The acquisition of CarCode by Edmunds.com allows car shoppers to engage in one-on-one text messaging with dealers, according to the company. The technology will be deployed across Edmunds' network of dealerships nationwide and will be provided on a complimentary basis to dealers and customers.

"Car shoppers are clamoring for mobile solutions and we saw an opportunity to provide an on-demand mobile experience through the CarCode platform," said Edmunds.com president Seth Berkowitz. "We are laser-focused on streamlining the car-shopping experience and this acquisition is just one example of the investment we are making in mobile technology to achieve our goal. We think CarCode provides a very relevant service that ties directly to the growing trend in mobile showrooming and shopping."

Now, as car shoppers think of questions, they can easily text dealerships and get immediate answers. No other third-party Web site is making such relevant and productive communication possible for car shoppers.

Car shoppers can directly ask dealers questions like "do you have this car in stock" and "can you send me a picture of the car I'm considering," and get a quick response from the salesperson's own mobile device.

CarCode is being offered to all of Edmunds.com's dealer partners at no extra charge.

Participating dealers will receive text-message leads from Edmunds.com and have the opportunity to add a "Text Us" button on their own mobile sites, which is proven to drive high levels of engagement from car shoppers.