HAUPPAUGE, N.Y.—Four more CUs have signed on to use GrooveCar’s online auto-buying resource.
Joining the auto research and loan aggregator program are Lowell Firefighters CU in Lowell, Mass., National JACL CU in Salt Lake City; Atlantic Health Employees FCU in Summit, N.J.; and San Antonio Citizens FCU in San Antonio, Fla.
“GrooveCar is strongly positioned to let credit unions reach their members who are interested in purchasing their next vehicle,” said Robert O’Hara, VP strategic alliances, GrooveCar. “The program works on many levels to match the car buying interests of the member with the essential tools to make a new car purchase happen. It is essential for credit union members to think of their credit union first as a source of an auto loan. The GrooveCar program accomplishes this by engaging these members throughout the process, from beginning to end.”
In the highly competitive marketplace for auto loans and leasing products, credit unions are looking for ways to bring auto-buying tools t
o their member base, the company stated.
“The GrooveCar program provides our members with the tools necessary to purchase a vehicle,” explained Dean Hirabayashi, president/CEO at National JACL. “Being able to take advantage of this growth market with guidance and support was the key to moving forward. Connecting with members intelligently and timely is critical to cross-selling additional products and services.”
The GrooveCar auto buying resource encompasses all steps in the buying process—from researching the vehicle to finalizing the deal.
“The average consumer will take approximately four months before making their purchase. During that time, they will spend 14 hours researching and comparing vehicles. GrooveCar provides vital consumer information related to auto-buying and leasing, which is appealing to the member and brings the member and credit union relationship to a new level,” explained O’Hara. “The comprehensive resource touts everything consumers expect to have access to: a virtual test driving component, auto research portal, comparison tools, build-out features, car values and history reports – all branded to the credit union client and cross promoting the other related products offered.”
The process to go “live” with GrooveCar is seamless, the company stated. Coupled with online and phone support, as well as a comprehensive training session, the process can take place under an hour.
“GrooveCar provides all of the necessary tools for a credit union to succeed in promoting the product including customized marketing materials, regular marketing consultations and branding resources,” O’Hara said.