Who owns the car during the lease?
Although the car is registered to the customer, visible in the registration document, the ownership of the car stays with the leasing company during the entire duration of the lease.
The leasing bank or leasing company merely grants the lessee (the person leasing the car) the right to use the vehicle under specific conditions without actual ownership. These conditions typically include mileage limits, maintenance standards, and restrictions on modifications.
Monthly lease payments are calculated based on the vehicle's expected depreciation, the applied interest rate or finance charge, and any additional fees, making leasing an attractive option for those looking to drive a newer car every few years without the high costs associated with purchasing.
Towards the end of the lease, the lessee may be presented with several options: returning the vehicle to the lessor, extending the lease, or making an offer to the leasing company to purchase the vehicle.