Automakers are pushing their leasing numbers up by taking advantage of the current industry climate, the American International Automobile Dealers Association reported.

According to CNW Marketing Research, Inc., rising interest rates are making 0-percent deals and car financing costlier, causing dealers to work overtime to improve their leasing numbers. This year marks the first time in at least four years that carmakers have spent more money on leasing incentives in their first quarter than on traditional financing deals.

Manufacturers placing more focus on their leasing deals include Ford, Toyota, GM, and DaimlerChrysler. Ford said that approximately 12 percent of its current customer base is leasing a vehicle, up from 10 percent last year. Toyota now offers lease specials for 10 of its vehicles, including the Sequoia, Rav4 and Matrix, which is up from three vehicles last summer and fall.

“According to Edmunds.com, manufacturers’ average subsidy on leasers was $4,343 for 2005 models in April, up from $3,300 for 2004 models last April. During the same time period, manufacturers’ average subsidy on cash incentives and financing deals both fell,” reported the Wall Street Journal.

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