N.Y. CAR LEASING TAKES TO AIRWAVES:

An auto industry group, The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, has launched a radio advertising campaign directed at the Democratic-controlled New York Assembly trying to prod the lawmakers into revoking the state’s vicarious liability law that has curtailed auto leasing. The auto industry says the law, which makes the owner of a vehicle liable for accidents caused by the driver, is causing leasing companies to exit New York. One year ago General Motor pulled out of the state’s auto leasing market. The commercials are airing on Albany talk radio stations WGY and on WROW. “The Assembly’s inaction on reform is all that stands in the way of New York consumers who only want what the people in 49 other states have: the option of affordably leasing cars, trucks and SUVs,” said Kris Kiser, Alliance vice president of state affairs. “The leasing option in New York has all but vanished for hundreds of thousands of households and small businesses that annually seek to lease cars.” The bill (A.1042) to reform the law has been sponsored by Assemblyman Ronald Canestrari.