MIAMI -

As dealers continue to respond to a used-vehicle supply shortage, LeaseTrader.com announced Tuesday the launch of a program designed to help.

The company’s new Lease Rescue program allows dealers to buy out the remaining contracts of near-end leases from drivers interested in escaping before their lease expires.

"With concerns still looming over vehicles that are in high demand or low inventory, dealers will be looking for innovative ways to find additional supply that will satisfy inquiries from an increasing number of car shoppers,” said Jesse Toprak, vice president of industry trends and insight at TrueCar.com.

Utilizing its database of leasing customers, LeaseTrader.com aims to jumpstart the program by inviting drivers of select models experiencing supply shortages to escape their leases. Dealers will have the option of buying out the contracts, meaning they can add these models to their lots for retail.

“The Lease Rescue program will help dealers alleviate supply shortages on popular Japanese and small-vehicle models expected to be in high demand this summer,” said Sergio Stiberman, chief executive officer and founder of LeaseTrader.com.

The company highlighted a list of Lease Rescue Program perks:

—Nearly one-third of all vehicles in the LeaseTrader.com database have 12 months or less remaining on the contract.

—Lexus, Honda, Toyota, Nissan and Infiniti — brands expected to be in short supply this summer due to the Japan disaster — comprise roughly 28 percent of this population of vehicles for LeaseTrader.com.

—Lease buyout gives drivers a chance to walk away from their contract with no harm to credit, and dealers can accumulate more inventory to satisfy used-car demand.

Dealers interested in learning more about the program can call Mike Press in LeaseTrader.com’s dealer department at (954) 556-8825.