Business World

DETROIT — Chrysler Group LLC is getting back into the leasing business in an effort to boost sales, but don’t expect a return to the inexpensive lease deals of the past.

The automaker announced in a statement Wednesday that it will resume leasing for all 2010 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep models starting today, and it will offer some special deals on selected vehicles through Sept. 30.

Chrysler brand CEO Peter Fong said in the statement that leases will give more options to consumers and will be competitive with the U.S. auto market low interest rate personal loans. The leases will be underwritten by Chrysler’s new preferred lender, GMAC Financial Services.

But the market isn’t as competitive as it once was. As recently as last summer, automakers were using cheap lease deals to clear dealer lots of unwanted cars and trucks.

But now most automakers have cut factory production to match lower sales, and most have record low inventories.

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