Auto Financial Group

07/23/2026

This article highlights data from Edmunds: "The Q2 data perfectly illustrates the stark reality of today’s new-vehicle market: Affordability is such a massive hurdle that buyers are forced to stretch their budgets to the absolute limit just to get into a new vehicle."

At AFG we ask WHY? 🤯
Why 84 month terms? (Nearly 1 in 4 consumers) ♾️ 🗓️
Why monthly payments above $1,000? (1 in 5 consumers) 💸

AFG's programs can help with affordable monthly payments without extending terms.

Average monthly payments, meanwhile, hit a record $777. (3 min. read)

07/08/2026

Gene LeClaire hit the road this week once again.
🗺️ Destination: Northland Area Federal Credit Union
🎯 Mission: turn their dealers into AFG program pros

07/07/2026

New vehicle prices hit a record $51,974 in June 2026 😱.

Nearly 20% of buyers now pay $1,000+/month 🤯.

Still want to offer your borrowers an affordable vehicle financing option? AFG's residual based financing helps you offer lower monthly payments so members can afford the vehicles they need.

New-vehicle prices at U.S. dealerships climbed to $51,974 by late June. Compact sedans saw the steepest gains while convertibles dropped most. Despite higher prices, vehicles are selling faster than before.

07/04/2026

Happy 250th birthday, America! Today we celebrate the independence and freedom that built this nation.

At Auto Financial Group, we're proud to serve communities across the country and help people achieve their goals of vehicle ownership. Here's to 250 years of American spirit and to many more.!

Wishing you a safe and joyful Fourth of July.

07/01/2026

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 residual based financing changes the game. By basing payments on what borrowers actually use rather than the full vehicle price, programs like AFG's Walk-Away Balloon Lending can deliver 25-40% lower monthly payments.

That affordability makes the difference between walking away empty handed and driving home in a reliable vehicle.

56% pay cash for aged vehicles, according to Cox study (4 min. read)

06/23/2026

Gene LeClaire, our Dealer Development Manager, recently stopped by Maine State Credit Union for training—and apparently his travel schedule has him checking the sign just to remember which state he's in! 🌎 😃

06/12/2026

Used vehicle prices jumped 3.1% in May as consumers continue to shift toward used vehicles while new vehicle affordability remains a challenge. According to CARFAX data highlighted in the article, used vehicle prices increased by an average of $870 in just one month.

Affordability clearly continues to be one of the biggest concerns for today’s buyers. That’s where residual based financing can make a difference.

AFG’s programs help financial institutions offer lower monthly payments on both new vehicles and used vehicles up to five years old. In many cases, payments can be reduced by as much as 40% compared to conventional financing, helping borrowers get the vehicle they want while staying within budget.

All models increased by $870 on average. (2 min. read)

06/10/2026

Gene LeClaire’s travel schedule is starting to rival that of a touring rock band. 🎸 ✈️

His latest stop: Bob Johnson CDJR with lender partner
SeaComm .

Thanks to Bob Johnson CDJR and SeaComm for hosting Gene on another stop of the AFG world tour.

06/09/2026

This article highlights that as affordability pressures continue to shape vehicle buying decisions, more consumers are stretching loan terms and turning to used vehicles to keep monthly payments within reach.

Their takeaway?

"...dealers may need to focus more on flexible financing, payment-driven selling..."

This is exactly what AFG's programs deliver.

Average new loan amounts approached $44,000. (3 min. read)