Auto loan credit characteristics fall somewhere between those of mortgages and credit cards. They are secured but on a depreciating asset and are relatively short-term loans. Data on default rates is reasonably accessible where auto loan securitization issues are common.The main risk to all lenders comes from changes in tax policies that have a direct impact on the value of new and second-hand cars and a particular concentration on a particular class of vehicle or type of customer.
If a government acts to reduce taxes or import tariffs on new cars this will at a stroke lower the value of recently bought second-hand cars and the price of new cars. In cases where the reductions are extreme some people who have bought their vehicle on credit may simply return the keys for their original purchase and buy a new car.
Some lenders specialize in lending to taxi drivers or owner–drivers of coaches or trucks. The number of taxi licenses is frequently restricted and it is not uncommon for the cost of the license to be considerably more than the cost of the taxi itself. An increase in the number of licenses issued, a downturn in business or relaxation of licensing requirements will all have a negative impact on the value of the licenses and hence the lender’s collateral.