Swapalease.com Data Show Eco-Friendly Car Demand Outpacing Luxury in December
CINCINNATI, OHIO – Tis the season for “December To Remember” and the Big Red Bow holiday advertising. However, based on recent December car-shopping patterns, should we be placing big, green eco-friendly bows on the top of those vehicles?
According to vehicle search patterns and lease transfer data from national car-leasing firm, Swapalease.com, the previous two Decembers have shown an uptick in eco-friendly vehicle preference compared with luxury model demand. In 2011, Swapalease.com processed an additional 5.5% luxury vehicle transfers in December compared with November. In a similar analysis for non-luxury and eco-friendly vehicle transfers, that percentage jumped 26.4% between the two months.
“The data is significant because leasing generally skews higher for luxury models, and December has traditionally been a good month for luxury vehicle shopping activity,” said Scot Hall, Executive Vice President of Swapalease.com. “Looking at the larger picture, we aren’t terribly surprised because of all the emphasis that’s been placed on smaller cars with better fuel economy and additional features.”
Vehicles such as the Ford Focus and Escape, as well as the Chevrolet Cruze and Toyota Prius are among today’s non-luxury vehicles that boast strong fuel economy. What’s more, these cars are equipped with technology and features that rival luxury models and fuel economy has improved noticeably for both smaller and mid-size sedans.
Luxury vehicle brands such as Lexus, BMW and Mercedes-Benz each boost the volume of their marketing during December to take advantage of the holiday shopping season. All three brands enjoy among the top transfer volume on Swapalease.com throughout the year, which makes the focus on this particular trend even more noteworthy.
About Swapalease.com
Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, Swapalease.com is the world’s largest automotive lease marketplace and the pioneer in facilitating lease transfers online. More specifically Swapalease.com matches individuals who want to get out of their lease with people who are looking for short-term lease agreements. Prospective buyers can search the listings for the exact vehicle they want, and then register for a nominal fee, allowing them to use Swapalease.com’s safe online system to contact the prospective seller and close the deal. For more information about Swapalease.com or how to exit your lease early, call 866-SWAPNOW or visit www.swapalease.com.