Auto Financial Group — an online provider of innovative financing products including CarMark Auto Finance for credit unions and banks — recently formed a new partnership with CU Direct, a provider of lending, automotive and strategic solutions to the credit union industry.

Together, officials highlighted the two companies plan to expand their presence in the credit union market and integrate technologies to better facilitate balloon lending opportunities for dealers.

With the new partnership, dealers, credit unions and members can experience a swifter, smoother and more accurate approval process when creating an AFG balloon loan.  By integrating AFG’s payment and residual value quoting technology with CU Direct’s Dealer Portal, customers of all types will be able to experience the convenience and ease of a one-stop shop for their balloon lending needs.

“We’re thrilled to be bringing this kind of seamless experience to our customers,” AFG chief executive officer Richard Epley said, “The access and speed available through this kind of integration will be a true asset to both dealers, lenders, and the consumer.”

Credit unions and dealers can take advantage of this new partnership between the two companies immediately, through AFG’s payment and residual value quoting technology. The two companies are excited about the possible opportunities and growth to come as a result of this partnership.

“Partnering with AFG allows us to provide an exclusive, value-add solution to simplify the balloon lending process for our credit union and dealer partners,” said CU Direct senior vice president of sales John Carrington. “It’s a real breakthrough in providing added speed and accuracy to the process.”