Introduction
United Motor Trade (UMT), the official importer into Palestine for Volkswagen Group brands, set out to bring connected services to a market where factory-installed OEM systems simply could not be activated. This left drivers without the digital tools many now expect. To close that gap, UMT partnered with Connected Cars to introduce a telematics solution that delivered the app and service experience customers were looking for.
Many drivers were already asking for an app that gave them insight into their vehicles and made service easier to manage. This solution met that demand and added meaningful value to UMT’s aftersales operations. Today, connectivity helps UMT attract new customers, streamline workshop communication, and build stronger loyalty.
Quick look
- Company: United Motor Trade (UMT) Palestine, importer of Volkswagen Group brands into Palestine since the early 1960s, selling and servicing private and commercial vehicles.
- Locations: Several dealerships and service centers across Palestine, in both the West Bank and Gaza.
- Brands: Volkswagen passenger and commercial vehicles, Audi, Skoda, Cupra, and more.
- Challenge: OEM connectivity didn’t work in their market due to infrastructure limitations. UMT needed a solution to improve communication, service efficiency, and customer loyalty.
- Solution: Partnered with Connected Cars to deliver a telematics ecosystem that enhanced aftersales and customer engagement.
“We believe it improved the customer experience”
Hear how UMT sees the impact of Connected Cars in their own words:
“We believe that Connected Cars helps us improve the customer experience, especially in our service centers. Communication is much easier now. I also believe that the system helps us increase customer loyalty.”
- Hala El Far, Marketing and Communications Manager, United Motor Trade
At UMT, connectivity has become an essential tool for improving relationships, building loyalty, and making service feel effortless.
How Connected Cars helped UMT attract new customers
UMT saw growing demand from customers who expected connected features but couldn’t activate OEM systems due to regional restrictions and the lack of 5G. Many of these vehicles were imported from Europe, and the factory-installed apps didn’t work. To meet this need, UMT launched the Connected Cars App and ConnectedWorkshop. The solution delivered the connected experience drivers were looking for.
Saed Iskandar, Aftersales Manager at UMT, shared how the move helped the company stand out:
“The ability to offer real connectivity gave us something the market was missing. It helped us stand out and bring in customers who were actively looking for this kind of solution.”
– Saed Iskandar, Aftersales Manager, United Motor Trade
The offering brought in entirely new customers, including many outside UMT’s existing network. Several drivers downloaded the app before ever visiting a dealership or service center. In a market with few alternatives, connectivity became a competitive advantage.
Strengthening aftersales with a smarter, more proactive approach
Connected Cars also improved aftersales performance. Drivers could message workshops directly through the app, making support faster and more accessible. Remote diagnostics, automated service reminders, and personalized campaigns helped workshops operate more efficiently and stay one step ahead of customer needs.
The platform tied into UMT’s loyalty program, encouraged renewals, and kept communication open even after subscriptions ended. Together, ConnectedWorkshop and the Connected Cars App now support UMT’s long-term strategy for service, retention, and customer satisfaction.
Turning real-time data into smarter outreach
To support adoption, UMT introduced several initiatives to help customers and dealers understand the value of connected services. One example is a set of targeted materials that explain how connectivity improves the service experience. These resources help dealers promote smarter service and give customers greater peace of mind.
Aftersales teams also used real-time data to send personalized reminders based on actual vehicle condition. For example, Audi E-tron owners could receive accessory promotions specific to their model, helping UMT tailor offers to each customer’s vehicle and needs.
To bring the platform to life in stores, UMT developed a hands-on display that shows how the solution works using live vehicle data. This setup helps visitors understand the experience and see its value immediately.
Why UMT chose Connected Cars as their telematics partner
UMT evaluated multiple options before selecting Connected Cars. Factory-installed systems often could not be activated because of regional restrictions and infrastructure gaps. Other providers lacked diagnostics, customer communication, or service integration. These tools were reactive and limited, while UMT needed a solution that could support a more proactive approach to aftersales.
Connected Cars brought together exactly what UMT needed. Real-time vehicle data from CC-Link retrofit hardware, direct communication through the Connected Cars App, and smarter outreach using ConnectedWorkshop allowed UMT to stay ahead of issues and support customers before problems escalated. The solution helped shift aftersales from reactive to proactive, improving service quality, engagement, and efficiency while helping UMT stay competitive in a challenging market.
Conclusion: A long-term strategy built on connection
Connectivity now plays a central role in how UMT delivers service, engages customers, and stays competitive. What began as a workaround for market limitations has grown into a long-term strategy that supports retention, drives loyalty, and adds measurable value across the business.
With Connected Cars, UMT has built a connected aftersales experience that fits their market, scales across locations, and strengthens customer relationships at every touchpoint.