CUDL Launches New Web Site for Credit Unions
RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. (June 12, 2006) — CU Direct Corp., which administers the Credit Union Direct Lending program, recently unveiled its next-generation vehicle research and shopping Web site for credit unions and their members.
According to officials, the completely redesigned CUDL AutoSMART site offers several new enhancements, provides improved user-friendly navigation with increased research capabilities and streamlines the vehicle shopping and research experience. It also features an expanded library of automobile shopping resources.
Executives explained that credit unions can customize more of the content and features that they offer to their members, which they said can drive member financing.
At the same time, CUDL AutoSMART auto dealers will benefit from the ability to list their vehicle inventories and vehicle pictures on the new Web site. Dealers are now also able to update their inventories directly from their DMS system on an hourly basis.
To offer a range of new and comprehensive vehicle information, images and research capabilities on the redesigned site, CUDL is partnering with Edmunds.com, officials noted. Through this partnership, they said, Edmunds.com is providing the CUDL AutoSMART site with Edmunds.com True Market Value for new and used vehicles, Edmunds.com rebates and incentives, new vehicle configurator, new vehicle comparisons, in-depth vehicle reviews and vehicle safety and warranty data.
“We are very excited about teaming with Edmunds.com and incorporating their extensive vehicle intelligence into the CUDL AutoSMART Web site,” said Jerry Neemann, senior vice president and chief operating officer of CU Direct. “Our goal is two-fold: to provide our credit unions with a site that will both help increase member retention and grow their auto loan portfolio, while also providing members with the most sophisticated, complete vehicle research and shopping Web site available today. Our partnership with Edmunds.com improves the quality, breadth and depth of our Web site, helping us to deliver on that goal.”
Mike Benavides, director of business development for Edmunds.com, noted, “CUDL and Edmunds.com both aim to empower consumers in the car-buying process. This collaboration allows CUDL’s 17 million members and other CUDL AutoSMART Web site users to benefit form Edmunds.com’s established, trusted pricing, data, images and editorial content.”