GARDEN CITY N.Y. — After Chase Auto Finance unveiled new offices in the Midwest and the Northeast earlier this year, this week the company expanded its presence in the Southeast.

Executives announced the opening of a full-service Custom Finance Business Center in Richmond, Va. They emphasized the office is geared to help area dealers provide financing solutions for subprime customers buying new and used vehicles.

Chase indicated Kevin O'Connell will manage the center, which is located at 3900 Westerre Parkway. O'Connell will head a team that includes credit analysts, a funding supervisor and a relationship manager.

"This center strengthens Chase's commitment to dealers and car buyers in Virginia," explained Bill Jensen, Chase Custom Finance executive.

"We are making it even more convenient for auto dealers in the region to meet their customers' needs."

Chase now provides services to upward of 15,000 dealers through more than 40 business centers nationwide.

A little more than a month ago, Chase executives rolled out a new Custom Finance office in Pittsburgh to serve dealers throughout western Pennsylvania. The company also set up a new office in Iowa's capital city, equipping the facility in Des Moines to service clients throughout the Central Plains.