CHICAGO — Dealers who list their inventories on Cars.com now can reach consumers who use the iPhone because as the device's slogan goes — there's an app for that.

Late last week, Cars.com rolled out a free iPhone vehicle shopping application that can help mobile shoppers search dealer inventories and private-party listings. The app, which also can work on the iPod Touch and upcoming iPad, can be downloaded from the App Store on iTunes.

Cars.com had good reason for creating the application. Executives said nearly one-third of all mobile visits to Cars.com are being made from an iPhone.

Like going its traditional Web site, Cars.com indicated that this new application can allow consumers to review plenty of listings and information, including:

—Search millions of new, used and certified vehicles based on make/model, distance and maximum price preferences.

—Save specific dealerships and listings, along with notes and additional photos, to a favorites list for future access.

—Locate nearby dealerships to contact them by e-mail or phone, visit the store, view their complete inventory or access their traditional Internet site.

—Sort listings search results based on distance, mileage, price and model year.

—Access affordability and payment calculators, Cars.com Smart Target Pricing for new cars and Kelley Blue Book Values.

"We are excited to enhance the mobile experience for Apple users and reach a new audience of car shoppers by offering the first automotive shopping app for the iPhone that allows shoppers to find both new and used cars from a large selection of inventory," explained Bill Swislow, senior vice president of product for Cars.com.

"Mobile is an increasingly important channel for our business, now accounting for as much as 5 percent of our overall site traffic," Swislow continued. "We are always looking for ways to optimize that experience for shoppers who want on-the-go access to the information they need to make a confident car-buying decision," he went on to say.

"It is also critical for our advertisers, who are looking for new ways to reach ready-to-buy shoppers," Swislow concluded.