Walk around a car sales lot these days and you’re apt to see many shoppers spending as much or more time pulling up information on their mobile phones as they are talking to sales staff.

Buyers want information at their fingertips while on the lot—about both vehicles and loans. “Credit unions need to stay present with members when they’re making those big life purchases, such as a car,” says Steve Hoke, director of loan growth products at CUNA Mutual Group.

CUNA Mutual's new mobile app, Ask- Auto™, rolled out to early adopters in March 2013 and more broadly in July. It allows buyers to scan vehicle identification numbers for information.

Built-in geo-location capabilities allow credit unions to push messages to members about getting a credit union loan while members are on the dealer’s lot. The message is tailored to that credit union’s relationship with the dealer.

“This takes the mobile experience further for the member and the credit union,” says Hoke.