The newly-merged, $1.5 billion Lake Trust Credit Union of Lansing, Mich. looks to get permanent signage ready by July 1, complete data processing conversion by year-end and, in the short term, is hoping a 3.99% teaser loan rate builds some needed auto loan volume, CU officials reported Friday.

The 3.99% rate, one of the lowest in the state, which matches those offered by banks, is aimed at demonstrating both pricing benefits from the merger of the former NuUnion CU of Lansing and Detroit Edison CU as well as serving as an attention grabber in the market, said the CU.

"It's still a little early to say what kind of volume we're getting on the loans since we started April 1 and it has been a slow time on autos," said James Costello, senior vice president. The rate became effective at the start of the month when the NuUnion/Detroit Edison marriage became official.