Navigating the complex realm of auto lending, we witness a rising symphony of automation. Dealership finance brigades often express an affinity for the fresh rhythms brought by AI-driven loan allocation. Yet, in the intricate dance of commercial relationships, the power of a face-to-face waltz remains unparalleled. Drawing from the latest opus by J.D. Power, the 2023 U.S. Dealer Financing Satisfaction Sonata, a captivating 77% of the F&I maestros assert that in-person serenades with sales virtuosos play a pivotal note in harmonizing deals with lenders.

Dipping their toes in the waters of new-age tech, many an F&I ensemble continues to croon their craving for direct, human duets in the sales concerto. The eloquent Patrick Rosenberg, the chief minstrel of automotive finance sagas at J.D. Power, decants, “Though the crescendo of AI and machine learning in the loan evaluation seems enchanting, merely 30% of finance troupes echo a comfort with this new rhythm.” A concerning dissonance, however, emerges as lender emissaries falter in orchestrating impactful sales overtures about 40% in their performances.

In the 2023 magnum opus, the voices of 3,552 car dealer finance maestros resound. This springtime chorus from April to May 2023 paints the satisfaction spectrum across five distinct lender genres: from the regal captive premium-primes to the raw, unbridled notes of non-captive sub-primes.

The Scoreboard Symphony:

  • Captive Mass Market—Prime: Leading the ensemble, Southeast Toyota Finance hits a resonant 901, trailed by Subaru Motors Finance’s 819, and Mazda Financial Services crescendos at 766.
  • Non-Captive National—Prime: TD Auto Finance remains the reigning maestro for the fourth act, striking an 878. Ally Financial orchestrates a solid 854, whilst Wells Fargo Auto renders a 778.
  • Non-Captive Regional—Prime: The soulful strains of Huntington National Bank dominate with 753. Santander Auto Finance follows closely, weaving a 746, and Fifth Third Bank culminates with 703.
  • Non-Captive—Sub-Prime: Ally Financial, for its third encore, bellows a powerful 852. Chase Automotive Finance pursues with 762, and Wells Fargo Auto concludes with a poignant 718.