RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. –Even as credit union indirect delinquencies and charge offs for auto loans increased from 2006 to 2007, CUDL's Business Intelligence Report shows that these rates were still far below those suffered by banks and other financials.

Good news in a declining market, and there are more promising nuggets in the report as well. Like the fact that new members who joined at the dealership had similar age, income and credit score demographics when compared to current members who also financed indirectly. This demonstrates these borrowers are a desirable demographic and they can become full-users of CU products.

It was also found that CUs are using all available tools in their expanded kit in order to help members through the loan process. They are funding more types of vehicles, like motorcycles and RVs, and streamlining their Web resources, speeding up approvals and widening car search options as well.