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

Vehicle Technologies Program

Fact #299: December 22, 2003
Light Vehicle Leasing Is on the Rise Again

Leasing of light vehicles in the United States grew to 31.5% in 1998. After declining in 1999 and 2000, the lease penetration rate again grew to 31.5% in 2002.

Light Vehicle Market Lease Penetration, 1985–2002
Graph showing the lease penetration rate of light vehicles in the U.S. from 1985 to 2002.

Supporting Information

Year Light Vehicle Market Lease
Penetration Rate (%)
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

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