NEW YORK -

Vroom made two moves in December to extend both its financial and physical reach.

Along with a hub in Orlando, Fla., the online platform for buying and selling used vehicles announced an amendment to its inventory financing agreement with Ally Financial.

Ally increased the line of credit to Vroom to $700 million, up from $450 million.

The company highlighted Ally’s extension of additional financing supports Vroom’s continued national growth. Ally has provided floorplan financing to Vroom since 2016.

“We’re thrilled to be broadening our financing relationship with Ally, so we can expand our offering of thousands of high quality, affordable vehicles with delivery straight to customers,” Vroom chief executive officer Paul Hennessy said in a news release.

“Car buyers and sellers are turning to ecommerce solutions more than ever, and Vroom is well positioned as we deliver a seamless online experience,” Hennessy continued.

And Vroom is looking to make sure it’s well positioned in Florida.

A week before Christmas, Vroom announced its first Extended Mile hub in Orlando. Similar to Vroom’s Last Mile hubs but with broader reach, the new Extended Mile hub in Winter Garden, Fla., can provide a more customized driveway experience for 4.2 million people in more than 300 ZIP codes across Florida.

Vroom pointed out that it has delivered in the Orlando area since the company was founded in 2012, then launched one of the first Last Mile hubs there in 2018. The previous Last Mile hub has now been upgraded to become the first Extended Mile hub, where customer advocates transport cars directly to even more car buyers’ driveways on Vroom-branded trucks and show them how to use their new vehicles.

After the Orlando Last Mile hub’s success, Vroom began rolling out more hubs across the country last year, with 25 launched so far and more coming soon.

The company explained the Extended Mile program is the next tier of growth for Vroom’s customer delivery and pickup experience, and the company plans to launch it in more locations in the coming months.

The Last Mile and Extended Mile hub expansion efforts are led by Vroom chief logistics officer Mary Kay Wegner.

“After successfully opening dozens of Last Mile hubs across the country, starting right here in Orlando, we’re excited to be leveling up to the next phase of concierge service with our new Extended Mile offering,” Wegner said in another news release. “Orlando has been an important market for Vroom for years, and we’re proud to be part of the recent wave of tech companies that are expanding their presences in Florida.”

Vroom reiterated its mission is to offer the best driveway experience possible for both delivery and pickup.

The company mentioned purchases by Orlando-area Vroom customers increased by 83% year-over-year from the first half of 2020 to 2021, and vehicle sold to Vroom by Orlando-area consumers increased by 475% during that time.

With an emphasis on customer service, Vroom is taking a unique approach by recruiting employees with hospitality and client service experience for its hubs.

Along with delivering thousands of vehicles this year, Vroom noted that the Extended Mile hub team also has helped local customers celebrate big moments, including surprise birthday and graduation deliveries.

“We are committed to meeting the growing customer demand for our vehicles with the service they deserve,” said Hanif Saad, senior manager of hub operations at Vroom.

“We have doubled the number of delivery trucks and employees, and are actively recruiting locally to fill open roles,” Saad continued. “This will allow us to ensure that many of the Vroom vehicles arriving in Florida can make a pit stop at our Orlando hub for quality inspections and reconditioning, and timely delivery.”