A Look Back At The History Of Auto Financing

Over at Autobytel, Juan Barnett (better known as DC AutoGeek) takes a look at the history of auto financing, originally intended as a way for the common man to be able to afford an automobile some 90 years ago. The most striking thing is how attitudes have changed so dramatically over time. Initially, bankers were calling for a ban on financing of personal automobiles, fearing that it would lead to financial imprudence. How times have changed. In a 2008 letter to the Security and Exchange Commission, a collection of automotive finance companies argued against a proposed federal rule that would have made 60 months the maximum term for an automotive loan. The group said "[that the] 72 month term has become the industry standard," and that it was critical to the American economy to allow banks to determine independently the risk as it relates to automotive loans.  They argued that any mandated term limit would cripple the automotive industry. They were probably right. from The Truth About Cars http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com

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