HAUPPAUGE, N.Y. — GrooveCar Direct has today announced a partnership with two Southern credit unions: Lakeland, Fla.-based MIDFLORIDA Credit Union and Tuscaloosa (Ala.) Teachers Credit Union.

MIDFLORIDA Chief Lending Officer Dennis Pershing explained that the partnership resulted from their need to expand market presence by linking with GrooveCar Direct’s customized auto buying resource capabilities. 

"This alignment enhances Central Florida area car dealerships’ inventory and offers a wealth of knowledge on various automotive topics to our members through our website, as well as an easy way to search, compare and apply for a car loan within one location,” Pershing said. “As web-based car shopping and online applications continue to grow, the relationship with GrooveCar will provide our dealer-partners the opportunity to have people virtually 'kick the tires' of their inventory 24/7."

GrooveCar Direct’s custom auto buying resource suite of offerings helps generate organic auto loan growth and noninterest income, officials said, adding that the newly enhanced mobile website takes better advantage of the fact that more and more consumers are using mobile devices while researching car buying options.

“We believe this partnership will not only assist us in growing auto loans, but provide our members with an excellent auto buying research tool, cognizant that purchasing an automobile is one of the biggest financial decisions a person will make,” said Chad Davis, vice president of lending for Tuscaloosa Teachers CU.

MIDFLORIDA FCU has assets of more than $1.8 billion serving approximately 200,000 members across central Florida. Tuscaloosa Teachers FCU serves a membership of more than 8,000 and holds assets exceeding $118 million.