RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, Calif. — Finance Express, a provider of Web-based financial services and technology for independent dealerships, recently partnered with Preferred Automobile Credit Co., a growing indirect subprime auto finance company.

In explaining why Finance Express broadened its lender portal, president David Huber stated, "Since the down turn of the economy, dealers need lenders more than ever right now, so we are proud to have PACCO in our growing group of lenders that we can offer to our dealer base."

Tim Rodgers, credit department manager at PACCO, added, "The relationship with Finance Express aligns with PACCO's vision statement for excellence in technology and will further enhance PACCO's ability to service the independent dealerships within our existing network while expanding our services to new dealerships going forward."

The latest agreement extends a string of developments Finance Express has rolled out this year.

Back in June, Finance Express announced that Experian Automotive's AutoCheck vehicle history reports are available through the company's Internet-based dealer management system.

The reports also include a vehicle history score that summarizes all included vehicle research.

And during the National Alliance of Buy-Here, Pay-Here Dealers conference in May, Finance Express revealed that it launched an iPhone and Android mobile app.

Finance Express' mobile app can give dealers the ability to scan a VIN right at the auction, evaluate the car, review vehicle history reports, create auction run lists and most uniquely, add the vehicle to their inventory before they even get back to the dealership, officials highlighted.