Auto lenders eye AI, blockchain liquidity, social media trends

Auto lenders are eyeing AI and other digital technologies amid continued industrywide concerns over affordability pressures.

Chase Auto will deploy AI that can fully automate the contract booking and funding process in 2026.

AI-powered Fintech Agora Data closed a deal on Feb. 26 with blockchain-based platform provider Figure Technologies to tokenize auto loans into real-world assets for investors. The deal will reportedly improve liquidity by increasing access to investors and providing less expensive financing compared to other forms of investment, according to S&P Global.

Lenders are also embracing AI and digital tools to empower Gen Z employees, executives at American Honda Finance, Ford Credit, Huntington Bank and Santander Consumer USA said during a panel session at the recent 2026 AFSA Vehicle Finance Conference.

On the other hand, social media platforms have provided consumers with a hotbed of misinformation around debt validation practices, prompting concern from compliance experts and auto lenders.

Meanwhile, auto finance leaders are focusing on consumers’ price concerns in 2026, as customers shift to buying used vehicles and lower financing costs.

Additionally, some auto players cut their workforces last week. Automotive marketplace TrueCar cut 30% of its workforce on Feb. 24, and subprime auto lender Prestige Financial Services reportedly laid off between 14 to 16 employees on Feb. 27.

Earnings

Several auto and RV companies reported earnings, and key takeaways include:

• Online vehicle sales platform ACV Auctions in the fourth quarter reported $18 million in losses related to subprime auto lender Tricolor Holdings’ bankruptcy;
• RV dealer Camping World’s finance and insurance revenue fell 6.4% year over year to $111.4 million in Q4, but market share improved;
• EV maker Lucid Motors’ deliveries soared 72% YoY to 5,345 vehicles in Q4;
• Automaker Stellantis’ North American shipments rose 38.9% YoY in the second half of 2025 to 825,000 units in Q4; and
• TD Bank’s indirect auto outstandings totaled $31.7 billion, up 2.9% YoY in its fiscal Q1 2026.

In this episode of “Weekly Wrap,” Auto Finance News Editor Amanda Harris, Deputy Editor Johnnie Martinez, Senior Editor Truth Headlam and Associate Editor Aidan Bush discuss trends affecting the automotive industry and key updates for the week ended Feb. 27.

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