The Association of Consumer Vehicle Lessors (ACVL) has launched ACVL.com, a consumer Website which compares vehicle leasing to buying.

"Although most consumers understand vehicle loans, many consumers would benefit from a greater understanding of vehicle leasing," said Jim Burzotta, ACVL president. "The purpose of the Website is to provide consumers with comprehensive information on vehicle leasing, including comparisons to buying and financing a car."

According to Burzotta, the ACVL, an association of the nation's largest vehicle lessors, has been active in many areas of consumer lease education. "This site represents a summary of the immense knowledge gained in the seven years of the association's existence," he said.

Bernard de Souza, head of the Customer Satisfaction committee of the ACVL, said the site is aimed at those completely new to leasing as well as experienced leasing customers. "The leasing versus buying comparison is a good example," de Souza said. "The site presents a basic summary of the similarities and differences between leasing and financing, detailing, for instance, the differences in gap coverage and total costs."

The site also provides a "Frequently Asked Questions" section that is broken into questions arising in the beginning, middle, and end of the lease term. "Customers will revisit the site at all stages in the lifecycle of their lease to get information they need when they need it," de Souza predicted. Consumers starting their search for a new vehicle will find the "Sample Terms Found in Lease Advertising" section useful.

Those who are unfamiliar with leasing can be confused by the various ways vehicle leases are advertised; this section offers explanations of many of the terms found in lease ads. One of the most powerful tools on the site is the online glossary. Whenever a highlighted word is clicked, a pop-up screen offers a definition of the term without having to leave the page being read. More than 120 terms are defined in the glossary.

"This Website is a tremendous resource for a consumer who feels uncomfortable with leasing to become acquainted with the terms and issues associated with this very powerful form of financing," Burzotta summed up. "Armed with this knowledge, a consumer can understand the benefits of leasing and make an informed decision in choosing the form of financing that best suits his or her needs."

For more information, visit the ACVL's Website at www.acvl.com.