DALLAS, Aug. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The purchase of an average-priced
new vehicle took 23.1 weeks of median family income in the second quarter,
according to the Auto Affordability Index compiled by Comerica Bank. The
latest reading is down 0.9 weeks from the first quarter and 1.9 weeks compared
to a year ago. Including finance charges, the total cost of buying an
average-priced light vehicle was $27,704 in the second quarter. Last quarter,
it took fewer weeks of work to purchase a new car than in any quarter since
early 1980.
"With gasoline prices soaring, interest rates on car loans rising, and the
economy wobbly, those consumers who are still in the market for a new vehicle
are opting for less expensive models," said Dana Johnson, Chief Economist at
Comerica Bank. "Excluding finance costs, the average amount spent on a new
car dropped another $700 to $23,900 last quarter and is now at its lowest
level in three years. Consumers also are holding down their monthly payments
by extending the average maturity of their car loans to 63 1/2 months, an
increase of about 2 months over the past four quarters."
This report incorporates the latest data on consumer spending on light
vehicles and on the terms available on auto loans. The history of the index is
available upon request from Meaghan Derrick (214-462-6815 or
maderrick@comerica.com).
Comerica Incorporated (NYSE: CMA) is a financial services company
headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and strategically aligned by three business
segments: The Business Bank, The Retail Bank, and Wealth & Institutional
Management. Comerica focuses on relationships, and helping people and
businesses be successful. In addition to Texas, Comerica Bank locations can be
found in Arizona, California, Florida and Michigan, with select businesses
operating in several other states, as well as in Canada, China and Mexico.
Comerica reported total assets of $66 billion as of June 30, 2008. To receive
e-mail alerts of breaking Comerica news, go to
http://www.comerica.com/newsalerts .
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