Surge in Auto-Loan Delinquencies Is Latest Trouble for the Economy.

The article focuses on an increase in delinquencies in automobile loans in the United States. The National Automotive Finance Association reports that approximately $575 billion in loans for cars are made annually in the U.S., and that in 2006 4.5% of auto loans made to top rated borrowers were at least 30 days delinquent as of the end of September, up 2.9% from August. The number of subprime borrowers who were delinquent was up 11.1%. The economic impact of the increase is discussed.