Subprime lending hits 11-year low across the automotive loan market, according to new Experian study

SCHAUMBURG, Ill., Dec. 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- With the uptick in average credit scores for vehicle financing across the board, the percentage of subprime loan originations reached its lowest level in 11 years. According to Experian's Q3 2018 State of the Automotive Finance Market report, released today, subprime and deep-subprime lending made up 21.19 percent of the market, down 1.5 percent from a year ago.

Much of the decrease in the percentage of subprime lending is driven by high growth rates in the lower-risk segments — particularly in the used vehicle category. In fact, more than 50 percent of the used market is made up of prime and super-prime borrowers for the first time since Q3 2010. Loans for subprime consumers made up the lowest percentage (22.86 percent) of the used vehicle loan market on record, while loans for deep-subprime borrowers reached an all-time low of 4.33 percent.

"The automotive finance market, like many other industries, is cyclical. So, while the percentage of subprime loans has reached historically low levels, the trend isn't entirely unprecedented," said Melinda Zabritski, Experian's senior director of automotive financial solutions. "A shift in market share can be attributed to many factors, including an improvement in consumer credit behavior and vehicle affordability. Lenders need to pay close attention to these trends so they can make the right decisions and adjust risk management strategies accordingly."

Some may point to vehicle affordability trends as a driving force behind consumer preferences. The monthly payments for new and used vehicles again reached record highs — $530 and $381, respectively — and the gap between new and used monthly payments continues to widen, reaching $149. Interest rates also continue the upward trend. The average interest rate for a new vehicle loan was 5.73 percent in Q3 2018, up from 5.10 percent in Q3 2017, while the average interest rate for a used vehicle loan was 9.03 percent, up from 8.72 percent over the same time period.

"Many car shoppers base their decision on monthly payment. And with such a sizeable difference between new and used monthly payments, some consumers may opt for the less expensive vehicle," Zabritski continued. "We believe every consumer deserves access to an affordable vehicle. Lenders need to analyze the data and trends so they can offer appropriate financing options."

Additional findings for Q3 2018:

• The average credit scores for new and used vehicle loans continue to increase, reaching 717 and 661, respectively.
• The total outstanding automotive loan balance hit $1.17 trillion, but the year-over-year growth is slowing.
• 30- and 60-day delinquencies improved during the quarter, dropping from 2.39 percent to 2.23 percent and 0.76 percent to 0.72 percent, respectively.
• Credit unions continue to see a significant increase in new and used vehicle financing market share, rising 10.7 percent and 5.2 percent, respectively.
• Average new vehicle loan terms decreased to 68.47 months.
• New loan amounts hit a Q3 high of $30,977, up $647 year-over-year.

To view the entire State of the Automotive Finance Market report webinar, visit https://www.experian.com/automotive/automotive-webinars.html.

About Experian
Experian is the world's leading global information services company. During life's big moments — from buying a home or a car, to sending a child to college, to growing a business by connecting with new customers — we empower consumers and our clients to manage their data with confidence. We help individuals to take financial control and access financial services, businesses to make smarter decisions and thrive, lenders to lend more responsibly, and organizations to prevent identity fraud and crime.

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Contact:

Jordan Takeyama
Experian Public Relations
1 714 830 7561
[email protected]

SOURCE Experian

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