Сar wash & valeting app development for Volvo

Developed a mobile vehicle care platform with location-based booking, service scheduling, and cashless payments. We implemented remote vehicle access, service tracking, and operator coordination workflows, enabling unattended car servicing and a seamless customer experience.

Business context

Volvo, a Swedish automobile company, was looking for an engineering partner to develop a mobile car wash platform for booking professional cleaning services at their preferred location and time. The solution connects users with operators, enables cashless payments and flexible scheduling. They became the first automotive company in Europe to offer connected, unattended vehicle care.

Project in facts

Automotive
UK
Ruby on Rails developer, Swift developer, QA, PM
August 2022 – June 2023
Ruby on Rails development, Staff augmentation
Ruby on Rails, Swift, Java

Request project

Challenge

The client wanted to transform car washing into an on-demand service that users could book from anywhere without disrupting their daily routine. Beyond scheduling and payment capabilities, the app needed to coordinate operators, support location-based bookings, and provide real-time visibility into every stage of the service from order placement to completion.

After the platform gained traction, we were asked to integrate remote vehicle access into the existing workflow, so that customers could securely unlock and lock their cars for operators without being physically present.

Product goals

Provide a seamless ordering flow for mobile car washes.
Allow users to select car wash types and custom valeting services.
Enable secure, remote vehicle unlocking and locking.
Track real-time vehicle and operator locations.

Solutions

We collaborated with GoWashMyCar, the UK's largest car wash specialist, to translate their domain expertise into a clear set of functional requirements.

To support the client's business model, we aimed at covering a comprehensive feature set while keeping the booking process fast and efficient. The development included location selection, service package management, scheduling functionality, and support for additional service options.

Our developers adapted the application for Volvo brand style and implemented remote vehicle access, allowing users to lock and unlock cars during appointments. We also developed supporting functionality such as vehicle location tracking and car health check features.

Streamlined booking flow

Comprehensive yet fast booking experience with location selection, service packages, scheduling, and add-on options.

Volvo integration

Brand-styled application with remote vehicle access (unlock/lock during service appointments).

Enhanced vehicle services

Location tracking and car health check features for added user convenience and transparency.

Engineering approach

We built the platform around Ruby on Rails, using its mature ecosystem to manage bookings, scheduling, customer accounts, and service operations. Native mobile applications developed with Swift and Java provided a responsive experience on iOS and Android and enabled deep integration with device capabilities.

The solution combined location-based booking, payment processing, and real-time service coordination. Our team integrated Google Maps SDK to support location selection and vehicle tracking, Stripe for handling secure in-app payments, and Volvo On Call to remotely unlock and lock vehicles during service appointments. Each command is secured by biometric-bound JWT tokens and fully auditable operator logs. The backend centralized business logic and synchronized data between customers, operators, and service workflows.

Business impact

First-mover advantage in the European market

By launching a mobile car wash service integrated with connected vehicle capabilities, Volvo became the first European automotive brand to offer customers this level of convenience and flexibility.

High customer satisfaction

The application achieved a 4.9/5 rating on the App Store, demonstrating strong user adoption and positive customer response to the service quality.

Operationally efficient service model

The single platform reduces administrative overhead and simplifies service management.

Result

Our Ruby on Rails development company helped bring one of Europe's first on-demand car wash platforms to market, thus enabling the client to expand its customer service offering beyond traditional automotive ownership experiences.

End-to-end mobile booking experience
Customers can schedule a car wash at their preferred location and time, select service packages, add extra options, and complete payments within a single application.
Remote vehicle access for unattended servicing
Integration with Volvo's connected car ecosystem enabled users to remotely unlock and lock their vehicles, which allowed operators to perform services without requiring the owner to be present.

Ready to build your booking and payment platform?

Please fill out this form, and our manager will contact you within one business hour. If necessary, we can sign an NDA and begin project discussions.

Full name Full name is required Email Email is required Company Company name is required Message Message is required

attach file file size limit - 10 MB

I give my consent for Rubyroid Labs to process my personal data pursuant to Rubyroid Labs Privacy and Cookies Policy in order to handle my request and respond to it. I am aware that I have the right to withdraw my consent at any time.