WASHINGTON, D.C. — The latest data available from the Federal Reserve showed the average interest rates for new-car loans at auto finance companies declined in December after moving upward the month before.

More specifically, the Fed calculated the average interest rate in December was 3.26 percent.

For November, this number came in at 3.73 percent. In October, it was 3.42 percent. This figure came after a September rate that stood at 3.50 percent.

In the fourth quarter, the average APR was 3.47 percent. As a whole for 2009, the average APR was 3.82 percent  

Looking at maturity levels, the Fed found that for December, an average new-car loan at auto finance companies took 64 months. For November, it was 63.4. In October, the figure stood at 64.4 percent. The lowest on record came during the first quarter of last year when the maturity level was 59.3 months.

As for loan-to-value ratios, for the month, this figure was 92, which compares to 91 in November and 93 in October. For the fourth quarter, this statistic also came in at 92.

Finally, the Fed reported that the average amount financed for on new-car loans at auto finance companies was $30,598 , which compares to $30,506 in November and $32,223 in October. In the fourth quarter, this figure was $31,109.

Looking at overall credit, the Fed also indicated, "Consumer credit decreased at an annual rate of 4.75 percent in the fourth quarter of 2009. Revolving credit decreased at an annual rate of 13 percent, and nonrevolving credit was unchanged on net. In December, consumer credit decreased at an annual rate of 0.75 percent."