
Lenders are increasing loans to credit-challenged customers. According to Experian's quarterly automotive credit analysis, 21.87 percent of all new vehicle loans went to customers in the nonprime, subprime and deep-subprime categories. The largest percentage increases were in the two highest-risk segments: deep subprime, which jumped 17.3 percent, and subprime, which jumped 17.8 percent. Nonprime loan share increased 12.5 percent. View our recent Webinar on the state of the automotive market. Source: Experian Automotive's quarterly credit trend analysis. Download the quarterly studies and white papers.

In 2010, lenders began to change their focus from maintaining to growing portfolios. Most strategies focused on marketing to the least risky tiers of consumers as lenders tested marketing strategies in an unfamiliar economic environment. In 2011, the focus is on expanding that marketable universe and determining how to profitably grow, while managing risk across a spectrum of consumer creditworthiness. Segments of the near-prime consumer population are both ready and able to take on additional debt obligations. View a webinar to learn how to redefine your credit marketing strategy Source: Universe Expansion

While retail card utilization rates decreased slightly in Q3 2011, retail card delinquency rates increased for all performance bands (30-59, 60-89 and 90-180 days past due) in Q3 2011 after reaching multiyear lows the previous quarter. Listen to our recent Webinar on consumer credit trends and retail spending. Source: Experian-Oliver Wyman Market Intelligence Reports