WASHINGTON, D.C. — The upward march by the average interest rate on new-car loans at auto finance companies reached five months in a row in November, according to the Federal Reserve.

Officials indicated the November average crept up to 4.63 percent from the October reading of 4.52 percent. The ascension began back in July when the average stood at 3.87 percent.

While the average interest rate increased again, the Fed determined that both the median maturity level and the loan-to-value ratio dipped in November.

The median maturity level slid to 62.8 months, while the loan-to-value ratio moved down to 82, sliding past what had been the lowest point of 2010. October's ratio was 83.

The average amount financed edged lower, too. The Fed said November's average came in at $27,433. The figure has dropped considerably since the high-water mark that happened in January when it was $29,379.

The average interest rate on 48-month new-car loans at commercial banks for November was 5.87 percent. The previous reading officials shared was for August when it was 6.24 percent.

In closing its report, the Federal Reserve mentioned, "Consumer credit was little changed in November. Revolving credit decreased at an annual rate of 6.25 percent, and non-revolving credit increased at an annual rate of 4.25 percent."