We talked about Mercedes-Benz Financial Services’ (MBFS) mobile efforts for few times in the past. Two years ago, the company launched an iPhone app to allow its customers to make monthly payments while on the go. Then in early 2010, a mobile version of the mbfs.com website was launched so that more users (not just those with iOS-based devices) can do the same thing from their phones.
Next in mid-2010, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services started using the iPad by making the MBFS existing dealer portal, MB Advantage, available on Apple’s tablet, effectively introducing the mobile capability to more than 350 Mercedes-Benz dealerships in the U.S.
All this resulted in the company’s mobile payment channels experiencing a 127% growth rate in 2011. In fact, nearly 40% of the total retail portfolio of 511,000 customers is now managing their accounts with MBFS online, either through mbfs.com, the My MBFS app or the mobile website.
At the end of 2011, MBFS has received approximately $54 million in retail lease/loan payments from iPhones and smartphones!
Way to go Mercedes, we’re pretty confident other big companies will follow your successful example…