NASHVILLE, TN – New lease volume for the largest national lessors increased 5 percent from 2003 to 2004 according to a survey conducted by The Association of Consumer Vehicle Lessors (ACVL).

The results showed member lessors purchased 1.69 million leases in 2004 compared to 1.62 million in 2003. This small increase is a good sign that leasing is once again growing after five years of decline since the high water mark in 1999.

However, the increased volume went entirely to manufacturer captive finance companies, which saw their lease volume grow by 9 percent. Bank lessors, on the other hand, saw their volume decline 17 percent. Though in recent years the attention of consumers and dealers has shifted away from leasing, consumers are again realizing the variety of leasing advantages including:

• Protection from continued volatility in used car prices and the possibility of unexpected depreciation;
  

  
  

• Avoidance of the hassles of negotiating a trade-in value when the consumer wants a new vehicle;
  

  
  

• Reduced sales tax in most states since the tax is only paid on the lease payments rather than the full price of the vehicle.

  
  

  Consumers looking for further information on whether leasing or financing better meet their needs should visit the ACVL "Leasing vs. Buying Quiz" and the accompanying "Leasing vs. Buying" comparison. See www.ACVL.com/.