DALLAS — The purchase of an average-priced new vehicle took 24.1 weeks of median family income in the third quarter, according to the Auto Affordability Index compiled by Comerica Bank. The latest reading is up one week from the second quarter, ... [Read More]

Bankruptcies are at a three-year high, jobless claims at a 14-year high and both are increasing. So, what are the subprime lenders doing to remain profitable? What can you do to guarantee the survival of these needed financing sources? And ... [Read More]

HOUSTON — Many subprime lenders are tightening their business and trimming back on dealer relationships, which is a boon to buy-here, pay-here dealers as many customers who normally went the more traditional finance route are now being pushed into these stores. ... [Read More]

NEW YORK — Fitch Ratings recently completed a review of the rated portfolio for public and privately placed auto lease-backed securitizations, and while indicating that its outlook is negative due to the mounting losses on lease residuals, overall, it remains generally ... [Read More]

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y. — Reporting its third-quarter results, DealerTrack recently indicated that the tightened credit market has taken a toll, with the number of lender-to-dealer relationships down, along with fewer transactions processed via the platform. More specifically, the company said the ... [Read More]

DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford Motor Credit's chief executive officer said he expects the market to remain "extraordinarily challenging." For the third quarter, the company reported net income of $95 million, down $239 million from earnings of $334 million a year earlier. ... [Read More]

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Steven Lambert, president and chief executive officer of Nissan Motor Acceptance Corp., will lead the American Financial Services Association as the group's 2008-2009 chairman. He was installed during AFSA's recent 92nd Annual Meeting and Leadership Conference in Dallas. ... [Read More]

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Last month, the Federal Trade Commission announced a delay in its enforcement of the Red Flags Rules until May of next year. So, does this mean dealers have more time to prepare? In many cases, it does not. ... [Read More]

NEW YORK — Reporting its preliminary third-quarter results, GMAC Financial Services indicated that its auto finance division experienced pressure from lower used-vehicle prices, in addition to weaker consumer and dealer credit performance, which contributed to a loss for the period. Overall, ... [Read More]

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Overall, U.S. consumer bankruptcy filings jumped 40 percent throughout the nation in October, compared to the same period a year ago, according to the American Bankruptcy Institute, which relies on data from the National Bankruptcy Research Center. More ... [Read More]