Mobile App Development Automobiles
Force Gurkha - Owner Community & Service App
Connecting Gurkha Owners with Their Ultimate Off-Road Community
Client: Force Motors Limited
3
Platforms
Growing
Community
Integrated
Services
Nationwide
Dealers
The Challenge
Force Motors’ Gurkha is not just a vehicle - it’s a legend. Known as the “Desi G-Wagon,” the Force Gurkha is India’s most capable off-road SUV with a passionate community of adventure enthusiasts, off-roaders, and lifestyle buyers. However, as the Gurkha community grew, Force Motors faced challenges in creating meaningful connections between owners, dealers, and the brand itself.
The Disconnect in the Community:
Gurkha owners are a passionate community who love sharing their off-road adventures, customizations, and experiences. However, there was no official platform where owners could connect, share stories, learn about upcoming events, or stay updated with Force Motors’ initiatives. The community existed in fragmented groups across various social media platforms without an official home.
Service Management Challenges:
Vehicle owners struggled with managing service schedules manually. Keeping track of periodic maintenance, service history, and warranty details required maintaining physical documents. Booking services meant phone calls to dealers, waiting for callbacks, and unclear appointment confirmations. There was no transparency in the service process - owners didn’t know when their vehicle would be ready or what work was being done.
Dealer Discovery Problems:
When Gurkha owners traveled across India for adventures, finding authorized Force Motors dealers in unfamiliar locations was difficult. Owners needed quick access to nearby dealers for emergency services, genuine accessories, or routine maintenance during long trips. The lack of a dealer locator created inconvenience and sometimes led owners to unauthorized service centers.
Accessories & Customization Gap:
The Gurkha is highly customizable with factory-approved accessories like roof carriers, ladders, windshield guards, headlamp guards, and more. However, owners had no easy way to browse available accessories, check compatibility with their variant, or order and schedule installation. This created missed opportunities for both owners wanting to enhance their vehicles and Force Motors’ accessory business.
Owner Registration & Vehicle Management:
New Gurkha owners needed a streamlined way to register their vehicles, access warranty information, and receive important updates from Force Motors. Managing multiple vehicles (for businesses or enthusiasts with both 3-door and 5-door variants) was cumbersome without a centralized system.
The Opportunity:
Force Motors recognized that creating a dedicated digital platform for the Gurkha community could strengthen owner loyalty, improve service efficiency, create additional revenue streams through accessories, and position Gurkha as more than just a vehicle - as a lifestyle and community.
Our Solution
We developed the Force Gurkha app - a comprehensive platform available on web, iOS, and Android that serves as the official home for the Gurkha community. The app connects owners, dealers, and Force Motors in a seamless ecosystem that enhances the ownership experience at every touchpoint.
App Showcase
Product Demo
Force Gurkha App - Complete Walkthrough
Core Features Delivered
My Gurkha - Vehicle Registration & Management
The heart of the app is the “My Gurkha” section where owners register and manage their vehicles with complete details.
Comprehensive Vehicle Profile:
When owners register their Gurkha, they create a complete digital profile including:
- Vehicle model (Gurkha BS VI Orange, Xplorer, Xpedition, Xtreme, 3-door, 5-door)
- Vehicle Registration Number
- Chassis Number for warranty tracking
- Engine Number for service records
- Vehicle color and customizations
- Purchase date and dealer information
- Current odometer reading
The app maintains the complete lifecycle of the vehicle from purchase through all services, creating a comprehensive digital record that stays with the owner. For owners with multiple Gurkhas (businesses or enthusiasts), they can manage all vehicles from a single account with easy switching between profiles.
Service Schedule & History:
The “My Gurkha” dashboard displays upcoming service reminders based on kilometers driven or time elapsed since the last service. Owners can view their complete service history including dates, service center, work performed, parts replaced, and costs. The warranty status is clearly displayed with remaining coverage details.
Feeds Screen - Community Engagement
The Feeds section creates the official Gurkha community hub where owners, Force Motors, and dealers share content and engage.
Community Content:
- Events Calendar: Upcoming Gurkha events including off-road expeditions, owner meetups, product launches, and adventure rallies. Owners can RSVP and add events to their calendar
- Owner Stories: Gurkha owners share their adventure stories, trip reports, off-road experiences, and modifications
- Force Motors Updates: Official announcements, new product launches, service campaigns, and brand communications
- Dealer Highlights: Special offers, service camps, and updates from local dealers
Post Creation & Interaction:
Owners can create posts with photos, videos, and text describing their Gurkha experiences. The “Add Post on Feed” feature allows owners to share their adventures instantly. Other community members can like, comment, and share posts, creating engagement and connections. Trending posts and popular content get highlighted, celebrating the most exciting Gurkha adventures.
The events feature is particularly powerful - when Force Motors or dealers create events like “Gurkha Off-Road Experience Day” or “Service Camp Weekend,” owners can see event details, register directly, and get reminders as the event approaches.
Service Booking System
Booking vehicle service becomes effortless with the integrated booking module.
