ST. PAUL, Minn. – Members of Affinity Plus FCU who are shopping for a new vehicle now have a new channel for finding the right one to buy. Through the Affinity Plus Auto Center, the more than 126,000 members of the credit union can choose between three auto-purchasing channels – online shopping, a preferred dealer network or a personalized broker service. Now Auto Center has launched a partnership with Credit Union Discount Auto Services that will incorporate many Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota dealer inventories into one complete shopping Web site for Affinity Plus members. Through the hassle-free Web site, members will log on to view high-quality automobiles of their choice. They will receive CARFAX information along with a sales price and dealer contact information for purchasing. On the CUDA Web site, members can also read auto reviews and safety information on the vehicles before making their buying decision. Affinity Plus members will also receive discounts on service repairs, auto parts, tires, auto glass, body repair and more on the CUDA Web site. Other discounts will provide members substantial savings over time. According to the partnership, finance applications will be available on the CUDA Web site, and Affinity Plus will receive them to work with members in determining which options meet their unique needs. Affinity Plus will in turn be the lien holder for the member. Affinity Plus' Vice President of Lending Phillip Smith said "the credit union will partner with members regardless if they choose to use CUDA's Web site, the CU's preferred dealer network or strictly work with Affinity Plus Auto Center employees to determine their unique automobile needs." Affinity Plus FCU, the largest CU in Minnesota, has over $1 billion in assets. -

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