The Invest in America program has added two new benefit partnersand released 2009 numbers that CUcorp CEO David Adams said make himoptimistic about the program in 2010.

In 2009, approximately 229,000 GM and Chrysler cars and truckswere sold through Invest in America for a total of $3.5 billion innew auto loans.

For the month of December, credit union members purchased morethan 14,000 GM and Chrysler vehicles through Invest in America, ajump of 40% over November.

“The 2009 numbers show that we were able to achieve greatresults in a very difficult environment. I think we can increasethose numbers in 2010. Analysts are predicting a 20% boost in newauto sales in 2010, and credit unions should be able to grab marketshare through these promotions,” Adams said.

Chrysler expanded its Invest in America credit union-preferredpricing program to include all 2010 model vehicles.

There are 2,125 credit unions, representing 56% of credit unionmembers, that participate in the auto benefits side of Invest inAmerica. Forty-six out of the 50 state league and associationsparticipate as well.

“Invest in America is going to continue to have an impact on andbe an important program for GM and Chrysler,” Adams said.

The 2010 new partners for Invest in American include CompleteTax and Equity LifeStyle Properties.

Complete Tax is a state and federal tax preparation softwareprogram that includes free federal e-filing. Credit union memberscan receive a 30% discount on the product.

Equity LifeStyle Properties has 300 resort destinations acrossthe country and will offer credit union members discounts onvacation homes and American-built RVs.

“As more products and services are added to the portfolio ofbenefits and savings offered by credit unions, a continuing cycleof reinvestment and economic recovery is created,” said Adams.“Even in these tough economic times, the unique strength of creditunions has been an engine of success at the local level as more andmore consumers recognize the value and rewards of buyingAmerican-made products.”

Invest in America's other partners include Sprint, FTD, CUBenefits Express and Allied Moving and Storage.
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