SALT LAKE CITY -

Shoppers are turning more and more to the Web and their mobile devices for car shopping. In fact, according to Autotrader’s Car Buyer of the Future Study, 42 percent of new and used shoppers are now using multiple devices, a combination of items such as their desktops, laptops, tablets and cell phones to shop for vehicles.  

Larry H. Miller Dealerships is tackling this trend head on, with the company announcing today it has a new product that allows shoppers to nearly complete the entire car buying process online.

The new integrated online to in-store solution for the dealership group — LHM Fast Pass — enables customers to select and reserve a vehicle online.

“LHM Fast Pass provides a seamless experience for customers to search, select and reserve a vehicle online; it allows customers the ability to manage their own deal from the start,” said Dean Fitzpatrick, president of Larry H. Miller Dealerships. “As more consumers conduct their research online prior to entering the store, we feel it is the next evolution in the car buying experience.

Customers value their time and are looking for efficiency, and LHM Fast Pass empowers the customer to structure a deal to meet their needs.”

LHM Fast Pass is launching in select stores in Salt Lake City; Colorado Springs, Colo.; Albuquerque, N.M. and Spokane, Wash.

The program will launch in all 54 dealerships throughout the western region by late summer, the company reported.

Shoppers on the dealership website can search through the inventory, select a new or used vehicle and click on the LHM Fast Pass icon.

Then, customers can offer their information, apply for approval and make a deposit via PayPal in order to reserve the vehicle for 24 hours.

The company said shoppers can also get an online valuation for their trade.

A salesperson will then call the customer to schedule an appointment to complete the final paperwork, and the car can be washed, waiting and ready for the customer when he or she arrives at the dealership.

The company also pointed out that when a customer using the tool is making a trade, a trade appraisal specialist will be available to ensure the customer gets the maximum value.

And used-car customers will also have the option of signing up for a price alert on a used car, so they will be notified every time the price on that vehicle drops as long as the car is still on the lot.

“We are continually looking for ways to improve the quality of life for our customers,” said LHM Dealerships senior vice president of marketing Paul Nygaard. “LHM Fast Pass will allow our customers to spend more time with their family and friends and less time shopping for a car.”