Santander Consumer USA
Santander Consumer USA is the leading company in the automotive finance sector. With its Drive®, RoadLoans and Santander Auto Finance brands, the company offers wide range of auto lead and lending programs on direct and indirect platforms. The company started originating loans in circa 1997, and it’s headquarter is located in Dallas, Texas. Santander Consumer USA is owned by global banking leader Banco Santander (NYSE: STD). Among the lofty distinction and recognition it copped over the years is being named as “Best Bank in the World” by EuroMoney Magazine, and made it into one of the “Top 10 Safest Banks” by Global Finance Magazine.
Santander Consumer USA was incepted by a group of youthful businessmen in the auto industry. The group collared valuable experience while plunging in finance in auto dealerships, and in 1995 left the dealership department to concentrate on the banking side of the auto industry. The new company promoted the auto finance programs of various banks, obtaining precious knowledge on the auto originations process.
The achievement of the group was noticed by FirstCity Financial, and in 1997 the two merged and set the stage for the birth of FirstCity Funding, a non-prime auto finance company with a distinctive business model serving a niche market.
In less than one and a half years, the company grew fast and again created stir and gain the attention of FirstCity Financial’s largest investor group, HBOS plc. In 2000, another milestone business deal was concluded, and FirstCity Funding formally became Drive Financial Services. The steadiness and potency of HBOS plc helped Drive® to exceed expectations and maintain rapid growth rate.
FirstCity sold its remaining shares in Drive in 2004, changing ownership to HBOS plc and Drive Management, LP. Two years laterHBOS plc and a number of members of Drive Management LP sold their shares in the company to Banco Santander Centro Hispano SA (STD).
To date, Santander Consumer USA continues to be one of the fastest-growing companies in the automotive finance industry help millions of people obtain car loans or house loans. With Santander Consumer USA having a car loan or home loans is now not daunting task anymore.The company’s main website the Santanderconsumerusa.com is teeming with resources such as “dealer locater,” “build a car,” “buyer resources,” “finance calculator,” “about your credit,” “tips and advice” and “insurance claims” that can be very valuable to their customers.