Experian Automotive: Toyota, Ford and Chevrolet top makes financed in Q3 2012
Subprime financing, leasing show strong gains
Schaumburg, Ill., Dec. 04, 2012 — Experian Automotive today announced that Toyota grabbed top honors in Q3 2012, claiming 14.09 percent of all new vehicles financed. Ford was second with 13.16 percent, and Chevrolet was third with 11.10 percent. Findings from its Q3 State of the Automotive Finance Market analysis showed market share for nonprime, subprime and deep-subprime automotive loans for new vehicles grew by 13.6 percent and new vehicle leasing grew by 7.53 percent year over year.
The analysis found that loans financed for new vehicles to customers with nonprime, subprime or deep-subprime credit ratings increased to 24.84 percent in Q3 2012 from 21.87 in Q3 2011. For used vehicles, the total subprime financing market increased 5.47 percent year over year to 54.43 percent in Q3 2012, up from 51.60 percent in Q3 2011.
“With leasing showing a continued upward trend, and lenders increasing their appetite for risk, consumers were in a good position to obtain a vehicle during Q3,” said Melinda Zabritski, director of automotive credit at Experian Automotive. “Expanding loans to lower-risk tiers opens the market for more car shoppers, while an increase in leasing means it is easier for consumers to get more vehicle for a lower monthly payment. Both of these trends are positive signs of a strong and recovering auto finance market, which ultimately benefits the consumer and the entire auto industry.”
Percentage of new vehicles financed in Q3 2012 by make
Make |
Percentage |
Toyota |
14.09% |
Ford |
13.16% |
Chevrolet |
11.10% |
Honda |
10.20% |
Nissan |
8.28% |
Hyundai |
6.06% |
Kia |
5.32% |
Jeep |
4.20% |
Dodge |
3.21% |
Volkswagen |
2.85% |
Findings from the report showed that lenders still are more risk averse than they were prior to the Great Recession. In Q3 2007, the average credit score for a new vehicle loan was 749, compared with 755 in Q3 2012.
The analysis also included information on the average credit scores by make for new vehicle loans financed in Q3 2012. Consumers who financed a Volvo comprised the highest average credit scores (818), while those who purchased a Mitsubishi made up the lowest average credit scores (694).
Top-scoring new loans by make
Make |
Score |
Volvo |
818 |
Lexus |
816 |
Acura |
813 |
Audi |
810 |
Infiniti |
810 |
Jaguar |
810 |
Porsche |
810 |
Land Rover |
802 |
Mercedes |
802 |
Lincoln |
801 |
Lowest-scoring new loans by make
Make |
Score |
Mitsubishi |
694 |
Suzuki |
704 |
Dodge |
718 |
Kia |
721 |
Scion |
723 |
Nissan |
726 |
Chevrolet |
737 |
Chrysler |
737 |
Ram |
737 |
Fiat |
741 |
Contact:
Roslyn Whitehurst
Experian Public Relations
1 714 830 5578
roslyn.whitehurst@experian.com
Twitter: @RozWhitehurst
About Experian Automotive
Experian Automotive provides information services and market intelligence that enables results-driven professionals to gain the fullest possible understanding of the market, the vehicles and the people who buy them. Its North American Vehicle DatabaseSM houses data on nearly 700 million vehicles and, when combined with Experian’s credit, consumer and business information, provides an integrated perspective into the automotive marketplace. Experian Automotive’s AutoCheck® vehicle history reports provide dealers and consumers with in-depth information, allowing them to confidently understand, compare and select the right vehicles. For more information on Experian Automotive and its suite of services, visit our Website at http://www.ExperianAutomotive.com.
About Experian
Experian® is the leading global information services company, providing data and analytical tools to clients around the world. The Group helps businesses to manage credit risk, prevent fraud, target marketing offers and automate decision making. Experian also helps individuals to check their credit report and credit score, and protect against identity theft.
Experian plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN) and is a constituent of the FTSE 100 index. Total revenue for the year ended March 31, 2012, was $4.5 billion. Experian employs approximately 17,000 people in 44 countries and has its corporate headquarters in Dublin, Ireland, with operational headquarters in Nottingham, UK; California, US; and São Paulo, Brazil.
For more information, visit http://www.experianplc.com.
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