Less than three weeks after announcing it was leading a $140 million round of funding in online auto marketplace Shift, Lithia Motors made another tech-related move on Tuesday.

The retailer is giving customers a new way to get in touch with its dealerships. That is, through Apple Business Chat, which lets consumers connect directly with businesses via the Messages app on their iPhones and iPads.

When they connect with Lithia through Apple Business Chat, consumers will be able to get pricing on Lithia vehicles, apply for financing, value their trade, set up service appointments and ask questions.

 “We are thrilled to support Apple Business Chat, which gives us a powerful and engaging connection with our customers,” Lithia president and chief executive Bryan DeBoer said in a news release.  

“Most of our customers prefer iOS, and we always want to exceed their expectations when they experience Lithia,” DeBoer said. “Apple Business Chat makes communicating with Lithia as easy as messaging a friend, so we expect it will quickly become our customers' preferred customer service channel.”

Consumers can start an Apple Business Chat with Lithia by clicking the “Chat with Messages” button on the Lithia website, which will automatically open a conversation in the Messages app in which the user can interact with a Lithia representative.

The chat tool is available 24-7 and always is with a live person, Lithia said. Consumers remain in control of what contact info they share and can respond at their own speed.