Apparently Mercedes-Benz Financial has been talking about enhancing their lease turn-in process, with the head of Mercedes-Benz Financial talking about completely reworking the way that the lease system operates. Currently lease penetration is 50% of retail sales, and is also stating that three of four retail transactions in the United States occur at Mercedes-Benz dealers. This is a huge benefit to dealers, especially those with ties to nationwide auto shippers.

Mercedes-Benz Financial recently upgraded their First Class Finish lease program’s turn-in process, giving dealers new software for PDA’s as well as computers. Dealers can now can the VIN number on returned units, which helps eliminate the paperwork required for any inspections that might occur. This also saves valuable minutes and is virtually paperless, and can also be done at any Mercedes-Benz dealer, not just the one you leased the vehicle from (as was the case prior). This is a great idea – it’s a wonder that more dealers don’t do this. Currently dealers in major cities such as New York City and on west have implemented the program, with more coming by 2011.