentals from day one.
- Faster service: Priority pick-up and ready paperwork.
- Free upgrades: Upgrades available from the Executive level.
- Rewards: Free weekend rentals, value-off coupons.
- Additional perks: Extra driver, airport lounge access for Elite VIP.
Why it works:
- Loyalty: Encourages repeat rentals with valuable rewards.
- Convenience: Streamlined processes and substantial savings.
9. Wingstuff: Wing Rewards
About: WingStuff is a leading retailer of motorcycle accessories, offering a rewards program to enhance customer loyalty.
How it works: WingStuff’s Rewards Program lets customers earn points on every dollar spent through activities like referrals and social media engagement. Points are redeemable for discounts on future purchases, with higher tiers offering increased earning rates.
Benefits:
- Earn points: On every dollar spent.
- Tiered rewards: 3% back (Silver), 4% back (Gold), 5% back (VIP Platinum).
- Additional earnings: Points for referrals, social shares, and reviews.
- Flexible redemption: Discounts on future orders.
- Special bonuses: Extra points on special days.
Why it works:
- Loyalty building: Encourages repeat purchases.
- Enhanced engagement: Rewards diverse customer interactions.
10. Stage 3 Motorsports: Rewards
About: Stage 3 Motorsports is a leading U.S. retailer specializing in performance parts for Ford, Toyota, and Ram trucks. Established in 2004, it offers competitive prices and expert service to enhance vehicle performance.
How it works: Customers earn points with every online purchase and review, redeemable for discounts on future orders. Points cannot be used with discount codes or combined with multiple gift cards.
Benefits:
- Earn points: 1 point per $1 spent, redeemable for discounts.
- Reward tiers: $10 off for 500 points, $20 off for 1000 points, and $30 off for 1500 points.
- Attractive savings: Encourages higher spending and repeat purchases.
Why it works:
- Enhances customer retention by rewarding spending.
- Increases average order value through tiered rewards.
- Drives engagement with incentivized reviews.
Drive loyalty in the automotive industry with Loyalife’s tailored solutions
Loyalife transforms how automotive brands approach customer loyalty. By offering tailored rewards for post-purchase activities like maintenance visits, parts purchases, and accessory upgrades, Loyalife helps brands maintain strong customer connections beyond the initial sale.
With multi-channel rewards programs, tiered loyalty structures, and personalized incentives, automotive companies can deliver value at every interaction. Loyalife ensures seamless integration with existing systems, enabling brands to engage customers across channels while fostering retention and advocacy.
By aligning rewards with customer preferences, Loyalife empowers automotive businesses to create loyalty programs that stand out as industry benchmarks. Loyalife offers the tools to transform loyalty into a strategic advantage. Explore the possibilities today!
Conclusion
The best automotive loyalty programs are powerful tools for manufacturers and dealerships to cultivate long-term customer relationships. The programs highlighted here demonstrate how rewards, exclusive offers, and tailored experiences can drive customer retention and enhance brand loyalty.
These programs go beyond simple incentives by offering tangible benefits, personalized rewards, and easy redemption options. They create a sense of value and connection for customers.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, loyalty programs will become even more vital in maintaining a steady base of repeat customers. The best programs reward purchases and foster ongoing engagement, ultimately strengthening the bond between brand and customer.
Whether offering discounts, exclusive services, or flexible reward systems, these loyalty programs showcase the growing importance of customer retention in today’s automotive market.
FAQs
1. What is a loyalty program in a car dealership?
A car dealership loyalty program rewards customers who frequently purchase or service their vehicles. Benefits may include discounts, service credits, and exclusive offers to increase customer retention.
2. Who has the highest auto brand loyalty?
Luxury brands like Lexus and BMW often have the highest auto brand loyalty due to their exceptional customer service and high-quality vehicles, which encourage repeat business.
3. How do loyalty programs help dealerships?
Loyalty programs help dealerships by encouraging repeat business, increasing customer retention, and reducing the need for heavy discounting to attract new customers. They also foster stronger relationships with existing customers.
4. What loyalty program is best?
The best loyalty program depends on individual preferences and needs. Programs that offer valuable rewards, flexibility, and easy redemption, like FordPass or MyNissan Rewards, are often considered top choices.
5. Can loyalty programs improve customer retention?
Yes, loyalty programs are proven to improve customer retention by rewarding ongoing engagement and purchases, which encourages customers to return to the same dealership or brand.
6. What is the largest loyalty program?
The largest automotive loyalty programs often belong to major brands with extensive customer bases, such as FordPass and MyNissan Rewards. These programs are widespread and offer a range of benefits, including discounts and points, across multiple channels and locations.
7. Why is customer loyalty important in the automotive industry?
Customer loyalty is crucial in the automotive industry because it drives repeat purchases and enhances customer retention. Loyal customers are more likely to return for future vehicle purchases and services, increasing overall profitability.
8. What is the difference between CRM and loyalty?
CRM (Customer Relationship Management) focuses on managing and analyzing customer interactions to improve relationships and service. Loyalty programs specifically reward repeat customers and encourage continued business through incentives and perks.
9. Why is customer satisfaction important in the automotive industry?
Customer satisfaction is crucial in the automotive industry because it drives repeat business and fosters brand loyalty. Satisfied customers are more likely to return for future purchases and recommend the brand to others.
