BANDON, Ore. -

With leasing continuing to gain momentum, CNW Research compared the contract residual value projection with the likely actual value at the end of term.

In the August Retail Automotive Summary, firm analysts found that last month’s industry average settled at 85.88 percent — a figure representing the difference between the actual contract and the eventual actual sale price. That average has been on a steady rise since the beginning of the year when CNW pegged it at 84.65 percent back in January.

Of the six automakers included in the latest report, three brands had their level come in above the average mark, and three other badges settle below it.

The trio that jumped above the average included:

— Ford: 86.79 percent
— Chrysler: 86.70 percent
— Honda: 86.01 percent

The three brands that fell below the average were:

— Toyota: 85.76 percent
— Nissan: 85.13 percent
— General Motors: 81.52 percent

While the other five OEMs have either held steady or ticked up slightly since the beginning of the year, GM’s reading has declined during six of the past seven months. GM started the year at 83.59 percent, according to CNW.