Average interest rate on new-car loans at auto finance firms crept up to 3.94% in Jan 2010

For Dec figure was 3.26%; stood at 3.73% in Nov

Median maturity level 63.5-months in Jan, compared w/ 64 in Dec, 63.4 in Nov

Average amount financed dropped slightly to $29,379 for Jan

Compared w/ $30,598 in Dec, $30,506 in Nov

Consumer credit up at annual rate of 2.5% in Jan 2010; revolving credit down to 2.25%

Average interest rate on new-car loans had remaining low for much of 2009

Highest level was 1st Q of 2009 when percentage came in at 4.71%

As federal interest rate changes, auto loan rates follow

Consumers have been able to take advantage of low interest rates for car loans

Fed has kept rate so low to help spur economy, entice people to borrow

Experts think Fed will keep the key rate at 0% thru 2010; may not increase it until 2011