Why is this important
The increase in the rate indicates the tightening of loan terms for vehicles, which may affect the availability of new vehicles for the population. The increase in rates may reflect an increase in the value of bank resources, an increase in inflationary pressure, or an increase in the risk of non-repayment. For car dealers and financing banks, this is a signal: demand may slow down, and requirements for down payment or loan terms may tighten.
Key facts
- October rate for auto loans: 24.3%.
- A little earlier, according to data from the end of September to the beginning of October, the figure was around 24.1%.
- In the Central Bank’s database, the average car loan rate was recorded at approximately 24.1% last year.
- The most favorable car loan offers in the middle of the year were the rates from 21% at individual banks.
What they say
Analysts note that such an increase in rates may be related to:
- increase in the cost of attracting bank resources;
- deterioration of the loan portfolio or increase in the risk of non-repayment in the auto segment;
- changes in the conditions for financing auto dealers and increasing the requirements for initial payments.
Context
At the same time, the banking sector of Uzbekistan is already showing a trend towards an increase in interest rates on loans for individuals. The car loan market previously recorded a decrease in issuances: for example, in 2024, the volume of car loans decreased by almost half.
Individual banks offer significantly lower rates than average — for loyal customers, with a high down payment, or under the manufacturer’s program. This shows a high dispersion of conditions.
