POWAY, Calif. — First Advantage CREDCO announced Wednesday that it will be providing a suite of prospect lead solutions to Market Scan, a leader in vehicle desking technology for the auto market.

Under the agreement, dealers using the Market Scan Desking System can access First Advantage CREDCO's Lead Prospector Internet, Bankruptcy, Targeted and Subprime lead solutions directly from its online dealer portal, CREDCOServices.com, via a desktop button, officials explained.

The availability of First Advantage CREDCO's lead solutions will enable participating U.S. dealers the opportunity to efficiently target and manage customer prospects in their direct market area, according to executives.

"Partnering with First Advantage CREDCO for lead prospect solutions will greatly assist our dealer customers in identifying in-market prospects and managing the lifecycle of a consumer's automotive buying process," said James Mason, Market Scan's national sales manager.

"A consumer's decision to purchase a vehicle is greatly influenced by a fair amount of research and comparison shopping first. Now we can provide dealers the tools they need to effectively communicate with consumers and manage their purchasing expectations throughout the buying lifecycle," he continued.

Eric Rumsey, president of First Advantage CREDCO, went on to add, "Our expanded relationship with Market Scan enables our mutual customers to access quality consumer leads in an efficient, convenient manner. Our suite of lead solutions allows dealers to optimally manage their contact strategy so they can maximize their marketing results and sales opportunities as consumers shop for and purchase vehicles."

Since 2001, the two companies have had a successful business relationship based on First Advantage CREDCO's credit information services. The availability of lead generation solutions expands this relationship, providing another value-added service to Market Scan dealer customers, executives highlighted.

Advantage CREDCO Reaches Out to Minnesota Dealers

In other recent news, Advantage CREDCO announced it is now providing Consumer Report Disclosure Notices free of charge to all auto, RV and marine dealer customers in Minnesota with every consumer credit report ordered.

Effective Jan. 1, 2008, the new law, which falls under Minnesota Senate File 1333 or Minnesota's Car Buyer's Bill of Rights, requires Minnesota dealers to deliver a Consumer Report Disclosure Notice to residents prior to the sale or lease of a vehicle every time a consumer credit report is ordered, officials explained.

"We're pleased to offer this service free to our automotive, RV and marine dealer customers," said Rumsey. "It's part of our ongoing commitment to help our Minnesota dealers remain compliant so they can focus on sales, while protecting their customer's right to stay informed on consumer credit inquiries."

The Consumer Report Disclosure, which will be delivered to the consumer at the point-of-sale, will be conveniently included as a separate sheet along with the First Advantage CREDCO credit report, executives noted.

Minnesota dealers will not have to take any action to receive the free service, as it will be automatically provided with every consumer credit report with the start of the year.

First Advantage CREDCO also pointed out that it provides consumer disclosure notices free of charge for California auto, RV and marine dealers to help them comply with a similar state requirement, which became effective July 1, 2006.

Unlike the California consumer score disclosure, Minnesota law doesn't require dealers to provide the credit score obtained from a credit reporting agency to the consumer, according to the company.