Auto repossession spikes, with small dealerships folding and bankruptcies rising. 2025 could be tough for CREs and the auto sector.

Auto repossession is on the rise again, and it’s becoming a real issue. Small dealerships are struggling, with many going bankrupt, and the situation could get worse in 2025. Repossessions are spiking, though detailed data is hard to come by, especially since the last available numbers are from December 2022. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) reported a 22.5% increase in repossession assignments compared to pre-pandemic levels. The banks are starting to sell these repossessed cars at auctions, typically around February or March, as the tax season kicks in. It’s a messy situation for both car buyers and dealers.