FORT WORTH — With the National Auto Finance Association's 13th Annual Non-Prime Auto Financing Conference set to kick off today, the group is set to address the unique challenges facing this arena.

Basically, officials representing the association said that the current tumultuous environment is unlike anything the industry has ever faced before.

"The auto ABS market is only nominally performing and industry financing sources are struggling to fund their operations. Auto dealers are facing more stringent credit underwriting guidelines. The banking system is in disarray with minimal levels of credit flowing," NAF Association officials explained.

The NAF Association said it decided to address these challenges by creating sessions that provide solid information and solutions.

This includes featuring experts from companies such as J.D. Power and Associates, Standard & Poor's, the National Auto Dealers Association, Manheim and a panel of chief executive officers from institutions still operating in the non-prime auto financing arena.

"Practical solutions are found in sessions on new technology being used in collections, a panel discussion of operation issues and a unique session on stress testing an institution's risk management approach," executives highlighted.

"The conference will not make the problems go away, but attendees will leave better informed about the future of the industry and with practical knowledge that will help address portfolio management concerns," they concluded.