Edmunds.com has acquired mobile messaging startup CarCode as the veteran car shopping site looks to invest heavily in mobile. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

CarCode’s mobile texting platform connects car shoppers with dealers through their phones. Its one-on-one messaging tech will be free to use throughout Edmunds’ dealership network. The Seattle startup won $20,000 in February during Edmunds’ second annual Hackomotive challenge, which asks companies to improve the car shopping experience. CarCode then participated in Edmunds’ Fastlane Accelerator program before it was acquired.

Edmunds said 18 million monthly visitors come to its car shopping and review site. The buy represents the Santa Monica company’s first-ever acquisition.

“Car shoppers are clamoring for mobile solutions,” said Edmunds.com President Seth Berkowitz in a statement. “We think CarCode provides a very relevant service that ties directly to the growing trend in mobile showrooming and shopping.”

Staff reporter Melissah Yang can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @MelissahYang for the latest in L.A. tech news.