In the automobile industry Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi each epitomizes German innovation, superior quality and a premium driving experience. These brands consistently weigh in with three bestselling model series in the United States. However, surprising discoveries about leasing have recently been made by Swapalease.com, the market’s only full-service marketplace for in-process vehicle leases.

The Mercedes-Benz C-class series remains a leader among the brands, showing record gains in the past two years, while adapting to today’s consumers with sleeker body styling and more efficient engines. In the most recent 500,000 web searches, Swapalease.com found that 39% of these were Mercedes models.

Motor Trend calls the BMW 3-series “the ultimate best-selling driving machine,” and with good reason: the 3-series accounted for nearly 40% of total BMW sales in 2005, and shows no sign of slowing in 2012. Swapalease.com reports that BMW holds a daunting 47% of recent user searches.

Worldwide, the Audi A4 more than doubles the sales of its competitor models, while being named a 2011 Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. These strong showings don’t translate well to lease numbers, however. Due to various lease-transfer restrictions, the Audi brand was only able to muster a mere 8% of available leases on Swapalease.com

Interestingly, the demand for and availability of third-party assumption of leases for Mercedes-Benz and BMW vehicles are closely matched. Audi, on the other hand, seems to have sufficient demand, but the supply is weakened by lease limitations. Scot Hall, EVP of Swapalease.com may attribute it to liability issues, “Audi is the only German luxury brand that requires third-party liability on lease transfers,” which basically means “anyone who transfer a lease to another party is still potentially responsible for the monthly payments.”

One thing is clear; if Audi wishes to keep pace with its current record-setting sales numbers and pull ahead of its competitors, changing its lease transfer policies may be a good place to start.

Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, Swapalease.com is the world’s largest automotive lease marketplace and the pioneer in facilitating lease transfers online. First conceptualized in 1997, Swapalease has evolved into a leading automotive consumer online destination servicing all aspects of the automotive leasing lifecycle including education, research, pricing, acquisition and lease transfer. For more information, please call 866-SWAPNOW (866-792-7669) or visit www.swapalease.com.

Summer has come to its inevitable end, and for many families, there’s an additional dilemma on top of school supplies, meet-the-teacher, choosing classes and making the football team: transportation.  From New York City to Los Angeles and in many towns and cities in between, massive school system budget cuts mean longer bus rides for students – and in cases like the San Francisco public schools, no bus at all for high school kids.

Add the lack of busing to ramped-up fall schedules, and the question becomes: who’s going to drive the kids to their schools, sports and activities? If one of those kids is a high school student with a driver’s license, the answer may be easier than parents think: a short-term lease vehicle moves the hassle of chauffeuring off their plate and onto his while keeping budget and safety in mind.

A short-term lease is easy to obtain and the answer to many parents’ prayers. A new (to the family) car will ease the demands on already-busy parents. For example, SwapALease’s online lease trading service (www.swapalease.com) is only full-service online marketplace of in-process vehicle leases, matching individuals who are want to get out of their lease, with people who are looking for short-term leases with low payments and no money down.  Taking over someone else’s lease will tide families over until it’s time to figure out college transportation without obligating their cash long-term – an easy way to find a low-cost, convenient, safe vehicle for young drivers.

Another option is the rapidly growing ZipCar (www.zipcar.com), which has sprung up in urban areas and university towns across the country.  Based on the core principle of “car sharing,” and with the catchy tagline of “wheels when you want them,” ZipCar rents fully-insured, safety-checked, clean cars by the hour or by the day.  Just join the website (and become a Zipster, as they call their users), find a car near you, and reserve it via phone or online. Then pick it up, and it belongs to your family for the length of your contract. Hourly and daily rates and fees vary from city to city, with a $25 application fee and an average $50 annual fee.  Gas, insurance and taxes are included at no extra cost.

School, soccer, cheerleading, youth group, hanging out with friends, orthodontist appointments, and even grocery shopping – parents can hand it all over to the kids with a short-term lease while finding a little spare time for themselves.

If there’s one thing automakers can count on, it’s that a subcompact car built on US soil is a surefire money pit. Until now. General Motors is setting the industry on its ear with its soon-to-debut Chevrolet Sonic, which is being built in a Detroit suburb known as Orion Township. On track to compete with the Mexican-built Ford Fiesta and other extra-small vehicles, the Sonic just might revolutionize the American car manufacturing industry.

What led to this seismic shift in focus? Primarily, increased public demand for smaller, more fuel-efficient cars and a renewed spirit of cooperation with the United Auto Workers union. The smallest, most gas-efficient conventionally powered car in the GM fleet – earning more than 40 highway miles to the gallon – the Sonic’s pricing will start at about $14,000, helping consumers save money at the pump and the bank.

