WASHINGTON, D.C. — After releasing its new CUDL AutoSMART app for the Apple iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch last summer, the credit union lending services company has revealed its application is now compatible with  Android mobile smart phone and devices, as well.

The app — which is designed specifically for credit-union members — replicates features of the company’s vehicle shopping website, www.cudlautosmart.com, such as advanced vehicle searches, car buying articles and affordability and payment calculators, to name a few.

Basically, the app gives members and consumers the ability to perform steps of the vehicle buying process from their mobile devices, as well as initial vehicle shopping and research.

Moreover, when utilizing the app, users also have the options of applying for a loan through their credit union, accessing their pre-approved credit union loan, or connecting with an auto dealership in their area, the company stressed.

That said, the tool also aims to help credit unions stay connected to their members through the entire vehicle buying process.

The new app also has the potential to aid dealers, as well, as they will find increased value in posting their vehicle inventory on the CUDL AutoSMART website, as their inventory will be easily accessible by members and consumers through the AutoSMART app, officials noted.

“Dealers also benefit from the ability to connect with new customers, as Android owners can use the app to contact dealers for vehicle quotes. The app also has a dealer search feature that allows users to search for and locate dealers in their area by distance and by using a visual map overview,” they continued.

Kip Hass, executive vice president or products and technology at CUDL, also offered his take on the reasoning behind the app's expansion: “Our goal was to provide a dynamic mobile app that leveraged the AutoSMART site to further simplify members’ approach to vehicle shopping, while providing our credit unions with an additional tool to stay connected with their members throughout the car buying process, and helping dealers to connect with customers."

The app is free to Android mobile phone users through the Android Market. Members have the option of going to the Android Market and downloading the AutoSMART app through links that are provided on credit unions’ individual AutoSMART websites. 

Additionally, the mobile app also has the “Sell Your Ride” feature that allows members to post their personal vehicles for sale through their credit union’s AutoSMART website.

Also, through this feature, credit union members are able to upload and post their vehicle’s information, data and pictures to their credit union’s AutoSMART site’s “Private Party” vehicles section, using the site’s inventory program. 

“Our AutoSMART mobile phone applications are enhancing the automobile purchasing process by giving the consumer more knowledge about credit union financing options while away from their computers,” explained Hass.