Lower standards for auto loans

To improve its car loan production, GMAC will lower its minimum credit score requirements. The move marks a return to GMAC's traditional underwriting standards. Two months ago, when the credit markets nearly grinded to a halt, GMAC was forced to increase its minimum approvable credit score from 621 to 700, because it didn't have access to the capital required to service those below-700 borrowers.

In late-December, however, GMAC secured a capital contribution from TARP.  This money allows the company to reinstate the lower credit score minimum of 621.

In a public statement, GMAC President Bill Muir said, "We will continue to employ responsible credit standards, but will be able to relax the constraints we put in place a few months ago due to the credit crisis. We will immediately put our renewed access to capital to use to facilitate the purchase of cars and trucks in the U.S."

ref: mortgageloan.com/bailout-offers-auto-loan-relief-2835