Top Financiers Ranked in New Report

Strong originations put some wind back in the auto finance market’s sails last year. For 2011, wind gusts could provide significant gains.

A 31% increase in loan originations in 2010 pushed outstandings at the top 100 auto financiers up 0.2% from 2009, to $671 billion, according to the 2011 Auto Finance Big Wheels ranking of car lenders and lessors, released today. The uptick stopped a string of two straight annual declines in the amount of auto loans held by banks, captive finance companies, credit unions, and independent auto lenders.

Auto Finance Big Wheels is the only report that tallies auto finance originations and outstandings. The report ranks the Top 100 auto lenders and lessors, and includes comprehensive contact information for each. Auto Finance Big Wheels is published by Auto Finance News and AutoFinanceNews.net.

At the top of the league tables in 2010 was a new name, but a familiar face. Ally Financial, the bank-holding company that used to be known as GMAC, topped the list as the nation’s largest auto financier. Its $74 billion portfolio was $10 billion higher than second-place finisher Toyota Motor Credit Corp. Chase Auto Finance, Ford Motor Credit Co., and Wells Fargo Dealer Services rounded out the Top 5.

Also, for the first time, banks accounted for the largest marketshare among auto lending segments, besting captives, credit unions, and independent finance companies. Banks held 52% of all auto loans and leases in 2010, up from 39% in 2009. Captives accounted for 41% of all outstandings in 2010, down from 52% in 2009.

For more information about the report, click here.