Why an Omnichannel Approach Matters
Today’s car shoppers expect a seamless, omnichannel experience — one that allows them to move effortlessly between online research and in-person visits. The car shopping journey isn’t linear anymore; it’s a blend of digital convenience and personal interaction.
According to Cox Automotive’s 2024 Car Buyer Journey Study, 75% of new car buyers report record-high satisfaction due to advancements in digital tools and the ability to move smoothly online-to-in-person integration. The study also found that car buyers spend over 13.5 hours researching and shopping online before making a purchase.
For credit unions, this shift presents both an opportunity and a challenge:
Embrace digital car shopping solutions
Capture more loans and strengthen member relationships.
Ignore the shift
Risk losing members to competitors offering a more connected experience.
It’s clear: today’s car shoppers expect a modern, integrated experience. Credit unions that meet these expectations will win more loans—and more loyalty.
Creating a Seamless Digital Experience
What does a strong omnichannel car shopping experience look like? It starts with a strong, white-labeled car shopping site that acts as a complete digital showroom — not just a list of vehicles. A well-designed platform not only helps members find the right car but also keeps financing in-house, strengthening member relationships and driving loan growth.
Today’s car shoppers are already spending significant time online. According to Cox Automotive’s study, buyers who complete more than 50% of their car shopping process online report higher satisfaction and spend less time at the dealership.
But offering a digital shopping platform isn’t enough — it needs to deliver the convenience and control that modern buyers expect. Research from the PYMNTS 2025 Global Digital Shopping Index reinforces this shift. Their report, “Get, Keep, and Grow Customers: Credit Unions Double Down on Digital,” highlights that credit unions investing in seamless, omnichannel experiences are better positioned to retain and grow their member base.
To meet these expectations, credit unions need to provide:
Transparent vehicle pricing
from trusted dealerships.
Seamless financing integration
to keep lending in-house.
Real-time inventory availability
to help members find the right vehicle faster.
A connected, user-friendly car shopping platform isn’t just a convenience — it’s a competitive edge.
Why the Right Car Shopping Platform Matters
When it comes to capturing auto loans, having the right car shopping site makes all the difference. Credit unions that rely on generic or third-party platforms risk losing members to external lenders.
If your platform redirects members to other financing sources, you’re giving competitors a chance to secure the loan. That’s why having a white-labeled solution — like GrooveCar Direct — is essential.
GrooveCar Direct keeps members engaged within your ecosystem, providing a seamless experience from vehicle search to financing. This means you’re not just helping members find a car — you’re keeping the loan in-house.
Proactive vs. Reactive: The Key to Capturing More Auto Loans
One of the biggest mistakes credit unions make is taking a reactive approach to auto financing — waiting for members to inquire about rates and loan options instead of proactively engaging them. Waiting is like being stuck at a red light with your foot on the brake.
With real-time lead notifications, credit unions can identify when members are actively shopping for vehicles and engage them with financing options before they turn to outside lenders. This proactive strategy aligns with the broader industry trend of embracing digital solutions to meet evolving member expectations — while still preserving the personal touch that sets credit unions apart. By combining digital convenience with one-on-one, human interaction, credit unions can strengthen member relationships and create a more connected car shopping experience.
By taking a proactive approach, you can:
Capture loans at the start
of the car shopping process
Keep lending in-house
reducing the risk of members securing loans elsewhere
Cross-sell other financial products
such as GAP insurance and refinancing options
A proactive strategy ensures you’re not just reacting to member needs — you’re anticipating them.
The Bottom Line: Future-Proofing Credit Union Auto Lending
The auto financing landscape is evolving. Credit unions that adapt will secure more loans, strengthen member relationships, and stay competitive in a fast-changing market.
The right car shopping platform isn’t just a convenience — it’s a necessity. Not all car shopping sites are created equal, and having the right one makes all the difference. Ready to take a proactive approach? Click here to schedule a GrooveCar Direct demo today!