Auto Financial Group

Used vehicle prices jumped 3.1% in May as consumers continue to shift toward used vehicles while new vehicle affordability remains a challenge. According to CARFAX data highlighted in the article, used vehicle prices increased by an average of $870 in just one month.

Affordability clearly continues to be one of the biggest concerns for today’s buyers. That’s where residual based financing can make a difference.

AFG’s programs help financial institutions offer lower monthly payments on both new vehicles and used vehicles up to five years old. In many cases, payments can be reduced by as much as 40% compared to conventional financing, helping borrowers get the vehicle they want while staying within budget.

Used-vehicle prices spike 3.1% in May All models increased by $870 on average. (2 min. read)

Gene LeClaire’s travel schedule is starting to rival that of a touring rock band. 🎸 ✈️

His latest stop: Bob Johnson CDJR with lender partner
SeaComm .

Thanks to Bob Johnson CDJR and SeaComm for hosting Gene on another stop of the AFG world tour.

This article highlights that as affordability pressures continue to shape vehicle buying decisions, more consumers are stretching loan terms and turning to used vehicles to keep monthly payments within reach.

Their takeaway?

"...dealers may need to focus more on flexible financing, payment-driven selling..."

This is exactly what AFG's programs deliver.

Affordability pressures persist as more buyers tap longer loans, used vehicles Average new loan amounts approached $44,000. (3 min. read)

Great day at the West Herr Golf Tournament! ⛳ AFG was proud to sponsor a hole.

📷 Courtesy of Grant from The Summit Federal Credit Union

Gene is on the road again, this time with Ramon from Broadview Federal Credit Union, training dealer partner Bob Johnson Chevrolet West. What's that around Gene's waist you ask? It's the Flex Buy (their name for the AFG program) belt. The top sales consultant gets to hold the belt. 🤩

AFG ❤️ our clients!

This week, many of our clients stepped up to the plate in Syracuse for a special AFG Roundtable focused on affordability, best practices, and helping more members get into the vehicles they need with payments that work for them.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for great conversations, shared ideas, and a little baseball-themed fun.

If you weren't able to make it in person, we will be holding a best practices virtual webinar next month - check with your account manager for the details to register!

The AFG crew has been busy this week visiting clients in Michigan, Iowa and New York.

Jill has had a busy month - this week she's at the MeridianLink User Forum talking to attendees about the benefits of residual based financing.

Auto loan originations are softening heading into 2026.

For lenders, that means:
Lower volume. More competition. Tighter approvals.

Residual based financing can help your institution lower payments so you can capture more deals and grow your portfolio.

Auto loan originations soften at the end of 2025, start of 2026 “2026 has come out as kind of a moderate or a flat market," said TransUnion's Satyan Merchant. (3 min. read)

AFG's Jill Malczewski is at CU*SOUTH, Inc.'s Visionary Conference this week. If you are attending, stop by, say hi and ask her about residual based financing, she's ready for you!