CHARLOTTE, N.C. — LendingTree launched a new-vehicle lead program this week, expanding on its existing automotive finance business, LendingTree Autos.

Through this program, the company explained, franchised dealerships now can leverage the brand of LendingTree Autos to market to consumers in the purchase process for new models.

Officials said the purpose of their New Car Dealer Marketplace is to enhance the marketing efforts of dealerships, manufacturers and dealer groups to ultimately increase vehicle sales.

Through LendingTree Autos, manufacturers and dealerships can reach high quality, in-market consumers, officials said.

Registered new- and used-vehicle dealers also can utilize the LendingTree Autos CRM tool to manage incoming verified and scrubbed consumer leads.

"We're excited to announce that we've expanded our automotive product offering to include new-car dealerships, allowing for consumers interested in purchasing new cars to shop online through LendingTree Autos," noted LendingTree chairman and chief executive officer Doug Lebda.

"This will allow dealers and manufacturers to quickly and easily begin receiving high quality leads from LendingTreeAutos," Lebda continued. "The site serves as a valuable resource for both consumers and dealers in the car buying and selling process."

Dealerships, manufacturers and dealer groups interested in participating in the LendingTree Autos program can visit http://www.lendingtreeautos.com/Register.aspx.