March 14, 2011 – Signal Hill, Calif.- Mercedes-Benz of Long Beach confirms, Mercedes-Benz is one of two top luxury brands that drivers are leasing from, each garnering more than 50 percent lease penetration rates in 2010.

Automotive leasing in the United States has grown in 2010 and represented nearly 19 percent of overall vehicle transactions. Mercedes-Benz vehicles have been one of the top models to be continually leased by drivers.

"Consumers have increased confidence in the market and in turn are beginning to lease vehicles again,” said Bob Milner, General Manager of Mercedes-Benz of Long Beach. “We’re proud that as a brand, Mercedes-Benz continues to stand out among drivers as a brand they trust and covet.”

In the Mideast states, lease penetration recorded the second highest year-over-year growth, and reached its highest level in more than six years at 31 percent. New England and the Western region of the country also achieved their highest levels in the past six years.

Polk, a provider of automotive information and global data, provided statistical information about the growth in automobile leases. For more information about the top leased brands, visit polk.com.

For more information about Mercedes-Benz vehicles, contact Mercedes-Benz of Long Beach at 562-988-8300 or visit mbzlongbeach.com. Don’t forget to become of fan of Mercedes-Benz of Long Beach on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Signal-Hill-CA/Mercedes-Benz-of-Long-Beach/118434897517), and become a follower of Mercedes-Benz of Long Beach on Twitter (http://twitter.com/MBZLongBeach).