Smart Booking Process:
Owners select their service type - Periodic Service for routine maintenance, Repair Work for specific issues, or Accidental Repair for damage work. The app shows their registered Gurkha details pre-filled, eliminating manual data entry errors. They choose their preferred state and city, and the app displays available Force Motors authorized service centers.
Intelligent Scheduling:
After selecting a dealer, owners can:
- Choose their preferred service date from an interactive calendar
- Select the pickup time slot that works for their schedule
- Opt for doorstep pick-up and drop service where available
- Enter the current kilometer reading for service records
- Add specific requirements or issues to be addressed
The booking confirmation is instant, with details sent via email and SMS. Owners can view all their service bookings in the “My Service Bookings” section with status updates - Scheduled, Vehicle Received, Work in Progress, Ready for Delivery.
Real-Time Service Updates:
During service, owners receive updates about their vehicle status. They can see what work is being performed, if any additional repairs are recommended, and get estimated completion time. When the vehicle is ready, they receive a notification with the final bill and can make payments directly through the app.
Post-Service Feedback System
Quality service is crucial for vehicle longevity and customer satisfaction. The feedback system ensures continuous improvement.
Comprehensive Feedback Collection:
After service completion, owners can provide feedback in two categories:
General Feedback: Overall experience with the service center including facility cleanliness, staff behavior, waiting time, and professionalism
Post Service Feedback: Specific feedback about the service quality, work performed, explanation provided, test drive after service, and value for money
The feedback form includes:
- Feedback type selection (General or Post Service)
- Current kilometer reading verification
- Detailed text area to narrate their experience
- Star ratings for different aspects
- Photo upload capability to share facility or vehicle condition
This feedback goes directly to Force Motors and the dealer, creating accountability and enabling continuous service improvement. Dealers with consistently high ratings get recognition, while issues are addressed promptly.
GPS-Enabled Dealer Locator
Finding authorized Force Motors dealers becomes instant with the GPS-enabled locator.
Smart Dealer Discovery:
The app uses the phone’s GPS to show the user’s current location on a map. They can search for dealers by:
- Selecting their current state
- Choosing the city or district
- Viewing dealers on an interactive map
Comprehensive Dealer Information:
Each dealer listing shows:
- Dealer name and authorized status
- Complete address with landmarks
- Phone numbers for direct contact
- Dealership photo for easy identification
- Distance from current location
- Get Directions button that opens in Google Maps
- WhatsApp direct contact for quick queries
The map view shows all dealers in the selected area with pins, making it easy to identify the nearest service center. This is particularly valuable for owners on long road trips who need emergency service or owners who’ve moved to new cities and need to find their local dealer.
Accessories & Merchandise Marketplace
The app includes a complete e-commerce platform for Force Motors genuine accessories and Gurkha merchandise.
Browse & Shop:
The Purchase section has two tabs - Accessories for vehicle enhancements and Merchandise for Gurkha branded lifestyle products.
Accessories Available:
- Alloy Wheels (various designs with prices)
- Windscreen Bar for added protection
- Roof Carrier with ladder for adventure gear
- Headlamp guards
- Tail lamp guards
- Fender lamp guards
- Bash plates
- Snorkel accessories
- Recovery equipment
Each accessory listing shows high-quality images, detailed specifications, compatibility with different Gurkha variants, price, and installation details. Owners can:
- Filter accessories by category
- Select their state, district, and preferred dealer
- Add multiple items to cart
- Schedule installation at their chosen dealer
- Make secure online payments
Merchandise Store:
Gurkha branded merchandise includes t-shirts, caps, jackets, bags, key chains, and lifestyle accessories. Owners can show their Gurkha pride and be part of the community with official merchandise.
User Profile - Unified Dashboard
The profile section serves as the control center for the entire app experience.
Profile Features:
- My Service Bookings: View all past and upcoming service appointments with status
- My Gurkha: Quick access to vehicle details and management
- My Feeds: View posts created by the owner and their engagement
- Purchase Accessories & Merchandise: Order history and tracking
- Locate a Dealer: Quick access to dealer finder
- Refer Your Friend: Referral program to grow the Gurkha community
- Settings: Profile information, notification preferences, and privacy controls
The profile photo upload with verification badge helps build trust in the community. Owners can edit their information, contact details, and preferences easily. The interface is clean, organized, and intuitive, making it easy for owners of all technical comfort levels to navigate.
Technical Architecture
Building a platform that works seamlessly across web, iOS, and Android required a robust technical foundation.
Cross-Platform Mobile Development: We used React Native for iOS and Android apps, ensuring consistent user experience while maximizing code reuse. Native modules were integrated for critical functionality like camera access for service photos, GPS for dealer locator, and push notifications for service updates.
Web Platform: The web version is built with React.js, providing a responsive experience accessible from any browser. This is particularly useful for owners accessing from desktop or dealers managing service bookings from their office systems.
Backend Infrastructure: Node.js with Express.js powers the backend API, handling complex business logic for service bookings, dealer management, and community feeds. MongoDB stores all data including vehicle registrations, service records, user profiles, and feed content. The NoSQL approach provides flexibility for the diverse data types in the platform.
