ATLANTA
and DALLAS — It was announced Thursday that AutoTrader.com has chosen a
preferred direct lender for the site, one that the company contends will provide
shoppers interested in a direct lending option with "a seamless way to access
financing."

Tapped for the role is online auto lender RoadLoans.com — owned
by automotive finance company Santander Consumer USA Inc.

Commenting on the news, Lana Johnson, vice president of
originations for Santander Consumer USA, said, "RoadLoans has helped hundreds
of thousands of people receive auto financing, while AutoTrader.com is a
trusted brand by millions of consumers.

"Their Web presence, coupled with our online financing
capabilities, creates the perfect combination to help more customers purchase a
car," she added.

Now, shoppers on AutoTrader.com will see the RoadLoans.com
finance option when they indicate they need financing.

And once they transfer to the RoadLoans.com site, shoppers
can complete a secure online loan application and receive a loan decision in
seconds, officials noted.

Moreover, consumers can customize their loan, select their
preference for annual percentage rate, loan term and down payment amount.

"The transition from online car shopping to offline
purchasing is not as smooth as it could be, and we're looking for ways to fill
this unmet need for consumers," says Matt McKenna, senior vice president of
national accounts at AutoTrader.com.

"With the RoadLoans.com solution integrated into
AutoTrader.com, consumers will be able to access an instant direct-to-consumer
financing option to help them move forward in the car buying process," he
concluded.