Santander Consumer Finance (SCF) has delivered an end-to-end online loan application solution for car dealers following a nine-month development programme.

SCF’s new Apply Online platform offers e-sign capability which means customers can calculate the finance they need, receive immediate approvals and sign documentation at home or in the car showroom.

The new system’s launch follows that of SCF’s online calculator in December and comes after a pilot conducted by a number of retailers.

Up to the start of October, customers have generated more than 4.1 million quotes and 51 dealers have signed up for the calculator, SCF said.

Apply Online, which was successfully tested over the past month, is now available to all dealers using the calculator.

Stewart Grant, SCF’s commercial director, said: “We’ve worked hard to design a market leading end-to-end digital solution which ensures dealers retain control of customer relationships while benefiting from our brand power.

“The financial investment and the time spent by our team in developing and delivering the digital transformation emphasises how committed we are to support our dealer network in maximising sales and profitability within the growing digital market.”

SCF’s digital solution is integrated into dealers’ websites and installation takes minutes for dealers who already have the calculator.

SCF said that it is also providing additional support to help dealers make the most effective use of its digital proposition.