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Car leasing in the United States has dropped significantly in recent years as automakers reduce incentives and consumers struggle with rising monthly payments. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, leasing accounted for nearly 30% of new vehicle deals in the US. However, the share fell sharply during the post-pandemic vehicle shortage and has not fully recovered. In the first half of 2026, leasing represented around 23% of new car transactions. Industry experts say one of the biggest reasons behind the decline is the end of attractive lease offers that previously encouraged customers to choose leasing over buying. Automakers have become less willing to provide low-cost lease deals as they focus on maintaining tighter vehicle inventories and reducing discounts. As a result, many customers returning after the end of their lease terms are facing significantly higher monthly payments. Dealers say some customers are surprised to find their next lease costing hundreds of dollars more than their previous agreement, causing many to reconsider leasing altogether. The decline in leasing has added pressure to vehicle affordability in the US market. Some buyers are now choosing longer financing plans, including loans lasting up to seven years, to manage higher vehicle prices. Leasing usually allows customers to drive newer vehicles with lower monthly payments compared with traditional financing. The average lease payment remains lower than loan payments, but industry analysts say the gap has narrowed significantly. Experts believe automakers changed their approach after the 2021–2023 vehicle shortage caused by semiconductor supply disruptions. Limited inventories helped companies reduce incentives and maintain stronger pricing power. The decline in leasing is also affecting the used-car market. Vehicles returned after three-year leases have traditionally provided dealerships with a steady supply of affordable pre-owned cars. With fewer leased vehicles coming back to the market, used-car supplies have tightened and prices have increased. Data from industry analysts shows that average prices for three-year-old used vehicles have risen substantially compared with pre-pandemic levels. Dealers warn that fewer lease customers could also weaken long-term customer loyalty, as leasing often brings buyers back to showrooms every few years for new vehicles

The United Nations General Assembly has voted by a large majority to grant UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk a second four-year term, despite strong opposition from the United States, Russia and Israel. The decision came after member states rejected calls to delay the vote and instead backed Secretary General Antonio Guterres’ recommendation to keep Turk in office when his current term expires in October. The 193-member General Assembly approved the extension with 144 countries voting in favor, while 10 countries voted against the proposal and 13 abstained. Before the final vote, member states also rejected a Russian proposal that would have extended Turk’s mandate only until the end of 2026 instead of giving him another full term. Turk has become one of the UN’s most outspoken voices on global human rights issues during his first term. He has repeatedly criticized Russia’s military actions in Ukraine and raised concerns over Israel’s conduct during the conflict in Gaza. He has also called for investigations into deaths that occurred in US immigration detention facilities. His willingness to publicly challenge major world powers has drawn criticism from several governments, including Washington, Moscow and Tel Aviv. The vote reflected growing tensions between the United States and the United Nations under President Donald Trump’s administration. In recent years, Washington has reduced financial support for several UN agencies and withdrawn from multiple international bodies. The administration has argued that reforms are needed before the United States continues its current level of participation and funding. Before the vote, the United States urged the General Assembly to postpone the decision for further consultations. US Representative for UN Management and Reform Jeff Bartos warned member states that approving the appointment without additional debate would damage the organization’s credibility. He said the United States would review its future engagement, participation and financial contributions if the assembly ignored its concerns. The US State Department also criticized the process before the vote, describing it as rushed and lacking sufficient discussion among member countries. Officials argued that member states should have been given more time to examine the proposal before making a final decision. Despite those objections, a broad coalition of countries supported Turk’s reappointment. The European Union strongly backed the extension, along with many African and Latin American nations. China also voted in favor of the proposal, helping secure the overwhelming majority needed for approval. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres nominated Turk for a second term after working closely with him for several years. Guterres, who is due to leave office in December, praised Turk’s experience and commitment to defending human rights around the world. Turk, an Austrian lawyer, has spent decades working within the United Nations in senior positions based in Geneva as well as field assignments, including Kosovo. With the latest vote, he will become the first UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to serve two full four-year terms since the position was established in 1993. Human Rights Watch welcomed the decision, arguing that strong and independent leadership is needed at a time when democratic freedoms are facing increasing pressure in many parts of the world. The organization’s UN director, Louis Charbonneau, said the global human rights situation requires a commissioner willing to challenge powerful governments regardless of their influence. Russia and Israel strongly criticized the outcome after the vote. Russia’s deputy ambassador to the United Nations accused Turk of showing political bias and making unfair allegations against Moscow. Israeli officials also condemned the decision, describing it as a mistake and arguing that the appointment should have been left to the next UN secretary general rather than being decided during Guterres’ final months in office. The result highlights the continuing divisions within the United Nations over human rights issues and the organization’s relationship with some of its most influential member states. While a large majority of countries supported Turk’s leadership, the objections raised by the United States, Russia and Israel suggest that debates over the UN’s role and future direction are likely to continue throughout his second term.