Ep. 281: It's The Year of the Hybrid (With Used Payments Hitting A Record Of $542) with Experian Automotive

Auto financing trends just changed (again) and if you’re still selling based on last year’s playbook, you’re behind. In today’s episode, Melinda Zabritski, Head of Automotive Financial Insights at Experian Automotive is back on the show to unpack the Q2 2026 State of the Automotive Finance Market Report and translate it into moves you can make on the showroom floor and in your used car lot.We get into why average used payments just hit a record $542, whether the “starter car” is really dead, and how lenders are rethinking risk as buyers stretch further back in model years while loan terms blow past 73 months. Melinda also explains what’s really happening with delinquencies and repos across prime, near-prime, and subprime, which segments are holding up, and where dealers should be cautious.Then we jump to the electrified side of the house: the collapse in EV lease share post-tax credits, why 2026 is shaping up to be the year of the hybrid, and how hybrids have suddenly become the payment friendly hero with lower monthly notes than comparable ICE vehicles.We also break down the surprising profile of today’s used EV buyer, why credit scores are rising, how Tesla Model Y off-lease volume is shaping the market, and what an $821 average new EV payment means for mainstream adoption. If you’re in charge of making inventory or finance decisions, this episode is your fast track to seeing where the money is flowing, where the risk is hiding, and how to position your store for the next wave of EVs, hybrids, and used inventory.____________________________________🔗 Want the full story in data form? We pulled the highlights, but you’ll want the details:The Experian Automotive State of the Automotive Finance Market Report for Q2 2026This quarter’s report highlights several key trends shaping the automotive finance landscape:16.8% Hybrid share of new vehicle financing (up from 12.99% YOY)$83/month average savings from auto loan refinancing.2% increase in outstanding automotive loan balances YOY.1 in 3 vehicle loans now exceed 72 months in length.Used vehicle financing share increased while overall financing volumes declined YOY.Download it here_______________________________Check out Experian's EV Resource Page for all things electric vehicle data_______________________________This episode is sponsored by Experian. Experian is a global data and technology company, powering opportunities for people and businesses around the world. Experian helps to redefine lending practices, uncover and prevent fraud, simplify healthcare, deliver digital marketing solutions, and gain deeper insights into the automotive market, all using their unique combination of data, analytics and software. Learn more herehttps://www.experian.com/automotive/ev-resource-center?cmpid=EVS_for_Everyone_______________________________Connect with Melinda on LinkedIn_______________________________Connect with Elena:https://evs4everyone.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaciccotelli/Let's talk on X:https://twitter.com/EVs_forEveryoneAre you connected with the show on LinkedIn? https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-evs-for-everyone-podcast/________________________