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

Vehicle Technologies Office

Fact #654: December 20, 2010
New Light Vehicle Leasing is Big in 2010

New vehicle leasing has had ups and downs over the last five years, but from January to September 2010 the share of leases as a proportion of total new light vehicles sales is over 20%. Last year, as credit grew tight, leasing fell to 16.6%. However, in 2010, all major manufacturers have increased leasing.

Share of LeasingBar graph showing leasing as a share of total new light vehicle sales from 2005 to September 2010. Leasing has grown in 2010 to 21.1% of the total new light vehicle sales. For more detailed information, see supporting information below.

Supporting Information

Leases as a Share of Total U.S. New Vehicle Sales, 2005-2010
Year Lease Share
2005 17.5%
2006 19.3%
2007 19.5%
2008 19.4%
2009 16.6%
2010* 21.1%

* January - September 2010
Source: Crain Communications, Automotive News, October 18, 2010.

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