February 2026
Auto Finance Trends
🚘 Car buying remains a high priority for U.S. consumers, Transunion says
According to recent data from TransUnion, nearly 4 in 10 consumers say buying a vehicle is still a top priority, even as affordability pressures continue to rise. People still need cars, but they need smarter ways to pay for them. Affordability is driving purchase decisions. The right financing options help make those purchases possible.
🚘 Average new-car prices peak as truck sales set records
Average transaction prices for new vehicles hit a record $50,326 in December, pushed higher by strong demand for SUVs and full-size pickup trucks. Record pricing puts pressure on affordability and can stretch monthly payments higher for buyers.
These trend highlights why lenders and dealers need financing alternatives that ease payment stress without simply extending terms. AFG’s programs help lower monthly payments while giving buyers flexibility and ownership.
Events
🏢 ACU Governmental Affairs Conference
March 1-5
Washington D.C.
Lending Tech Live
June 2-4
Palm Desert, CA
AFG will be in attendance at this events. If you’d like to learn more about our programs, you can make an appointment with an AFG representative.
Click here to schedule it.
🎥 AFG hosted two webinars on affordable vehicle financing and basics of residual based financing last year.
You can still watch the recordings.
You can also still watch the recording of our popular webinar, “Increase ROI with Residual Based Financing”
AFG Partner Experience
Can the program help with member growth and retention?
Hear Mike Moseley, New Business Officer at First Eagle’s FCU talk about their experience with the program.
Spotlight on Affordability
Affordability is a critical concern for many borrowers in a highly fluctuating vehicle market. AFG will highlight a vehicle each month that showcases how the AFG walk-away balloon and vehicle leasing programs offer a more affordable payment compared to conventional financing.
