Colo. Credit Unions Align to Launch New Auto Shopping Tool for Members
LAKEWOOD, Colo. — Colorado credit union members apparently now have a new non-traditional, more comfortable and convenient way to shop for cars, access credit union financing and purchase vehicles at pre-negotiated, no-haggle prices.
WhereMembersDrive.com is designed to provide the state's credit union members unparalleled access to thousands of new and used vehicles in Colorado with all the services necessary to select and purchase a vehicle, officials stated.
Credit Union of Denver and Elevations Credit Union, two prominent Colorado credit unions, have already joined forces with WhereMembersDrive.com, with more credit union participation planned for the near future.
Via the site, credit union members can experience the ease of virtual car shopping, direct access to credit-union financing options, save vehicles in their virtual garage, schedule a test drive or speak to a representative who can provide them with all the information they require to make an informed buying decision, according to the company.
Keith Cowling, president and chief executive officer of the Credit Union of Denver, said, "The decision to partner with WhereMembersDrive.com was simple. We are always looking to provide our members with higher levels of service. This new online shopping experience offers a stress-free way for our members to shop for and obtain the car of their choice."
According to Craig Burkhard, executive vice president and chief operations officer of elevations, "The new alliance allows us to assist our members with their auto buying experience on a completely different level. The process of obtaining a loan and buying a car becomes much simpler and convenient."
The virtual service aggregates inventory by partnering with organizations such as AutoNation Direct and Automotive Avenues to provide a new and more comprehensive method to shop for a vehicle.
Candace Taylor, vice president of sales and marketing for WhereMembersDrive, said she is excited about the partnership.
"Automotive Avenues and AutoNation Direct are a perfect match and help fulfill the brand promise of WhereMembersDrive. Automotive Avenues has a long standing history of serving Colorado Credit Unions and their members and employs non-commissioned sales consultants. AutoNation Direct helps facilitate the value of WhereMembersDrive by providing a single point of contact regardless of brand or geographic area and access to thousands of vehicles," she said.
"Both companies are founded upon the same value propositions that make WhereMembersDrive.com the premier credit union auto buying service: one-stop shopping for new and used vehicles; pre-negotiated, no-haggle prices; high touch and high service; full transparency," she continued.
Bill Green, president for Automotive Avenues, and Ron Frey, president and CEO of AutoNation Direct, indicated they are pleased at the early participation from Colorado credit unions and are also excited about the future.
"This partnership brings value to the member they can't find through a traditional dealership. The interactive service provides a platform where members can participate in a customer-centric automotive experience that is transparent, efficient and convenient," they said.