July 2026
Auto Finance Trends
🚘  Car purchases a ‘need’ not a ‘want’ for 79% of independent shoppers, Cox Automotive study finds
79% of consumers in the market for a vehicle view cars as a necessity, not a want. These buyers, often earning under $75K and managing fair or poor credit, are stretched thin trying to find affordable options.This is where AFG’s programs, with 25-40% lower payments, change the game. The affordability makes the difference between walking away empty-handed and driving home in a reliable vehicle.
🚘  Average U.S. new-vehicle asking price sets high, and keeps edging up
New vehicle prices hit a record $51,974 in June 2026 😱.
Nearly 20% of buyers now pay $1,000+/month 🤯.
You can still want offer your borrowers an affordable vehicle financing option with AFG’s programs.
Events
AFG will be in attendance at this event. If you’d like to learn more about our programs, you can make an appointment with an AFG representative.
<a href=”https://autofinancialgroup.com/events/#tradeshows” data-cke-saved-href=”https://autofinancialgroup.com/events/#tradeshows”>Click here to schedule it</a>.
<strong>Sync1 Systems Lendtopia</strong>
September 21–23, 2026
Indianapolis, IN
<strong>ACU Lending Council Conference</strong>
November 3-6, 2026
Las Vegas, NV
🎥 You can review the recording of our previous educational webinars on<strong> Residual Based Financing: ​​​​<a href=”https://autofinancialgroup.com/understanding-residual-based-financing-webinar-recording/” data-cke-saved-href=”https://autofinancialgroup.com/understanding-residual-based-financing-webinar-recording/”>Watch here</a>.</strong>
AFG Partner Experience
AFG’s programs give you a powerful tool for your lending arsenal—one that can set you apart from competitors and deepen relationships with your dealer partners.
Hear how Summit Federal Credit Union discovered this competitive advantage and what it means for your growth strategy.
Whether you’re building indirect partnerships or would like to strengthen your direct lending presence, this program creates a natural differentiator that both dealers and borrowers notice.
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.