And how is GM doing this? By making a wide range of changes in its traditional thinking, from revamping the plant to about half its original space and bringing outside vendors onto the manufacturing property, to employing cost-cutting, energy-efficient processes and paying union workers about half the UAW’s typical wage. Through these and other efforts the Sonic may be the first American-built subcompact to turn a healthy profit. For comparison’s sake, the Fiesta’s base MSRP is $13,320; the Hyundai Accent GL, the most inexpensive new car on the market, starts at $9,985; and the highest-priced subcompact, the all-wheel drive Nissan Juke SL, goes for $24,550.

Most of all, what does this mean for leasing? Put simply, more affordable contracts! Historically, manufacturers have pushed larger, more profitable vehicles by subsidizing their leases while de-emphasizing the smaller, less expensive models. But as gas prices and ecological awareness continue to rise, so does the public’s demand for smaller, more fuel-efficient, “greener” cars; that means small cars will increase in value and leasing terms will become more attractive.

“A renewed focus on small vehicles is great news for leasing customers,” said Swapalease.com’s Scot Hall. “High MPG vehicles coupled with low lease payments add up to significant consumer savings, and at the same time, those leases are a great way to lure new car shoppers back to the showroom more quickly than standard long-term financing.”

The past couple of weeks have seen a much-needed drop in gas prices – from the $4 a gallon range to $3.80 or less in most parts of the United States. But experts agree that prices at the pump will again rise as the summer travel season swings into gear, and even if they don’t, $3.80 is hardly a bargain. But don’t panic; there are plenty of ways to save your cash while also conserving gas usage, and Swapalease has swept the web to find the very best. Easier on the wallet AND easier on the environment – now that’s a bargain.

·         Relax behind the wheel.  Did you know aggressive driving like speeding, tailgating and then slamming on the brakes, and constant stopping and starting is not only dangerous, but also wastes gas? According to www.fueleconomy.gov, the official US government source for fuel economy information, your inner road warrior may be lowering your gas mileage by as much as 33 percent. And every 5 mph you get above 60 is costing you the equivalent of an additional 24 cents a gallon.

·         Use cruise control.  In general, driving at a consistent rate of speed uses less gas. Cruise control is the most effective way to achieve this.

·         Keep your car in tip-top shape.  A vehicle that’s running at a less-than-optimum performance level is costing you money. Even taking care of a minor problem like getting a long-overdue tune-up can save you up to 16 cents on the gallon. Fix a major problem and you can improve your fuel efficiency by a whopping 40 percent.

·         Use the proper motor oil for your vehicle. Think oil is oil and the guys at the lube shop are just trying to upsell you? Think again. Using a motor oil other than the one recommended by your car manufacturer will cost you money in the long run.

·         Combine your trips. This sounds like a no-brainer, but we all tend to make several trips a week to the grocery store, the dry cleaner, the bank and so forth. Several short trips each made from a cold start can cost double what one longer trip would. Plan ahead and do all your errands in a single trip to make the most of your mileage.

·         Carpooling is an obvious fuel-saver. But in our suburb-based society it’s often not a viable option. Consider negotiating new work hours (avoiding driving in rush hour) and the opportunity to telecommute occasionally.

·         Watch your weight. If your car is loaded down with extra stuff, it has to burn more fuel to move. Instead of leaving those heavy tools you hauled to your brother’s house in the trunk, put them away when you get home. And when you do haul things, use the trunk instead of a roof rack, which creates drag.

And finally, your phone may be your best friend when it comes to improving your fuel efficiency. iPhone and Droid both offer interesting apps to help you do everything from planning your combined trips to finding the cheapest gas in your neighborhood.  Here are a few of our favorites:

·         Carticipate - Available now on the iPhone and Facebook, Carticipate is an experiment in social transportation, the first and only rideshare application on a location aware mobile platform. Coordinate driving plans by indicating where you are going, when, and post your ride.  The app will match you up to local carticipants going your way.

·         AAA Triptik – provides all the local information you expect from the Automobile Association of America, as well as gas station location and price info.

·         Gas Buddy – available on iPhone, Android and Windows, this app pulls together a community of users to update gas prices in real time, incenting input by offering points toward prizes. And it’s free!

·         Accufuel - AccuFuel™ Fuel Efficiency Tracker is a powerful tool that makes monitoring your vehicle's fuel efficiency simple and fun. With AccuFuel, you'll instantly see how your driving habits affect your fuel efficiency.

