部分地区车贷免违约金期限延至3年，“长贷短还”模式生变

Core Viewpoint - Regional banks have quietly adjusted their auto loan policies this year, extending the minimum repayment period for early repayment without penalty from 2 years to 3 years, which increases the cost of early repayment [1][2]. Group 1: Policy Adjustments - Several banks in Zhejiang have changed their auto loan early repayment policies, requiring customers to repay for at least 3 years before being eligible for penalty waivers [2]. - Agricultural Bank and Industrial and Commercial Bank have both implemented similar changes, with specific penalty percentages for early repayment based on the duration of the loan [2]. - Other banks in the region are currently evaluating the feasibility of similar adjustments, although no formal changes have been announced yet [2]. Group 2: Response to Market Practices - The adjustments are seen as a direct response to the "long loan, short repayment" model, which has been affecting banks' profit margins due to high commissions paid to dealers [1][4]. - The "high interest, high rebate" model has been a long-standing practice in the auto finance market, where banks pay dealers significant commissions to promote their loan products [4][5]. - Some dealers have exploited early repayment policies to promote "long loan, short repayment" schemes, which can lead to reduced profitability for banks [5][8]. Group 3: Regulatory Environment - Regulatory bodies have begun to intervene, prohibiting unfair competition practices such as linking loan rates to dealer commissions [9][10]. - New regulations aim to ensure that financial institutions adhere to industry self-regulation and do not use high commissions to gain market share [9][10]. Group 4: Financial Performance and Risks - Despite the growth in auto loans, banks are facing pressure on profit margins, with net interest margins reaching historical lows [8]. - Complaints from customers regarding early repayment terms have increased, indicating potential issues in customer service and compliance with promises made by dealers [8][9].