Let’s address the big question when it comes to online auto buying: should your credit union provide a resource that is a sales tool or educational resource? What are the differences between the two approaches? First, let’s look at members’ online habits when they are shopping and researching vehicles. The average consumer spends 14 hours over 4 months researching their vehicle, with or without you. Just type into Google, online auto buying and watch the options unfold. How is your credit union going to stand out and engage this market? It’s a huge world with a vast amount of content and resources, along with many competitors that are fighting for their attention. The goal is to get them focused on what your offerings are at the beginning of the search phase rather than in the final stage. The challenge most credit unions have, when trying to engage their members early on; is they lack relevant content along with a real-time delivery channel that satisfies their members wants and needs. The question is, how do you tackle this issue? 

HAUPPAUGE, N.Y.—Credit unions offering leasing programs should expect to compete on more vehicles in 2018, according to a forecast from GrooveCar.