# Originations rise in Q1 as affordability challenges, EV demand grow

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-auto-finance-roadmap-1123365/originations-rise-in-q1-as-affordability-challenges-ev-demand-grow
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-auto-finance-roadmap-1123365/originations-rise-in-q1-as-affordability-challenges-ev-demand-grow.md
Podcast: [The Auto Finance Roadmap](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-auto-finance-roadmap-1123365)
Published: 2026-05-04T22:18:59+00:00
Episode link: https://share.transistor.fm/s/58501389
Audio file: https://media.transistor.fm/58501389/c2e2a10e.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-auto-finance-roadmap-1123365/episodes/originations-rise-in-q1-as-affordability-challenges-ev-demand-grow
Duration seconds: 510

## Resource

In the first quarter, the auto finance industry balanced strong auto loan originations with persistent affordability challenges, shifting EV demand and rising asset-backed securitization activity. Auto lenders, including PenFed Credit Union , Driveway Finance and Carvana posted strong first-quarter gains, signaling continued demand for auto loans, according to their earnings releases last week. PenFed’s originations jumped 88% year over year , while Driveway Finance’s originations rose 34.8% YoY and Carvana’s originations increased 59.3% YoY as digital sales and product expansion drove growth. Affordability, however, remained a key constraint with Q1 earnings for dealership groups, including Asbury Automotive Group , Group 1 Automotive and Penske Automotive , showing declines in sales and mixed finance and insurance revenue. To offset pressure , dealers are leaning on longer loan terms and payment-focused financing strategies as higher vehicle prices and interest rates continue to affect consumers. Meanwhile, OEM captive finance performance varied, as GM Financial ’s originations declined 15.8% YoY, while Ford Credit reported higher finance and lease penetration in Q1. In addition, Stellantis returned to profitability, supported by higher vehicle sales and growth in its financial services operations. Toyota reported a sales decline in March as weakening demand and geopolitical tensions tied to the Iran war weighed on performance. Lenders are also expanding credit access to sustain growth, with Western Funding launching full-spectrum lending. Wider market conditions shift EV demand remains an industry focus, as Rivian ’s deliveries increased 20% YoY in the first quarter, supported by growth in software and services revenue, according to its April 30 earnings presentatio…

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