WASHINGTON, D.C. — The average amount financed on a new-car loan at auto finance companies continues to remain at an extremely low level, according to the Federal Reserve.

Its latest analysis found that this figure is $22,922, up just slightly from $22,769 in December. In November this figure was $25,041. On a comparison basis, this number stood at $24,888 in 2004. The previous low over the last several years came in at $24,133 in 2005.

Continuing on, the Fed found the average interest rate on new-car loans was 8.23 percent in January, compared to 8.42 percent in December and 6.43 percent in November.

As for maturity, this figure came in at 59.3 months on new-car loans in January, compared to 59.8 months in December and 63.2 months in November.

Furthermore, loan-to-value was 86 in January, compared to 85 in December and 88 in November.

Unfortunately, the statistics on 48-month new-car loans at commercial banks were unavailable for the most recent months. However, in November, the average interest rate stood at 7.05 percent, compared to 7.05 percent for the fourth quarter and 6.92 percent for the third quarter.

Overall, the Fed reported that, "Consumer credit increased at an annual rate of 3/4 percent in January 2009. Revolving credit increased at an annual rate of 1-1/4 percent, and non-revolving credit increased at an annual rate of 1/2 percent."