Ally Financial, Huntington originations rise in Q1 

First-quarter bank earnings highlighted mixed results as some banks saw an uptick in originations and leasing volume, while credit performance largely improved.  Ally ...

Pre-tariff car prices hold, Q1 earnings kick off

Credit access improved and vehicle prices were steady in March before tariffs took effect, while the first wave of first-quarter earnings point to growth for auto lend...

Weekly Wrap discussion as auto tariffs kick in, industry responds

The auto industry is rapidly responding to tariffs that took effect last week, while subprime lenders continue to navigate risk and credit performance. Shares of the t...

Weekly Wrap discussion on looming auto tariffs

The auto industry is bracing for impact as tariffs on vehicles take effect April 3. Auto stocks slumped on March 26 after confirmation that the tariffs will take effec...

AFN and Experian talk affordability, credit, EVs 

The fourth quarter highlighted still-elevated auto delinquencies, growing lease share and competitive market conditions.  Credit performance worsened in Q4, with 60-da...

Diversification in funding drives originations

Diversification across public and private funding sources is key to driving origination growth for auto lenders as the cost of funds fluctuates and investors look to p...

Weekly Wrap discussion on tariffs, gen AI use

Tariff uncertainty continues to disrupt the auto industry; companies increasingly rely on AI for innovation and efficiency. The auto industry has prepared for an "adju...

Industry eyes stabilized DQs, mixed pricing dynamics

The first half of 2025 is expected to bring stabilizing delinquencies, increased demand for automotive refinance and mixed vehicle price and sales dynamics. Auto loan ...

Exponential Markets' Fortin on 'volatile' EV pricing

Used EV values have fluctuated amid uncertainty over tax credits and potential tariffs. “For the used EV market, if you want to describe it in one word right now, it's...

CFPB halted, Q4 earnings continue

The Department of Government Efficiency, run by Elon Musk, effectively shut down the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau over the weekend, adding to uncertainty regar...

Auto industry eyes tariffs, credit performance

Auto lenders are keeping an eye on loan production, credit performance and vehicle prices as tariffs loom. Subprime lender Credit Acceptance Corp.’s originations ticke...

Weekly Wrap discussion on the 2025 auto finance landscape 

Captive lenders will remain aggressive in the auto space this year after tapping back into auto loans at the close of 2024, when delinquencies cooled. “Delinquency rat...

Wildfires spark deferral offers; funding off to strong 2025

Wildfires impacting large areas of California are contributing to higher auto insurance costs in the state and more deferral offerings from lenders for affected borrow...

A look back at top automotive trends in 2024 

The past year has largely been defined by persistent affordability concerns even as vehicle prices stabilize and interest rates come down, as costs for everyday expens...

Affordability key challenge moving into 2025

Bank pullback in asset-backed lending has spurred growth for lenders that provide floorplan financing for independent dealers, while banks are expected to further tigh...

Used-vehicle prices rise, EV financing share up

The Manheim Used-Vehicle Value Index ticked up 0.2% YoY and 1.3% month over month in November to 205.4.  High car prices have contributed to affordability pressures fo...

Incentives pick up, dealers eye LTV requirements

Affordability, credit performance, leasing and digital innovation have been top of mind for auto lenders in 2024.  Car shoppers saw some relief over the holiday weeken...

Weekly Wrap discussion on nonprime consumers, improvements on affordability 

Near prime and nonprime consumers are seeing some relief from affordability challenges in the automotive industry following rate cuts by the Federal Reserve but remain...

Podcast: Synthetic fraud rises in powersports, auto

Auto originations have picked up industrywide even as average payments remain elevated, while manufacturers are increasing incentives to move inventory.  Originations ...

Podcast: Discussion on automakers' October sales

Sales at most major automakers increased in October, driven in part by an increase in EV sales. Overall sales increased for American Honda, Ford Motor Co., Hyundai Mot...

Podcast: Discussion on Q3 earnings, auto lease ABS issuance

More auto lenders announced year-over-year origination growth last week in their third-quarter earnings reports. Carvana posted a 35.5% YoY increase in originations in...

Podcast: Q3 captive originations are mixed

Q3 bank earnings offer mixed results

Bank earnings last week highlighted mixed results as some institutions saw an uptick in auto originations while others’ portfolios shrank.  Bank of America’s auto orig...

Q3 earnings season kicks off, Octane enters marine market

Chase Auto and Wells Fargo kicked off the Q3 earnings season last week, with both lenders reporting flat or lower origination volume on a year-over-year basis. Wells F...

Auto credit performance worsens, prompts provision spike 

High rates and rising consumer debt levels still drive a worsening auto loan landscape.  Delinquencies and losses rose across prime and nonprime securitized auto loans...

Podcast: Unlocking EV potential through leases, used market

Leasing an EV or buying a used one offers a more affordable option in today's challenging market, but many consumers remain hesitant. Nearly 8.5% of new purchases were...

Used-car demand strong amid tight credit, rising DQs 

Demand for used vehicles is strong as supply remains limited and affordability is top of mind for consumers.  The used-car turnover rate rose 8.4% year over year in Au...

Automakers pull back on DEI amid social shifts  

Several companies in the automotive and powersports industries made changes to their diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives following social pressure to scale bac...

Regulators eye AI, aftermarket sales practices

Regulators are scrutinizing practices surrounding the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning as well as aftermarket product sales, prompting auto lenders ...

Lenders weighing benefits of force-placed insurance

Subprime lenders are weighing the risks and benefits of protecting assets through force-placed insurance as credit-challenged borrowers face continued affordability is...