Guest Commentary

Guest commentary: As auto loans get longer, the risk to lenders grows

Customers who paid cash or who got a direct loan accounted for 20.4 percent of U.S. retail volume in the third quarter of 2012, down from 21.8 percent a year earlier and from 22.8 percent in the third quarter of 2010, according to Power Information Network.
Dealers may face significant challenges as consumers who financed their vehicles at peak prices encounter difficulties reentering the market. (BLOOMBERG)
IF
By:
Ian Frame
April 30, 2025 12:00 PM

Featured Stories

Manufacturing
Parts tariffs are now in effect. Here’s how they work
Manufacturing

Auto parts became subject to a 25% tariff May 3. Automotive News breaks down how the new duty works.

JI
By:
John Irwin
Parts tariffs are now in effect. Here’s how they work
Volkswagen
VW halts U.S. sales of ID Buzz for 2 safety recalls; rear seat too wide with just 2 seatbelts
Volkswagen
JW
By:
Jack Walsworth
VW halts U.S. sales of ID Buzz for 2 safety recalls; rear seat too wide with just 2 seatbelts
Best Practices
Maryland auto group digitizes internal forms to save time, printing costs
Best Practices
CM
By:
C.J. Moore
Maryland auto group digitizes internal forms to save time, printing costs
Sales
Car buyers trying to beat tariff price hikes did a ‘bank run’ on dealers’ lots in April
Sales
LP
By:
Larry P. Vellequette
Car buyers trying to beat tariff price hikes did a ‘bank run’ on dealers’ lots in April