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DigniFi, AutoNation and TR Wholesale Solutions are all working together to help customers finance tires that offer superior safety and performance.

AutoNation uses TR Wholesale Solutions’ digital tire shopping platform to help its service advisors and customers shop, compare and order tires. By introducing DigniFi’s automotive financing platform into this experience, AutoNation and TR Wholesale Solutions can provide aid to customers who are having their wallets pinched nowadays.

According to a news release, the trio of companies came together since COVID-19 has changed how drivers approach vehicle repairs and maintenance. In fact, AutoNation reported that the dealer group saw an increase in service financing between July and December.

With record numbers of Americans out of work, AutoNation acknowledged drivers were hesitant to spend on high-ticket maintenance and repairs as well as new tires, which tend to be one of the highest-cost items for a newer vehicle still under warranty.

“New tires are the first major expense of the ownership cycle and the first defection point in service loyalty,” said Dave Wilmore, senior vice president of customer care and brand extensions at AutoNation.

“Service financing enables our customers to purchase the correct tires with a payment schedule they can handle,” Wilmore continued in the news release. “This partnership with DigniFi and TR Wholesale Solutions furthers our commitment to keep every customer safe on the road, no matter what their financial situation is.”

Aaron Reitman is vice president of corporate accounts at TR Wholesale Solutions, a Tire Rack company and one of America’s largest direct-to-retailer tire businesses and an independent tire tester.

“Tire selection is first and foremost about safety,” Reitman said. “Especially in a financially difficult year, drivers are tempted to replace their tires with a budget set, which tend to offer decreased performance on wet or snow-covered roads.

“With DigniFi integrated into our tire shopping tool, we can show customers that safer, higher-performance tires are within reach because flexible financing is just a few clicks away,” Reitman went on to say.

Since 2019, AutoNation has partnered with DigniFi to finance repairs and maintenance for customers. DigniFi said it has improved customer loyalty and engagement by offering transparency, choice and convenience in the service experience.

DigniFi also has enabled AutoNation associates to offer other premium auto services for their customers.

DigniFi’s automotive financing platform can help people afford vehicles, auto repairs, upgrades, accessories and trade-ins with flexible payment terms. Customers apply for financing on their personal smartphone and receive an instant decision from a lender.

On average, automotive businesses that offer DigniFi increase annual revenue by up to 20%, according to the company.

DigniFi chief executive officer Richard Counihan described the potential of this new collaboration with AutoNation and TR Wholesale Solutions, saying the companies “already lead the market in providing a seamless, digital shopping experience for tires.

“DigniFi can complement their strengths by making financing accessible to consumers who might otherwise skip, delay or underfund tire purchases,”

Tire financing from DigniFi is now available at 244 AutoNation stores and online at www.autonationtirestore.com.