What do you get when you add post-election uncertainty to
pre-election "economic contradictions?" Many see trouble
on the way, but after a period of mixed data and projections
concerning interest rates, consumer spending and borrowing, and of
course, election results, the months ahead promise to bring some
clarity to subprime auto.
Below is a review of recent performance and anticipated events
on the road ahead.
Originations
At mid-year 2024, total auto loan balances stood at $1.63 trillion, up $10 billion for the second
quarter.
Subprime auto originations continue to decline. For comparison,
superprime originations in Q2 2024 were up 10.3% year over year. For borrowers with
subprime credit scores, (credit score <620), the percentage of
loans issued as of mid-year 2024 was only approximately 13.9% of
total account balances, according to Equifax. The decline in subprime originations
was 27.4% from Q1 2019 levels, according to TransUnion, citing affordability