In a significant shift for the powersports industry, CFMoto has announced a new leasing program for its range of ATVs and UTVs. According to reporting from atv.com, this move aims to transition the off-road market toward a model more common in the automotive sector, prioritizing accessibility and recurring customer relationships over traditional financing or cash purchases.
The Shift to Leasing in Powersports
Historically, the powersports market has relied on two primary paths for ownership: paying the full price upfront or securing a traditional loan. While commercial leasing has existed in niche areas of the industry, consumer-facing leases for off-road vehicles have been largely absent. CFMoto is looking to change that by leveraging the benefits of leasing to help prospective riders get behind the wheel of a new machine with lower initial costs.
Jake Mirabal, vice president of sales at CFMoto, noted that the program is designed to provide riders with greater access to the vehicles they desire while simultaneously strengthening the manufacturer's dealership network.
Strategic Partnership with Horsepower Financial Services
To facilitate this program, CFMoto has partnered with Horsepower Financial Services. By integrating this financial infrastructure directly into the dealer network, the company intends to streamline the transaction process. Leanne Richards, vice president of client development, characterized the move as a turning point for the industry, suggesting that many potential buyers have previously walked away from dealerships due to a lack of flexible financial solutions.
By implementing a lease structure, CFMoto also creates a natural cycle of return for customers. As lease terms expire, riders are incentivized to return to the dealership, which provides dealers with a consistent opportunity to convert those individuals into repeat buyers or long-term brand loyalists.
Market Availability
While the program is intended to be a broad initiative, CFMoto has confirmed that leasing will be available in most states. This rollout represents a potential evolution in how powersports consumers engage with brands, moving away from long-term ownership toward a more flexible, usage-based model. Whether this pilot program will influence other manufacturers to adopt similar financial tools remains to be seen, but it marks a clear departure from the status quo in the off-road market.
