June 10, 2026

2.4 Million Lease Returns Are Coming. Now What?

Not every lease return is a problem. In fact, some dealers are hoping those vehicles come back. Low-mileage, well-maintained lease returns can be some of the most attractive used vehicles on the lot. The challenge is what happens when millions of...

YouTube podcast player iconApple Podcasts podcast player iconSpotify podcast player icon
YouTube podcast player iconApple Podcasts podcast player iconSpotify podcast player icon

Not every lease return is a problem. In fact, some dealers are hoping those vehicles come back.

Low-mileage, well-maintained lease returns can be some of the most attractive used vehicles on the lot. The challenge is what happens when millions of them hit the market at the same time.

In the latest episode of Leadership in the Dealership, Danielle Mills Walden and Phillip Greer break down what dealers should be thinking about as lease returns continue to rise, how EV leases factor into the equation, and why structure matters just as much as credit when it comes to getting deals done.

"The problem wasn't the buyer. The problem was the structure."

The dealers preparing for this shift now will have more options when those vehicles start showing up.