DETROIT -

With a new online program set to launch next month called the Factory Pre-Owned Collection, General Motors through its dealers will sell low-mileage GM lease, daily rental and company-owned vehicles, GM chairman and chief executive office Mary Barra announced today. 

“We know that many of our customers who are shopping for a used car want to complete more of the process online, and that number is growing,” Barra said in a news release. “GM is already a leader in online new-car shopping with our Shop-Click-Drive service, and we are expanding it with the Factory Pre-Owned Collection, making GM the first automaker to offer this choice to consumers.”

(It should be noted that consumers are actually the vehicles from the dealerships themselves, and not directly from the OEM. GM explained that its dealers buy the cars wholesale, and then the retail customer buys the car from the dealer, who sets the final price).

The nationwide online inventory will include more than 30,000 vehicles. Each of the cars will have mileages of less than 37,000 and include an extended factory bumper-to-bumper warranty.

There is a three-day/150-mile exchange program included, plus a three-month trial of the OnStar Guidance Plan and the Sirius/XM Satellite Radio All-Access Package.

Roadside assistance and courtesy transportation are also provided during the warranty period.

Once a shopper finds the vehicle he or she wants on the site, they select a participating GM store and reserve the car using the Shop-Click-Drive experience.

The shopper then finalizes the purchase and takes delivery from that dealership.

When shopping for used cars on the site, consumers will be able to use the Kelley Blue Book Fair Market Range for price comparisons. They will also be able to obtain a Carfax Vehicle History Report.

 “Kelley Blue Book’s mission is to provide this type of trusted valuation and car shopping information to help consumers make the best possible purchase decision,” said Jared Rowe, president of Cox Automotive Media Division, of which Kelley Blue Book is a part.

GM North America president Alan Batey noted: “Technology and consumer demands are disrupting the used-car marketplace, and GM is leading the way in transforming the way used cars are sold.

“The Factory Pre-Owned Collection creates a simpler, easier experience for our customers and offers them more choices, less hassle and greater peace of mind. It’s also great for our dealers and GM because it introduces new buyers to our brands and increases residual values. Everybody wins,” he added.