HOUSTON -

Companies that build commercial fleets with the most efficient vehicles available and financed by BBVA USA now can save in another way.

The Sunbelt-based financial institution on Thursday unveiled its second product geared toward environmental sustainability, announcing a rate discount on secured term loans for fuel-efficient commercial vehicles.

BBVA USA said the loan provides a 0.75% rate discount for commercial hybrid, electric, natural gas or fuel-cell vehicles. The announcement comes on the heels of a BBVA USA commercial real estate product launch that focuses on sustainability, a key pillar of the bank’s five-year strategic plan.

“We’re confidently moving forward on products that will both support our small business clients’ financial health and help them contribute to securing an environmentally sustainable future,” BBVA USA small- to medium-enterprises network executive Elizabeth Dobers said in a news release.

“These product launches are significant steps in the right direction for our small businesses and communities. I’m extremely proud of this tremendous start, and look forward to continuing to move down this path beyond 2020,” Dobers continued.

Commercial clients are eligible for the secured term loan rate discount when financing commercial vehicles through BBVA USA from a licensed dealer. Potential benefits also include competitive low fixed rates and terms up to five years.

In addition, the institution said commercial clients who select auto debit payments with a BBVA Business Premium Checking account can receive an additional .25% rate discount.

Officials added healthcare providers can receive an additional .15% rate discount.

Commercial clients must apply by Dec. 31.

“We want to make environmental sustainability, and the steps toward that goal, convenient for our commercial clients and their overall operations,” BBVA USA small business credit products and processes manager Stan Demarest said.

“When we develop these products, we take into account not only environmental sustainability, but how we can make it easy for these businesses to save money in a time where every dollar counts,” Demarest said.

“On BBVA’s side, we want these products to continue to advance the bank's overall strategy and hit measurable business and sustainability targets for our overall bottom line,” said.

In September, the bank launched a sustainability-focused commercial real estate loan for clients across its footprint, marking a milestone in the bank's new five-year strategic plan implemented in January.

The loan allows small business owners to receive a discount of 1% (up to $10,000) of their loan amount toward closing costs if they buy or build an energy-efficient building or renovate an existing building to improve its energy efficiency.