Auto loan rates continue to climb

Automakers hoping to capitalize on an improving economy may have a new enemy - auto loan rates. According to the Federal Reserve, the auto loan rate increased for the fifth straight month, reaching 4.63 percent in November. That is up from 3.87 percent in July and 4.52 percent in October. As the auto loan rate increases, the market has simultaneously experienced a drop in total loan values. As the price of a loan has gone up, consumers are seeing less dollar-for-dollar value on their loans, diminishing the maturity level. The maturity level - which represents the period for consumers to pay off the loan - fell to 62.8 months in November, down from 63.4 months in October. The total dollar amount per loan has dropped as well. The Federal Reserve reports that the average car loan is now worth $27,433 - down from $29,379 in January 2010. This news comes as the American Bankers Association reports consumers had a tougher time paying their bills in Q3 2010. According to the ABA, delinquency rates on all forms of credit and loans marginally increased to 3.01 percent.