Automotive News reports that The National Automobile Dealers Association and groups of captives, credit unions and banks support congressional Republicans' efforts to curb the independence of a fledgling consumer agency which would have power to regulate dealer-assisted financing for auto consumers. The groups also are trying to dissuade the U.S. Federal Trade Commission from adopting standards for dealer-assisted financing. The dealer and banking groups are opposed by consumer advocates who contend that the federal government needs to actively protect car customers from car financing abuses.