Gas for $3.89 a gallon: a bargain worthy of turning the car around and filling up. With gas prices remaining well above $4 for the foreseeable future, keeping the car full is an expense similar to housing for many.

Sticker shock at the pump is causing auto owners to look closely at their vehicle and potential purchases. Many are considering more gas-efficient models and hybrids, which are rapidly gaining popularity. Autodata found that February sales of Toyota’s Prius rose 69.9% over February 2010 sales, with Honda’s Civic Hybrid seeing a 58.3% increase. And General Motors sells every Volt long-range electric vehicle it can produce.

As the popularity of these cars increases, so do prices. At the same time, prices at the pump aren’t budging. How can you save money?

Consider leasing. Leasing, whether it’s a fuel-efficient model, a hybrid or even an SUV, keeps your car payment manageable and frees up cash. While leasing’s popularity declined steeply during the economic downturn, it’s now on a major upswing, with nearly a quarter of car shoppers choosing to lease. The main advantage of leasing is that you are only paying for the pre-set amount of time you will be using the vehicle, which keeps monthly payments lower and gets the consumer more car for the buck.

"Another excellent option for many consumers is lease assumption.  Through sites like www.swapalease.com, people can take over a lease from individuals looking to get out of their lease.  Swapalease began seeing a surge in interest in fuel-efficient vehicles among our users as soon as gas began its climb towards $4 per gallon," says Richard Joseph, president of Swapalease.com

As people continue to feel the crunch of the economy and increased prices of gas, food and other necessities, automakers are making leasing options more attractive. New developments include shorter lease contracts (as low as 24 months); a wider variety of compact cars available for leasing; and lower interest rates.

While there are many things to consider when choosing to lease, check www.swapalease.com, the first and only full-service online marketplace of in-process vehicle leases. With the goal of matching individuals who are currently leasing vehicles they wish to get out of, with individuals who are looking for short-term leases with attractive payments and no money down, it’s the perfect way to find the perfect vehicle for you.

Gas for $3.89 a gallon: a bargain worthy of turning the car around and filling up. With gas prices remaining well above $4 for the foreseeable future, keeping the car full is an expense similar to housing for many.

Sticker shock at the pump is causing auto owners to look closely at their vehicle and potential purchases. Many are considering more gas-efficient models and hybrids, which are rapidly gaining popularity. Autodata found that February sales of Toyota’s Prius rose 69.9% over February 2010 sales, with Honda’s Civic Hybrid seeing a 58.3% increase. And General Motors sells every Volt long-range electric vehicle it can produce.

As the popularity of these cars increases, so do prices. At the same time, prices at the pump aren’t budging. How can you save money?

Consider leasing. Leasing, whether it’s a fuel-efficient model, a hybrid or even an SUV, keeps your car payment manageable and frees up cash. While leasing’s popularity declined steeply during the economic downturn, it’s now on a major upswing, with nearly a quarter of car shoppers choosing to lease. The main advantage of leasing is that you are only paying for the pre-set amount of time you will be using the vehicle, which keeps monthly payments lower and gets the consumer more car for the buck.

"Another excellent option for many consumers is lease assumption.  Through sites like www.swapalease.com, people can take over a lease from individuals looking to get out of their lease.  Swapalease began seeing a surge in interest in fuel-efficient vehicles among our users as soon as gas began its climb towards $4 per gallon," says Richard Joseph, president of Swapalease.com

As people continue to feel the crunch of the economy and increased prices of gas, food and other necessities, automakers are making leasing options more attractive. New developments include shorter lease contracts (as low as 24 months); a wider variety of compact cars available for leasing; and lower interest rates.

While there are many things to consider when choosing to lease, check www.swapalease.com, the first and only full-service online marketplace of in-process vehicle leases. With the goal of matching individuals who are currently leasing vehicles they wish to get out of, with individuals who are looking for short-term leases with attractive payments and no money down, it’s the perfect way to find the perfect vehicle for you.

In June, one of our loyal Swapalease Facebook fans won a FREE CAR PAYMENT from us...

......and we're DOING IT AGAIN!......

In celebration of our 10th Anniversary in business, we are giving away a FREE CAR LEASE OR LOAN PAYMENT (up to $500) to one of our lucky fans* on Facebook!

To become a fan of our Official Swapalease.com Facebook Fan Page, follow this link: http://www.facebook.com/Swapalease

If you are already a fan you will automatically be entered for a chance to win. Simply log in and check our page for updates, sales specials and for more announcements about our continuing 10th Anniversary celebration.

