LOS ANGELES — Westlake Financial Services announces its expansion into the Louisiana market, bringing the number of states it operates in to 36. Contracts for Louisiana will be accepted starting April 20, 2009.

Geoff Branda, vice president of IT and business strategy/analytics, said speaking with local dealers made it clear to him that Louisiana was ready for new lenders to come to the market. “The sense we got from dealers is that Louisiana is an under-serviced region in terms of automotive loan options,” he said.

Roger Lopes, southeastern regional manager, agreed, “Attending the NADA convention this past January in New Orleans gave us the opportunity to speak face to face with many local dealers. They all told us the same thing: there is a strong need for more lenders.”

“Westlake’s Buy Program is innovative and, more importantly, flexible enough for both independent and franchise dealerships. I believe we can help re-establish and expand dealer production.

“We’re looking forward to doing business in Louisiana,” Lopes concluded. “Westlake has a strong support staff in place and we’re excited about strengthening our presence in the southeast region of the country. We will have a local rep hired soon who’ll hit the ground running.”

Branda ended on a light-hearted note, “Some lenders may feel this market is a little too spicy for them, but Westlake feels it’s seasoned just right!”