Real-Time Features: Firebase integration enables real-time updates for community feeds, service status changes, and notifications. When a dealer updates service status, owners see the change instantly without refreshing.
Maps Integration: Google Maps API provides accurate dealer locations, route navigation, and distance calculations. The map integration works reliably even in areas with poor data connectivity.
Media Management: The app handles significant media content from owner-shared adventure photos to dealer images and accessory product photos. We implemented efficient image compression and CDN delivery for fast loading even on slower networks.
Security & Privacy: Given the sensitive nature of vehicle information and personal data, we implemented comprehensive security measures. User authentication with secure tokens, encrypted data transmission, role-based access control for owners/dealers/admins, and compliance with automotive industry data standards ensure complete security.
Technology Stack
The Transformation Results
The Force Gurkha app has successfully created an engaged community while improving operational efficiency for Force Motors and its dealer network.
Community Building Success:
The app has become the official home for the Gurkha community with active daily engagement. Owners regularly share their adventure stories, creating authentic user-generated content that strengthens the Gurkha brand. Events posted through the app see high attendance rates, and the community has become self-sustaining with members helping each other with tips, advice, and off-road expertise.
Service Efficiency Improvements:
- 60% reduction in phone calls to service centers for booking appointments
- Service booking time reduced from 10-15 minutes of phone calls to under 2 minutes in the app
- Service no-shows decreased by 40% with automated reminders
- Customer satisfaction scores improved by 35% with transparent service tracking
Dealer Network Empowerment:
Dealers receive organized service bookings with complete vehicle details pre-filled, reducing errors and saving time. The feedback system helps dealers identify and address service quality issues promptly. High-performing dealers get recognition within the network, motivating service excellence.
Accessory Sales Growth:
The accessories marketplace has driven significant additional revenue. Owners who might not have known about available accessories now actively browse and purchase customizations. The seamless integration of browsing, ordering, and dealer installation has eliminated friction in the accessory buying process.
Operational Benefits for Force Motors:
- Centralized view of all Gurkha owners with comprehensive vehicle data
- Direct communication channel with owners for recalls, updates, or campaigns
- Valuable customer behavior data helping product development
- Reduced customer service workload with self-service capabilities
- Strengthened brand loyalty through community engagement
Owner Satisfaction:
Gurkha owners report high satisfaction with having a dedicated app for their vehicle. The convenience of service booking, peace of mind from service history tracking, and joy of community connection have strengthened their emotional bond with the Gurkha brand. Many owners report that the app made them feel more connected to Force Motors and proud to be part of the Gurkha community.
Testimonials
What Made It Successful
Understanding the Gurkha Community: We spent time with Gurkha owners at off-road events, understanding their passion for the vehicle and desire for community. This deep understanding shaped every feature - from the event calendar to the adventure story sharing capabilities.
Seamless Multi-Platform Experience: By delivering on web, iOS, and Android with consistent experiences, we ensured no Gurkha owner was left out regardless of their device preference. The cross-platform consistency using React Native made development efficient while maintaining quality.
User-Centric Design: The app was designed for ease of use, recognizing that Gurkha owners come from diverse backgrounds. Simple navigation, clear icons, and intuitive workflows ensure anyone can use the app confidently.
Dealer Integration: By bringing dealers into the ecosystem early and making the app beneficial for them (organized bookings, feedback, marketplace), we ensured the service experience improved for owners. The app becomes more valuable when the entire ecosystem participates.
Community-First Approach: Rather than just building a service booking tool, we created a community platform. The feeds, events, and owner stories make the app something people want to open regularly, not just when they need service.
Authentic Content: By enabling owners to share real adventure stories and photos, we created authentic content that resonates more than marketing messages. The community polices itself, maintaining quality and authenticity.
GPS & Location Services: The dealer locator with GPS integration provided genuine utility for traveling owners, solving a real pain point and making the app indispensable for road trips.
Technical Highlights
Advanced Features:
- Cross-platform development with React Native for code reuse
- Real-time community feeds with Firebase
- GPS-based dealer locator with route navigation
- Service booking engine with calendar integration
- E-commerce platform for accessories with dealer fulfillment
- Push notifications for service updates and community activity
- Photo sharing with automatic compression and CDN delivery
- Role-based dashboards for owners, dealers, and Force Motors admins
Performance Achievements:
- Consistent performance across iOS, Android, and web
- App size optimized to under 50MB for easy downloads
- Offline capability for viewing vehicle details and history
- 99.5% crash-free sessions
- Average 4+ star rating on app stores
Build Your Automotive Community Platform
The Force Gurkha app demonstrates our expertise in building comprehensive automotive platforms that connect manufacturers, dealers, and vehicle owners. Whether you’re an automotive brand, mobility company, or vehicle community, we can help you build platforms that strengthen customer relationships and drive engagement.
Our Automotive Platform Expertise:
- Vehicle owner apps and portals
- Service booking and management systems
- Dealer network platforms
- Community and social features
- Parts and accessories e-commerce
- GPS-based dealer/service locators
- Vehicle lifecycle management
- Cross-platform mobile development
Ready to transform your automotive customer experience? Let’s discuss how we can build a platform that brings your community together.
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