Data Point
Auto Credit Availability Increased in February
Thursday March 11, 2021
Article Highlights
- Access to auto credit increased in February and was the most accessible since May 2020 according to the Dealertrack Auto Credit Availability Index for all types of auto loans.
- The All Loans Index increased 1.1% to 95.8 in February, reflecting that auto credit was easier to get in the month compared to January.
- Access remains tighter by 3.4% year over year.
Access to auto credit increased in February and was the most accessible since May 2020 according to the Dealertrack Auto Credit Availability Index for all types of auto loans. The All Loans Index increased 1.1% to 95.8 in February, reflecting that auto credit was easier to get in the month compared to January. Access remains tighter by 3.4% year over year.
All loan types saw loosening in February. New vehicle financing loosened the most, while certified pre-owned (CPO) and financing provided through Independent Used dealers loosened the least. On a year-over-year basis, all loan types are tighter, with CPO having tightened the most while Independent Used has tightened the least.
Credit also loosened across lender types. Credit loosened the most at captives by 2.1% and the least at auto-focused finance companies by 1.3%. On a year-over-year basis, auto-focused finance companies have loosened credit access, while all other lender types have tightened. Credit Unions have tightened the most.
The Dealertrack Credit Availability Index is a new monthly index based on Dealertrack credit application data and will indicate whether access to auto loan credit is improving or worsening. The index will be published around the 10th of each month.