While access to small-business credit is improving and credit balances are increasing, key differences still remain across the United States.

Using a risk model based on older data can result in reduced predictive power.

Findings from the most recent Experian State of the Automotive Finance Market report show outstanding automotive loan balances increased 11 percent from Q4 2012, reaching $798.5 billion in Q4 2013 — the highest level since 2007.