SEATTLE, April 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- DigniFi, an
automotive financing platform, today announced an expanded
partnership with AutoNation, Inc. (NYSE: AN), America's largest and
most recognized automotive retailer, and TR Wholesale Solutions, a
Tire Rack Company, known as America's largest
direct-to-retailer tire business and independent tire tester.
AutoNation uses TR Wholesale Solutions' digital tire shopping
platform to help its Service Advisors and customers shop, compare
and order tires. By introducing DigniFi into this experience,
AutoNation and TR Wholesale Solutions' can help customers finance
tires that offer superior safety and performance.
COVID-19 has changed how drivers approach vehicle repairs and
maintenance. Between July and December
2020, AutoNation saw an increase in service financing. With
record numbers of Americans out of work, drivers were hesitant to
spend on high-ticket maintenance and repairs as well as new tires,
which tend to be one of the largest-cost items for a newer vehicle
still under warranty.
"Tire selection is first and foremost about safety," said
Aaron Reitman, Vice President of
Corporate Accounts at TR Wholesale Solutions. "Especially in a
financially difficult year, drivers are tempted to replace their
tires with a budget set, which tend to offer decreased performance
on wet or snow-covered roads. With DigniFi integrated into our tire
shopping tool, we can show customers that safer, higher-performance
tires are within reach because flexible financing is just a few
clicks away."
DigniFi's automotive financing platform helps people afford
vehicles, auto repairs, upgrades, accessories and trade-ins with
flexible payment terms. Customers apply for financing on their
personal smartphone and receive an instant decision from a lender.
On average, automotive businesses that offer DigniFi increase
annual revenue by up to 20 percent.
"New tires are the first major expense of the ownership
cycle and the first defection point in service loyalty," said
Dave Wilmore, SVP of Customer Care
& Brand Extensions at AutoNation. "Service financing enables
our customers to purchase the correct tires with a payment schedule
they can handle. This partnership with DigniFi and TR Wholesale
Solutions furthers our commitment to keep every customer safe on
the road, no matter what their financial situation is."
Since 2019, AutoNation has partnered with DigniFi to finance
repairs and maintenance for customers. DigniFi has improved
customer loyalty and engagement by offering transparency, choice
and convenience in the service experience. It has also enabled
AutoNation Associates to offer premium auto services for their
customers.
"AutoNation and TR Wholesale Solutions already lead the market
in providing a seamless, digital shopping experience for tires,"
said DigniFi CEO Richard Counihan.
"DigniFi can complement their strengths by making financing
accessible to consumers who might otherwise skip, delay or
underfund tire purchases.
Tire financing from DigniFi is now available in-store at
244 AutoNation stores and online at
www.autonationtirestore.com.
About DigniFi
DigniFi is a platform company that
connects consumers with lenders for car repairs, tires,
accessories, and other auto-related needs. The automated,
contactless process serves up financial products through the point
of sale at car dealerships and independent repair shops. DigniFi
provides consumers with access to fixed payment plans. The loans
are originated by WebBank, Member FDIC. To date, DigniFi has
provided access to over USD $120 million in loans in
partnership with more than 5,000 auto service centers. For more
information, please visit www.dignifi.com.
About AutoNation, Inc.
AutoNation, America's largest and most recognized automotive
retailer, is transforming the automotive industry through its bold
leadership, innovation, and comprehensive brand extensions. As of
December 31, 2020, AutoNation owned
and operated over 315 locations from coast to coast. AutoNation has
sold over 13 million vehicles, the first automotive retailer to
reach this milestone. AutoNation's success is driven by a
commitment to delivering a peerless experience through
customer-focused sales and service processes. Since 2013,
AutoNation has raised over $25
million to drive out cancer, create awareness, and support
critical research through its DRIVE PINK initiative, which was
officially branded in 2015.
Please
visit www.autonation.com, investors.autonation.com, www.twitter.com/CEOMikeJackson,
and www.twitter.com/AutoNation, where AutoNation discloses
additional information about the Company, its business, and its
results of operations. Please also
visit www.autonationdrive.com, AutoNation's automotive blog,
for information regarding the AutoNation community, the automotive
industry, and current automotive news and trends.
CONTACT: Amy Dardinger,
adardinger@nextpr.com
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SOURCE DigniFi