Southern Auto Finance Co. has ramped up operations in Kansas, Missouri, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania, bringing its total footprint to 14 states.

Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based SAFCo plans to branch into a couple more states in the coming months.

“The addition of seven new states this year, with plans to open two more by yearend, further establishes us as a national competitor, as we target key markets for growth in our dealer network and customer base,” said Brian Switalski, the company’s president.

SAFCo does business with nearly 3,000 dealers. In November 2011, it secured a $50 million credit facility to fund its growing operations.