Research and Markets: Western European Point of Sale Finance Accounted for a Third of Total Unsecured Consumer Credit in 2004

Dublin - Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c22553) has announced the addition of Motor and Retail Finance in Western Europe 2005 to their offering

While the consumer credit market has boomed in recent years, motor and retail finance has not performed on a level par in most Western European countries. So, what are the causes of these difficulties and how will both markets look in five years time? This report draws on core European consumer lending sizing and forecasting data to answer these questions.

This report examines finance sold at the point of sale and covers both motor finance and retail finance (instalment loans and private label cards) products. It covers seven Western European markets; Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and the UK. The report sizes each country's motor and retail finance markets and discusses key trends and market drivers. It also provides insight into the future direction of both markets and discusses how finance providers should respond to current challenges.

Western European point of sale finance accounted for a third of total unsecured consumer credit in 2004. While finance houses advanced EUR228 billion in 2004, other consumer credit products achieved EUR450 billion in new business.

While Germany was Europe's biggest motor finance market in 2004, advancing EUR35 billion in new and used motor finance products, the Spanish and Italian markets are growing the fastest. Since 1999, the Spanish motor finance market has grown at an impressive average annual rate of 12.3 per cent, with Italy trailing just behind at 10.1 per cent.

Retail finance has grown modestly over the last six years, achieving an average growth rate of just 2.7 per cent a year. While most countries have achieved at least positive year on year growth, the UK's retail finance market has gone into decline, with balances outstanding falling by 4.8 per cent per year on average since 1999.

Reasons to Purchase

- Understand the intricacies of motor and retail finance and understand how each market has performed in comparison to consumer lending as a whole.
- Gain valuable insight into what finance providers can do to ensure their future in a rapidly evolving European consumer credit market.
- Plan your strategy with confidence using five-year forecasts for Western Europe's motor and retail finance markets.

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c22553

Laura Wood
Senior Manager
Research and Markets
press@researchandmarkets.com
Fax: +353 1 4100 980