Swapalease: Q2 Dominated by SUVs, CUVs, Sports Cars
CINCINNATI — Swapalease.com released its quarterly lease trends report for the second quarter of 2017. The report shows that only three brands increased in search traffic from the first quarter. Infiniti, Ram and Chrysler saw a rise in search traffic by 10%, 5% and 3%, respectively.
Among domestic brands, GMC saw the largest decrease in the quarter for search traffic (-12%). A year ago, GMC’s brand searches were up by 14%, showing that consumers may be turning their attention elsewhere for leases. For European brands, Volkswagen saw the biggest dip in search traffic, decreasing by 11% compared with the first quarter. Not a single brand in the European category increased in search traffic this quarter. Within the Asian category, Acura performed the worst, decreasing in traffic by 11%.
Infiniti claimed its position as the largest share of overall traffic (10%). A year ago, it was Ram that boasted the most search traffic out of all categories.
The average monthly payment on a lease was registered at $474.39, a slight change from the first quarter, when the average payment was $436.35. BMW is currently the most expensive brand to lease with an average monthly payment of $862. Conversely, Volkswagen is the most inexpensive brand to lease with an average monthly payment of $318.
The report also shows that higher-priced leases (monthly payments above $500) saw increases in the second quarter compared with the first, possibly indicating continued strength in the economy.
“Our second quarter lease trends report shows that leasing remains strong in the automotive marketplace today, with increases in value of payment and number of leases in the driveways,” said Scot Hall, the company’s executive vice president. “We’re also seeing growth in SUVs, crossovers, and sports cars interest, which mirrors much of what is taking place in the broader automotive market today.”
To read the full text of the report, click here.
More Industry

Ownership Priorities are Shifting
A new survey shows that in the U.S. vehicle quality for generation Z is largely defined by advanced safety features, intuitive technology and premium sound systems.
Read More →
Pump Price Jump Calculated
ISeeCars.com examined fuel costs for different power trains, finding which ones have experienced the biggest hits since the war in Iran commenced.
Read More →
Black Book: Weekly Market Update
Wholesale values fell last week despite the spring season still being in the traditional full-gear mode, analysts said.
Read More →
Arkansas Auto Group Acquires First Indiana Rooftop
Performance Brokerage Services represented both the buyer and seller in the sale of Carver Toyota of Columbus by Carlock Automotive Group.
Read More →
Stellantis to Dive Into U.S. Lending
The multinational maker of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram and multiple other brands received conditional approvals for a Utah-based industrial bank.
Read More →
New-Vehicle Prices Rise
With April sales down, higher prices on in-demand large vehicles helped inflate the overall ATP, though increases were under long-term averages, Cox Automotive reported.
Read More →
Black Book: Weekly Market Update
Last week in the wholesale automotive market proved to be a mixed bag, analysts reported.
Read More →
Black Book: Weekly Market Update
Conversion rates were flat last week at 63%, Black Book analysts calculated, as low-mileage and almost-near units outpaced the overall market.
Read More →
EU Auto Association Urges Action
Trade relations between the European Union and the U.S. are at risk, causing the European Automobile Manufacturers Association to push lawmakers to make a decision.
Read More →
Driving into the Super CFC Era
Understanding the risks and benefits of retail accounting and Super CFCs can help you better present options to your dealer partners.
Read More →