smart USA Distributor LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Penske Automotive Group Inc., launched its first national lease incentive through Daimler Financial Services (DCFS USA LLC).

"Our new lease program allows customers added flexibility with financing options and allows smart customers to enjoy leasing benefits such as low monthly payments, driving a new vehicle every two-to-three years and hassle-free vehicle turn-ins," said Jill Lajdziak, president of smart USA. "We have continued confidence in the brand based on the volume of vehicles sold since the smart fortwo went on sale and two years of residual value data to offer a lease option."

Under the terms of the new leasing program, well-qualified customers may lease a smart fortwo pure coupe for $169* a month on a 36-month, 10,000 miles-per-year lease. Qualified customers must provide $999 down, $595 acquisition fee and first month's payment at the time of lease. The lease program is available on all new smart fortwos through February 28.

"We are committed to offering a complete menu of financing options to maximize the sales potential of smart USA," said Franz Reiner, president and CEO of Daimler Financial Services. "As smart's captive finance company, we have vigorously supported smart USA with retail financing packages and provided customers with a high level of customer service."

Since its introduction nearly 40,000 smart fortwos have been sold. There are 77 smart centers located in 36 states.

*Other rates/terms/tiers are available under this offer. Lease rate requires no capitalized cost reduction and no security deposit at inception and is calculated using a base MSRP of $11,990. Base monthly payment does not include tax, license, title, registration, documentation fees, additional options or insurance. Not all lessees may qualify.