Originally appeared on Automoblog.net

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Sometimes a person has to look for answers outside of the regular routine of life. In cases like this I am sure, like me, you always look to Frank Zappa and The Mothers Of Invention for inspiration. Here, over the pond in good old Blighty, we have a romantic notion of the American world of cars and youth made melodic truth by The Mothers’ Cruising For Burgers.
It is a song of freedom. That freedom is under threat from the money lenders.
Let me explain. The other day I was tuned into a television program presented by the British traitor John Oliver. You will recall all the fuss about subprime mortgages. Oliver was rightly commenting on the recent rise of the subprime car purchase loan companies, which seem to be endemic in the American pre-owned automobile market. Just a few days later, I was approached with a business opportunity by a UK company who, quite blatantly, wanted me to help them promote their subprime car loan enterprise ? the first I have come across in the UK. We live in a world where those least able to afford to spend money are encouraged to do so.
The most recent State of the Automotive Finance Market report shows the total balance of open automotive loans increased 11.1% in Q1 2016, reaching $1.005 trillion – up from $905 billion in Q1 2015. This is the first time automotive loans have passed the $1 trillion mark. The report also stated that subprime l...