Santander Consumer USA has expanded its Santander Auto Finance lending program to include prime tiers, turning the company into a “full spectrum” lender.

Though Santander will continue to provide loans to near-prime, nonprime, and subprime credit customers, the new program allows Santander to fund car loans to consumers with prime credit, too.

“Dealers can send all of their applications through Santander Auto Finance for decisioning without having to think through which lender or program is best suited for a customer based on credit type,” the company said in a statement.

Still, Santander will retain its focus on lending to consumers with less-than-perfect credit.

"Because we have broad buying power and are truly a full-spectrum lender, we are still dedicated to financing the consumer who needs help," said Matt Fitzgerald, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Santander Consumer USA. "Historically, our company has been the place where credit-challenged buyers can go and get a second chance. We won't walk away from that responsibility."