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Auto Affordability Improves Modestly, Comerica Bank Chief Economist Reports

DETROIT, Feb. 21, 2008 -- The purchase of an average- priced new vehicle took 24.4 weeks of median family income in the fourth quarter, according to the Auto Affordability Index compiled by Comerica Bank. The latest reading is down 0.5 weeks from the third quarter and 1.8 weeks compared to a year ago. Including finance charges, the total cost of buying an average-priced light vehicle was $28,715 in the fourth quarter. We estimate that the median family income has increased 4.1 percent from a year ago.

Consumers reacted to the difficult economic environment by spending about $300 less on average for a new car and by extending by 2 months the average term of a car loan to 63 months. A 37 basis point reduction in the interest rate on car loans at finance companies also helped reduce the cost of owning a new car. With the economy weak and interest declining, consumers are likely to find even better deals on new cars over the first half of 2008.

This report incorporates the latest data on consumer spending on light vehicles and on the terms available on auto loans. The entire history of the index is shown in a chart available upon request from Marsha Halliburton (313-222-4568 or mlhalliburton@comerica.com), or at http://www.comerica.com/.

Comerica Incorporated is a financial services company strategically aligned by three business segments: The Business Bank, The Retail Bank, and Wealth & Institutional Management. Comerica focuses on relationships and helping businesses and people to be successful.

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