DALLAS and ATLANTA — AutoTrader.com named RoadLoans.com as its preferred direct lender. Patrons of the online vehicle listing site will now have a direct lending option through RoadLoans.com.

Consumers shopping on AutoTrader.com will see the RoadLoans.com finance option when they indicate they need financing. Once on the RoadLoans.com site, shoppers can complete a secure online loan application and receive an instant loan decision. Consumers will be able to select their preference for annual percentage rate, loan term and down payment amount.

"RoadLoans has helped hundreds of thousands of people receive auto financing, while AutoTrader.com is a trusted brand by millions of consumers," says Lana Johnson, vice president of originations for Santander Consumer USA. "Their web presence, coupled with our online financing capabilities, creates the perfect combination to help more customers purchase a car."

Matt McKenna, senior vice president of national accounts for AutoTrader.com, added: "The transition from online car shopping to offline purchasing is not as smooth as it could be, and we're looking for ways to fill this unmet need for consumers."