Nationwide Insurance introduced its second application for iPhone and iPod Touch. Cartopia is a free iPhone car-buying app that helps users access a wide range of information as they shop for a new or used car.

Cartopia follows the launch of the Nationwide Mobile for iPhone app, introduced in the spring of 2009. Nationwide Mobile provides a tool kit for use following a car accident and helps customers begin the auto insurance claims process on their iPhone or iPod Touch. To date, Nationwide Mobile for iPhone has been downloaded more than 85,000 times and 248 auto insurance claims have been initiated through the app.

As for Cartopia, Sue McManus, associate vice president of interactive marketing for Nationwide, believes buying a car can be overwhelming for consumers. "Everyone who shops for a car has specific things that are important to them in making a purchase decision," she says. "Cartopia allows users to review unbiased information about multiple cars on the car lot, including things that may not be obvious to the naked eye like if a used car has been in an accident or damaged in a flood. It helps them lift the veil to make an informed decision about the car that's right for them."