U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Vehicle Technologies Program

Fact #269: May 26, 2003
Leasing Rate Is Up in 2002

The number of new lease transactions, as a percentage of new vehicle retail transactions, was 31.5% in 2002, according to CNW Marketing/Research. The 2002, lease penetration rate tied with those in 1997 as the all-time high in leasing.

U.S. Market Lease Penetration Rate, 1985–2002
U.S. Market Lease Penetration Rate

Supporting Information

U.S. Market Lease Penetration Rate, 1985–2002
Year Percentage
1985   3.5%
1990   7.3%
1995 24.2%
1996 27.2%
1997 29.3%
1998 31.5%
1999 29.1%
2000 28.7%
2001 29.2%
2002 31.5%

Source: CNW Marketing/Research, as shown in Ward's Automotive Yearbook 2001, p. 293

Return to 2003 Facts of the Week