LEASE BUYOUTS ON THE RISE FOR JAPANESE MODEL VEHICLES

Car Shoppers Continue to Seek Alternative Channels for Fatigued Inventory

MIAMI – (June 16, 2011) – LeaseTrader.com, the most recognized name in car leasing, reports a rise in lease buyout intent among certain vehicle models short in supply at dealerships. Since January, lease buyout intent from shoppers has risen as high as 13.6 percent among Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Infiniti and Lexus as consumers look at alternative channels for in-demand vehicles.

“Car shoppers who take over someone’s remaining lease on the LeaseTrader.com marketplace have the same lease options available even after transfer, including the ability to buy out the lease contract at the end of terms,” said Sergio Stiberman, CEO and founder of LeaseTrader.com.

Production issues stemming from the March earthquake in Japan placed a heavy strain on the supply of smaller Japanese vehicles, while at the same time spring gas price increases forced up demand. LeaseTrader.com has seen a noticeable rise in consumers taking over specific Japanese model vehicles with intent to buyout the lease as a way to shop for a car. Most leases have between 12 to 18 months remaining, and some customers plan on reselling the vehicles in the coming months because of higher used-car values.

“A consumer currently leasing a 1- to 3-year-old subcompact, compact or hybrid car is probably in the best position to beat their current lease and come out ahead,” said Alec Gutierrez, manager of vehicle valuation with Kelley Blue Book. “However, with gas prices on the decline, values for these vehicles have started to slip, so now may be the time to act.”

Biggest Increase of Japanese Model Leases for Buyout

Brand/Car	Avg. Months Remain	Avg. Monthly Price	% Buyout Increase	KBB Avg. Trade-in Value Range (MY08-10)
Toyota Prius	13.8	$324.62	+13.6%	$17,750-$23,750 (+30% YTD)
Toyota Camry	15.7	$276.89	+13.2%	$13,500-$15,500 (+15% YTD)
Honda Accord	12.4	$283.45	+12.1%	$14,000-$17,250 (+7.5% YTD)
Nissan Sentra	14.6	$216.40	+11.2%	$11,200-$12,750 (+20% YTD)
Lexus IS	12.5	$417.39	+9.6%	$24,900-$32,900 (+7% YTD)

Data Source: LeaseTrader.com & Kelley Blue Book

About LeaseTrader.com

LeaseTrader.com, the most recognized name in car leasing, easily and affordably matches car shoppers with individuals looking to escape their auto lease. Visit www.LeaseTrader.com, on Twitter @Lease_Trader, or call 800-770-0207.

About Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com)

Founded in 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource®, is the only vehicle valuation and information source trusted and relied upon by both consumers and the industry.  Each week the company provides the most market-reflective values in the industry on its top-rated website www.kbb.com, including its famous Blue Book® Trade-In and Retail Values, and Fair Purchase Price, which reports what others are paying for new cars this week.  The company also provides vehicle pricing and values through various products and services available to car dealers, auto manufacturers, finance and insurance companies, as well as governmental agencies.  Kbb.com is a leading provider of new car prices, used car values, car reviews, new cars for sale, used cars for sale and car dealer locations. Kelley Blue Book Co., Inc., is a wholly owned subsidiary of AutoTrader.com.