BE SURE YOU ARE A FAN OF THE OFFICIAL SWAPALEASE.COM FAN PAGE ON FACEBOOK TO BE ENTERED IN OUR DRAWING.

Follow us on Twitter @Swapalease for real-time updates on everything car-related and to stay current on what’s new at Swapalease.com. Follow this link to find us: http://twitter.com/Swapalease.

Swapalease.com is the world’s LARGEST auto lease marketplace and has been helping customers exit their lease early since 1999.

Stay tuned for more details about our continuing 10th Anniversary Celebration.

Please share this post with your friends, family and co-workers.

*Prize drawing excludes all Swapalease.com employees and household members. Other restrictions may apply.

Buyer demand for SUVs and crossovers has surged in September, according to Swapalease.com, the world’s largest auto lease marketplace. According to user data, interest in top SUV and crossover models to lease has increased across the boards from August to September on the popular lease transfer Web site.

Buyer searches for the ever-popular BMW X5 Series and the Mercedes-Benz M Class models on Swapalease.com had the most significant increase from August to September. Other popular SUV models include General Motors’ Cadillac Escalade and Chevrolet Tahoe as well as the Porsche Cayenne, and Land Rover’s Range Rover and Range Rover Sport, among others.

Top SUV and Crossover Searches in September

1.    BMW X5 Series

2.    Mercedes-Benz M Class

3.    Cadillac Escalade

4.    Chevrolet Tahoe

5.    Porsche Cayenne

6.    Mercedes-Benz GL Class

7.    Land Rover Range Rover

8.    Lexus RX 350

9.    Land Rover Range Rover Sport

10.  Acura MDX

Swapalease.com officials contend that this is yet another sign of economic recovery as consumers are looking to get into bigger, more luxurious cars again.

“Swapalease.com closely monitors trends in buyer demand for leases through our web site user data,” says Scot Hall, a leading automotive lease transfer expert and EVP of Operations for Swapalease.com. “One might assume that because of the recession and concerns about the environment people are choosing to ‘go green’ with smaller, more economical vehicles, but our data proves otherwise.”

An online car lease transfer is the most cost effective option for consumers who wish to exit a car lease early or to find someone to take over car payments they can no longer afford. Many people simply like to change vehicles often and benefit from taking over a short term lease in which they can easily accomplish this without putting money down or worrying about depreciation.

Both onsumers and industry insiders alike have been abuzz about the new GM 60-day money-back guarantee in which consumers will be able to return their cars to the dealership for a refund within 31-60 days of purchasing them.

“Swapalease.com applauds GM for taking this extra step to show consumers they believe so strongly in the quality of their product,” says Scot Hall, EVP of Operations for Swapalease.com, the world’s largest automotive lease marketplace.

Of course, today’s savvy consumers may be concerned with the fine print of the program. While the offer does not apply to leased GM vehicles, consumers need not worry. A program offered by Swapalease.com covers these leased vehicles.

“Swapalease.com is pleased to be able to help those with GM leases to take advantage of a risk-free guarantee through our lease transfer marketplace," says Hall. “Whether it’s a lease or a loan, a GM vehicle or not, we have options for you.”

The most common reasons consumers say they want to get out of leased car early include financial concerns and lifestyle changes (such as a growing family), according to Swapalease.com user data. Some people simply like to change vehicles often, and lease transfers allow them to do this cost effectively.

A lease transfer has become an even more attractive option in the recession because people are able to pick up a short term car lease and not be tied down to a long term financial commitment while the job and housing market remain shaky.

“Consumers may change their mind about their cars for various reasons at different points of time during their lease,” adds Hall. “Our web site offers the opportunity to get out of a car lease early without the penalties associated with early termination. This is our own satisfaction guarantee, and it is good on most any make or model.”

The team at Swapalease.com recently came together to help local students and teachers by hosting a bin for the Push for Pencils back-to-school drive. Each year during Push for Pencils, the local non-profit organization Crayons to Computers (aka C2C) collects basic school supplies that go onto the shelves of their free store to supply local classrooms in need. The employees at Swapalease.com gave generously and filled not one but three bins solidly.

A recent article in the Cincinnati Enquirer discussed the tremendous burden placed on teachers having to buy school supplies for their students, and how Crayons to Computers is helping to alleviate this burden. 

Swapalease.com strongly encourages its employees to get involved and give back to their local communities. The company sponsors employee and non-employee participation in various marathons that support local charities and regularly makes financial contributions to various local and national community organizations such as the American Heart Association, Make a Wish Foundation, United Way, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, and Reds Community Fund.