GARDEN CITY, N.Y. — Starting tomorrow, Chase Auto Finance will begin offering subvented loans and leases for Mazda's North American operations, a spokeswomen for the lender told SubPrime Auto Finance News this week.

By Jan. 1, 2009, Mazda will use Chase exclusively for all subvented retail and lease programs, she indicated.

Basically, via the agreement signed with Mazda, Chase will provide Mazda North American operations and its U.S. dealers a dedicated sales and credit team, along with customized products, services and communications. 

Each dealer will receive a welcome kit with details about Chase's services and support.

"Chase Auto Finance can provide a full range of financing options for Mazda buyers," Mary Kay Bean, a Chase Auto Finance spokeswomen, told SubPrime Auto Finance News this week.

"Chase has the scale and overall experience as well as the specific experience working with manufacturers of mainly small and midsize vehicles. Mazda and its customers can count on Chase's expertise in auto finance as well as the stability and strength of its parent company, JPMorgan Chase & Co.," she added.

This will not be Chase Auto Finance's first foray into acting as a captive for an automaker. The lender has served in the same capacity for Subaru since 2001.