U of C Federal Credit Union Selects Automotive Avenues to Enhance Member Vehicle Purchasing Options
DENVER--June 9, 2004--| AAI adds member value through educational processes and safe and convenient environment |
U of C Federal Credit Union (FCU) headquartered in Boulder, Colo. selected Automotive Avenues, Inc. (AAI) to provide its members with more vehicle financing options. AAI, a division of Aimbridge, provides credit union members with an alternative to purchasing their vehicles through the traditional franchise dealership. A complete one-stop new and used automobile purchase and lease program, AAI includes all sales as well as service and parts facilities and onsite financing exclusively for credit unions.
U of C FCU began a referral program with AAI whereby if members express an interest in purchasing a vehicle, member service employees recommend that they consider AAI as a possible resource. U of C FCU has a dedicated AAI representative onsite at the Diagonal branch, who is devoted to assisting U of C FCU members with vehicle purchasing options.
"One of the reasons we chose to work with AAI was because we knew our members would benefit from receiving information from an onsite representative," Luis Gonzalez del Valle, assistant vice president of consumer lending with U of C FCU, said. "Our members can walk into the branch and speak to someone who is knowledgeable about the types of vehicles that might meet their needs as well as their values and safety issues. Through this relationship, our members receive expert knowledge and advice about the car buying process."
According to Gonzalez del Valle, other reasons U of C FCU selected AAI was because of its ability to offer members convenience and savings. AAI employees will drive a vehicle to members' workplaces or deliver loan paperwork directly to members, making it easy for them to test-drive vehicles or complete paperwork if they are purchasing a vehicle. Because of AAI's relationships with more than 200 automotive dealers in Colorado and throughout the United States, it has an opportunity to negotiate better pricing on vehicles. AAI passes this savings on to Credit Union members purchasing vehicles and does not charge a dealer handling fee.
"Our main goal at Automotive Avenues is to make it very convenient and cost effective for credit union members to purchase a vehicle so they can focus on other important aspects of their lives," Bill Green, president of AAI, said. "We want to improve the quality of their vehicle purchasing experience."
"Working with Automotive Avenues is a good fit for us because it helps us fulfill our business model," Gonzalez del Valle added. "In addition to providing financial services, we want to make solutions available to our members and act as a resource to the community at large. Referring members to an onsite vehicle buying expert helps our members get the best car value."
About U of C Federal Credit Union
Founded in 1952 and headquartered in Boulder, Colo., U of C Federal Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for profit banking retailer, open to student, faculty, staff and alumni of the University of Colorado system, employees of over 120 Boulder County businesses and select member groups. Total membership is over 74,000 and assets are $630 million.
U of C Federal Credit Union is the recipient of the Dora Maxwell Award for the Social Responsibility Recognition Program for credit unions. It was also voted best financial institution by the Daily Camera Boulder County Gold and earned CUNA Diamond Awards and CUES Golden Mirror Awards.
For more information on U of C Federal Credit Union, visit www.uofcfcu.com.
About Automotive Avenues, Inc.
Founded in 1987 and located in Lakewood, Colo., Automotive Avenues, a division of Aimbridge, provides credit union members with an alternative to purchasing their vehicle through the traditional franchise dealership. It is a complete one-stop new and used automobile purchase and lease program, including sales, service and parts facilities and on-site financing exclusively for credit unions.
Automotive Avenues is the number one credit union sales volume dealer in Colorado serving more than 50,000 members. It works with 200 Colorado dealers and dealers throughout the United States to provide access to more than 10,000 vehicles daily.
For additional information, write Automotive Avenues at 10701 West 6th Avenue, Lakewood, CO 80215, or contact Bill Green at 303.231.2690. Visit its Web site at www.autoaves.com.
