TROY, Mich. — Open Dealer Exchange announced Monday that it now has an agreement with Exeter Finance Corp. for credit application integration directly within the dealership management system.

Open Dealer Exchange is designed to streamline the sales process by securely embedding financial transactions within the DMS, which can result in broader point-of-sale access for the lender, as well as stronger operational efficiencies and communications for dealers.

The two way communication gives Exeter the ability to present varied product offerings throughout the entire sales cycle from a single interface.

"We are pleased to partner with Exeter Finance for credit application integration," said Marty Zwolan, vice president of sales and marketing for Open Dealer Exchange.

"We believe Exeter and its network of dealerships will benefit significantly from our cost-effective and reliable software, and encounter wider flexibility in terms of business capability and growth," he added.

Open Dealer Exchange is a joint venture between Automatic Data Processing and Reynolds and Reynolds Co. It was created to help auto lenders market a greater number and variety of products and services within dealerships.

"Exeter's goal is to provide the best dealer service through our branch model of local underwriting, funding and relationships," explained Richard Frunzi, chief operating officer for Exeter.

"Collaborating with Open Dealer Exchange certainly will enhance the experience of our dealers during transactions and enable us to continue exceeding expectations," he continued.

The Irving, Texas-based special auto finance lender's underwriting and verification teams work in local branches rather than a centralized facility, which is designed to enable personal service and continuous access to decision-makers.

The company recently opened branches in Atlanta and Philadelphia, in addition to current location in Irving, Texas; Independence, Ohio; Paramus, N.J.; Schaumburg, Ill; St. Louis, Mo.; and Manchester, N.H.