Consumer credit scores for auto loans drop to near prerecession levels, according to Experian Automotive

SCHAUMBURG, Ill., May 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Experian Automotive today announced that average credit scores for consumers buying a vehicle have dropped to near prerecession levels. According to its quarterly automotive credit analysis, the average credit score for financing a new vehicle dropped six points to 760 and dropped four points to 659 for used vehicles. Comparatively, credit scores in Q1 of 2008 were at an average of 753 for new vehicles and 653 for used.

Lenders also continued to set favorable terms for consumers during Q1 2012. Interest rates were lower year-over-year and loan terms were longer, giving consumers access to potentially lower monthly payments. For example, the average interest rates dropped to 4.56 percent on new vehicle loans and to 9.02 percent for used. The average loan terms also increased, extending by one month for new and used vehicles to a total of 64 and 59 months, respectively.

"During the first quarter of 2012, car shoppers definitely found more favorable conditions for their vehicle loans," said Melinda Zabritski, director of automotive credit for Experian. "A reduction in average credit scores, lower interest rates and a lengthening of loan terms are all very good signs for the market and offer great opportunities for consumers looking to make a deal on a new or used vehicle."

The analysis also showed an increase in the average amount financed. The average amount financed on new vehicles rose by $589 in Q1 2012, reaching a total of $25,995. For used vehicles, the average amount financed increased by $411, bringing the average total to $17,050.

"Our report shows automotive lending is as healthy as it's been since the market bottomed out in 2008," continued Zabritski. "With consumers doing a good job of paying back loans on time and the percentage of dollars at risk reaching its lowest point in six years, lenders are able to extend terms and provide lower rates. This thawing of the credit pipeline has been good for everyone, from consumers to lenders to automotive retailers."

Some additional highlights from Q1 2012:

• Vehicle loans to nonprime, subprime and deep-subprime customers increased by 11.4 percent
• Auto repossession rates are down by 37.1 percent.
• Thirty-day delinquencies dropped by 7.6 percent; 60-day delinquencies dropped by 12.1 percent.
• Banks and credit unions gained market share. Banks grew by 7.5 percent to 40.21 percent market share, while credit unions grew by 10.5 percent to 16.89 percent market share.

Complete findings from the State of the Automotive Finance Market Q1 2012 credit trends analysis will be presented today in a Webinar at 11 a.m. Pacific/1 p.m. Central/2 p.m. Eastern. If you would like to attend the event, visit http://www.experian.com.

Experian Automotive's quarterly credit trend analysis features market reporting data and analysis from its AutoCount® Risk Report, which analyzes automotive lending markets based on a uniform measurement of credit quality that segments markets by geography, credit score and vehicle registrations, among other factors. It also incorporates data from the Experian–Oliver Wyman Market Intelligence Reports, which provide topical, quarterly analysis; peer benchmarking options; and commentary on key issues facing the financial services industry.

About Experian Automotive
Experian Automotive provides information services and market intelligence that enables results-driven professionals to gain the fullest possible understanding of the market, the vehicles and the people who buy them. Its North American Vehicle Database(SM) houses data on nearly 700 million vehicles and, when combined with Experian's credit, consumer and business information, provides an integrated perspective into the automotive marketplace. Experian Automotive's AutoCheck® vehicle history reports provide dealers and consumers with in-depth information, allowing them to confidently understand, compare and select the right vehicles. For more information on Experian Automotive and its suite of services, visit our Website at www.ExperianAutomotive.com.

About Experian
Experian® is the leading global information services company, providing data and analytical tools to clients around the world. The Group helps businesses to manage credit risk, prevent fraud, target marketing offers and automate decision making. Experian also helps individuals to check their credit report and credit score, and protect against identity theft.

Experian plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN) and is a constituent of the FTSE 100 index. Total revenue for the year ended 31 March 2012 was US$4.5 billion. Experian employs approximately 17,000 people in 44 countries and has its corporate headquarters in Dublin, Ireland, with operational headquarters in Nottingham, UK; California, US; and Sao Paulo, Brazil.

For more information, visit www.experianplc.com.

Experian and the Experian marks used herein are service marks or registered trademarks of Experian Information Solutions, Inc. Other product and company names mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.

Contact:
Roslyn Whitehurst
Experian Public Relations
1 714 830 5578
[email protected] 
Twitter: @RozWhitehurst

SOURCE Experian Automotive