The 2023 Non-Prime Automotive Financing Survey results showed the positive impact that non-prime auto financing can have on consumers. The data indicated the median three-year increase in FICO score for deep subprime customers was 78 points.
The findings also noted that 21.31% of consumers with auto financing moved from a FICO score of below 550 to a reading above 640.
It has been revealed in the latest edition of the New Reality Check: Paycheck-To-Paycheck research series, conducted by LendingClub Corp. in collaboration with PYMNTS, that a significant number of U.S. consumers continue to live paycheck to paycheck. The research found that 61% of U.S. consumers fell into this category in July, which is consistent with the previous month but 2 percentage points higher than July 2022. The number of individuals struggling to meet bill payments remains at 21%, representing a 2 percentage point increase from last year. Notably, more consumers across all income brackets reported living paycheck to paycheck in July compared to the previous year.
Experian’s State of the Automotive Finance Market Report revealed that average contract terms in the auto industry are continuing to decrease. This trend persists despite rising interest rates, as consumers increasingly opt for shorter-term contracts. The report highlights that this shift towards shorter terms is particularly prominent in new-vehicle financing. In the second quarter of 2023, the 1- to 48-month segment of new-vehicle financing increased to 14.58% from 9.53% in the same period last year.
The auto industry has always been at the forefront of adopting cutting-edge technology, and now, artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the sector even further. By integrating AI into auto sales and marketing, dealerships and manufacturers are discovering new ways to engage customers and drive growth.
One impactful way AI is changing the game is through the use of chatbots. In today’s world, where instant communication is highly valued, chatbots provide real-time support to potential buyers. While there may be concerns about relying solely on AI language models like ChatGPT, with the right algorithm and data, these conversational agents can answer inquiries, provide product information, and even guide customers through the purchasing process with just a click of a button.
Many dealerships are already reaping the benefits of AI. According to a survey by CDK Global, 76% of dealers believe that AI has had a positive impact on their business. The chatbots available today are no longer limited to simple Q&A; they offer interactive and personalized experiences, becoming an essential tool for auto dealers to engage with prospects 24/7.
There is evidence to support the effectiveness of chatbots. IBM’s Watson Assistant site mentions that personalized retail experiences make consumers 40% more likely to spend more than they originally planned. Personalization always yields positive results.
As Inventory Concerns Begin to Fade, Economic Uncertainty and High Interest Rates Take Center Stage for U.S. Automobile Dealers
Latest Cox Automotive Dealer Sentiment Index shows inflation, interest rates, and the economy continue to weigh on dealers and hold back their business.
Read more here…https://www.coxautoinc.com/news/q2-2023-cadsi/
Personal and business bankruptcy filings rose 10 percent in the twelve-month period ending June 30, 2023, compared with the previous year.
Business filings rose 23.3 percent, from 12,748 to 15,724 in the year ending June 30, 2023. Non-business bankruptcy filings rose 9.5 percent to 403,000, compared with 367,886 in the previous year.
Click below to see a chart showing Jan 2023 Marketing Mail rates compared to the upcoming July 9 rate change.
Below to review a chart of First-Class mail rates from Jan 2023 compared to the July 9th rate request.
The USPS has recently filed for a second postal rate increase to take place on July 9th. Click below to see a proposed rate chart.
TransUnion forecasts serious credit card delinquencies to rise to 2.60% at the end of 2023 from 2.10% at the conclusion of 2022. Unsecured personal loan delinquency rates are expected to increase from 4.10% to 4.30% in the same timeframe. Serious auto loan delinquency rates are expected to modestly decline to 1.90% in 2023 from 1.95% in 2022.
TransUnion’s forecasts are based on various economic assumptions, such as expected consumer spending, disposable personal income, home prices, inflation, interest rates, real GDP growth rates and unemployment rates, among other metrics. The forecasts could change if there are unanticipated shocks to the economy, such as if COVID-19 disrupts recovery efforts, home prices unexpectedly fall or inflation continues to remain elevated through the next year. Better-than-expected improvements in the economy, such as potential increases in GDP and disposable income, could also impact these forecasts.