Subprime lenders are weighing the risks and benefits of protecting assets through force-placed insurance as credit-challenged borrowers face continued affordability issues, while some lenders tap into “buy here, pay here” opportunities, in this episode of the Weekly Wrap. 

In this episode of the “Weekly Wrap,” Auto Finance News Associate Editors Ashley Savage and James Van Bramer discuss trends in financier earnings, AI-based lending updates, finance and insurance revenue and the powersports market for the week ended Aug. 9.  

In this episode of the “Weekly Wrap,” Auto Finance News Associate Editors Ashley Savage and James Van Bramer discuss trends in financier earnings, technology, EVs and the powersports market for the week ending Aug. 2.  

Captives’ second-quarter earnings last week reflected portfolio growth despite affordability and incentive challenges. Leases are a key driver for dealers as consumers continue to be hesitant amid inflationary pressures, high interest rates and elevated vehicle prices. 

In powersports, Harley-Davidson Financial Services’ originations ticked down 4% year over year in Q2 and retail finance receivables were flat YoY at $7 billion. 

Second-quarter bank earnings continue to point to mixed loan production volume and a rise in leasing spurred by EVs. 

U.S. Bank originated $1.9 billion in Q2, up 21.5% year over year while outstandings fell 30.6% YoY to $8 billion. PNC Financial’s auto outstandings dipped 1.6% YoY to $14.8 billion, and Citizens’ auto book continued to run off. Ally Financial originated $639 million in battery EV and hybrid leases during Q2.

Second-quarter bank earnings kicked off this week and showed a continued slowdown in auto originations compared with a year ago. Chase Auto’s originations declined 10% year over year to $10.8 billion and Wells Fargo Auto’s originations decreased 22.9% YoY to $3.7 billion. 

Powersports sales slowed in June. 

June marked mixed vehicle sales and an uptick in incentives ahead of the July Fourth holiday, while the industry continues to keep an eye on impacts from cyberattacks that halted dealer operations.  

Higher costs for everyday expenses such as gas, groceries and vehicle insurance have prompted many consumers to turn to credit cards, with rising expenses making it harder for consumers buried in debt to qualify for auto loans.

Point-of-sale financing as an alternative payment method is a growing opportunity for lenders, technology company Pagaya’s President Sanjiv Das says on this episode of “The Buzz” podcast, shared to The Roadmap. According to auto lender and Pagaya partner Ally Financial, POS financing is expected to reach a value of more than $81 billion by 2030.

Car dealerships are leaning on manual processes following consecutive cyberattacks against software provider CDK Global last week. 

In powersports, RV and marine manufacturer Winnebago Industries’ promotional liabilities decreased 26.4% year over year as demand for RVs was sluggish during Q3.