Santander Consumer USA

We were proud to join the Chrysler Minority Dealers Association, Inc. (CMDA) for its 40th Annual Summer Meeting, celebrating four decades of leadership, advocacy and opportunity for minority dealers. Representing Santander Consumer USA were Betty Jotanovic, President, Auto Relationships; Carmen Virga, Sr. Director, OEM and National Account Partnerships; Johanna Golding, Sr. Director, Dealer Sales and Marketing; Christopher Mitcham, Sr. Director, Dealer Commercial Services; Juan Guichardo, Director, Dealer Sales; and Jasmine Stewart, Project Manager, OEM Relations and National Account Partnerships. Together, they shared how Santander continues to invest in dealer partnerships, OEM collaboration and future industry talent while supporting dealers through every stage of their business. As the CMDA title sponsor, Santander is honored to support an organization that brings dealers, industry leaders and partners together to strengthen relationships, share ideas and create opportunities across the automotive industry. We are grateful to celebrate CMDA’s 40th anniversary and remain committed to supporting the association’s mission and the dealer community.

This year’s Chrysler Minority Dealers Association, Inc. (CMDA) interns kicked off their 10-week program with a visit to Santander Consumer USA’s office in Dallas, Texas. Hosted by Jasmine Stewart, Project Manager of OEM Relations, National Accounts and Small Business, the interns received a two-day immersive opportunity to connect with Santander senior leaders, focusing on the importance of strong partnerships, best practices and the dealer-lending relationship. As the title sponsor of the CMDA, we are proud to invest in the next generation of leaders. It’s a privilege to see firsthand the interns’ dedication, and we value the opportunity to help create pathways for each intern to learn, grow and build meaningful networks. We look forward to seeing what the future holds for Brigitte Gomez, Zachariah Holmes, Nyla Stevenson, Amir Thomas and Jasmine Watson, and we hope to welcome them as dealer partners in the future.

Introducing Ryan Hadden, your Regional Sales Director across the Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, West Virginia and Virginia markets. Ryan believes strong teams, lasting partnerships and a commitment to growth are the foundation for success. Today, he leads his team with the belief that curiosity is rewarded and learning never stops. As affordability continues to influence buying decisions, this mindset helps his team strengthen dealer relationships and adapt to an evolving market.

Digital starts the auto shopping journey. Dealerships close the deal. Our latest Santander US Paths to Prosperity survey shows shoppers using AI and digital tools to research vehicles and financing, while continuing to rely on dealerships as the preferred place to make their purchase decisions. • 53% of online car shoppers used AI to research vehicle and/or financing options • 86% of car shoppers using AI wanted to confirm AI-generated information with a person • 66% prefer purchasing through a dealership where they can see, test drive, and evaluate vehicles in person Vehicle access remains essential, with 77% relying on a vehicle to get to work and more than half driving to work more often than a year ago. Affordability remains a key factor with more than 8 out of 10 prospective buyers willing to consider a used vehicle. At Santander US, this research helps us better understand how consumers are balancing affordability and vehicle access, and the trusted guidance they value while navigating one of life’s largest financial decisions. Read the report here: http://spr.ly/6042B1Mt2u

Engine condition is one of the standards that powers our seven-point custom certification program, offering dealerships pre-owned inventory that can help drive sales. By taking advantage of the program’s consistent reconditioning strategy, dealers can restock with confidence.

Based in Dallas-Fort Worth, Santander Consumer USA (SC) Regional Sales Director Connie Zeigler leads a talented team serving a territory that includes Arkansas, Central Louisiana, Oklahoma and West Texas. Prior to joining Santander as an Area Sales Manager in March 2013, she gained experience in pharmaceutical and bio-tech sales. Connie’s best practices for dealers include communicating regularly with their Dealer Relationship Manager, understanding the lender’s programs, policies and procedures, and never sacrificing compliance for a sale. She says affordability is the largest trending issue she’s seeing right now. “New vehicle prices remain historically high, and used vehicle prices have softened, but remain above historic pricing norms,” she says. “I always recommend that dealers structure a deal the customer can afford, not just one that can get approved,” Connie says. “The payment should align with the customer’s budget. Dealers should also utilize the supportive programs and materials Santander provides, including the Drive Together program and Dealer Portal, to help drive business.”

We are proud to support another round of the Chrysler Minority Dealers Association, Inc. (CMDA) Future Dealers Training program, a collaboration between CMDA and the Santander US People and Culture team. This partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting the next generation of dealer leadership. The 12-month, in-person program, led by the NADA Dealer Academy, combines classes, training exercises and hands-on experience designed to help candidates build knowledge across dealership operations, including business management and vehicle lending, as well as the automotive industry as a whole. We are excited to see what the future holds for the 2026 CMDA Future Dealers Training program candidates and look forward to supporting their continued growth and success.

We’re continuing our Santander Safe fraud awareness series with our next topics that provide practical tips to help dealers protect their deals and identify risk early. This edition we’re focusing on identity theft and vulnerable adult fraud. Recognizing warning signs can help prevent avoidable losses and protect customers. Santander Safe is here to support dealers with simple, practical ways to keep deals moving with confidence.

Today, we recognize Juneteenth, a meaningful day in American history that honors freedom, resilience and progress. At Santander, we believe diverse perspectives strengthen our teams, deepen our connections with customers, dealers and communities and help drive innovation forward. As we commemorate this day, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering a culture grounded in respect, opportunity and belonging. We are proud to stand alongside the communities we serve in recognizing the significance of Juneteenth and the values it represents. #Juneteenth #Community #Inclusion

Over a nearly 20-year career with Santander Consumer USA (SC), Regional Sales Director Ashley Bruner has been able to leverage her many experiences to help build a successful sales approach that adapts to the wide range of auto professionals she encounters. Working in the Southern Region of the U.S., Ashley leads a seasoned team of auto-industry professionals covering Alabama, Mississippi, South Georgia and North Florida. Her pro tip for dealers? “Utilize your Dealer Relationship Manager,” she says. “They are here to help you be successful.” Reflecting on current industry trends, Ashley points to inconsistency of smaller lenders, who often pull back or exit during tighter markets. “That’s why it’s critical for dealers to lean into trusted relationships with lenders like Santander,” she says. “We are partners who have been there through every cycle and remain focused on supporting dealer growth with reliable programs and insights.”