LAS VEGAS -- The falloff in auto lending may be putting credit unions into a funk but changes in some CU methods can help turn things around, in the view of Tony Boutelle, president/CEO of Credit Union Direct Lending Corp.

Addressing CUDL's annual meeting Thursday, Boutelle acknowledged the negatives and "disappointments" in 2008 trends but said there are still many great opportunities for the industry as improvements are made in such areas as collections, remarketing and loan pricing.

Dealer relationships, loan booking and servicing and what he called "core competencies" remain strong and should be given a "B" on an industry report card. But only average marks or a C can be handed out on collections and pricing, Boutelle maintained. The remarketing field needs major work and deserves a D, he told the 500 attendees at the Venetian Resort/Casino.

To foster an improved record, CUDL is moving on several fronts to enhance CU portfolios including a linkup with Mannheim Financial Services on a guarantee program to access independent dealers. Separately, there are ventures under way on next day funding and on-line AutoSmart tie-ins.

In his remarks, the CUDL CEO said he found it "disappointing" that banks have shown a bigger increase in market share in 2008 than CUs as they display aggressiveness in courting auto loans.