Automakers easing up on lending standards for customers

Finance Articles | April 6, 2009

Automakers are making it easier to purchase a new automobile. By easing up on their lending guidelines they can reach many more potential customers.

The nation’s big 3 auto makers are starting to realize that adjustments in their normal operating procedures need to be made in order to keep up with the declining economy. While many consumers are struggling with maintaining good credit due to things like loosing their jobs and defaulting on their mortgages, automakers are struggling to find potential customers.

But one automaker is paving the way towards building consumer confidence back up by creating ways for more people to purchase their vehicles. GMAC Financial Services LLC recently announced a plan to set aside $5 billion for consumer loans over the next 60 days. They also intend to start lending to consumers whose credit scores are below 620 again in the hopes of boosting sales and moving vehicles off of the dealer lots.

Back in October GMAC had announced that they would only be accepting applications to consumers whose credit score was 700 and above. Then after receiving $5 billion in emergency federal aid late last year they rolled their requirement down to 621 and above. But recently the number of applications for financing has decreased so low that they have again decided to extend their underwriting guidelines to make it easier for people with low credit scores to purchase a new vehicle.

Consumers who are thinking about purchasing a vehicle in the near future but are concerned about their credit should first determine what kind of credit they have and if they will be able to qualify for an auto loan. If you are unfamiliar with how credit works you could try visiting a free site about credit like FreeOnlineCreditGuide.com or if you have never viewed your credit reports before visit annualcreditreport.com for copies of your three credit bureau reports.

Hopefully the other automakers will soon follow suit with GMAC, making it easier for the average consumer to buy a new vehicle during these rough economic conditions.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

I am a banker by trade and a proud parent of two children. I have spent the last five years of my life repairing my seriously damaged credit rating and now try to help others by showing them how to repair their own credit.