AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- Chrysler announced it will begin offering leasing as an option on all 2010 model-year Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles, according to Automotive News.

This offering is thanks to GMAC Financial Services, which has agreed to expand the availability of leasing to Chrysler units.

In addition to its return to leasing, the automaker also announced it offering some special incentives to attract customers into its dealer showrooms.

"We are pleased to re-enter the leasing market so we can offer customers the opportunity to lease vehicles at rates competitive with the marketplace," explained Peter Fong, president and chief executive officer of Chrysler brand and lead executive for the Chrysler Group sales organization.

"Our ability to offer additional financing options will benefit consumers who have long been fans of leasing and appreciate the flexibility this financing option gives them," he added.

Meanwhile, over at GMAC, Bill Muir, president, pointed out, "GMAC is introducing new competitive standard lease rates across the Chrysler product portfolio as we aggressively expand the availability of consumer credit for qualified buyers.

"As the preferred financial services provider for Chrysler, we are also pleased to support a lease promotion by Chrysler for its dealers and their qualified customers on select models," he continued.

The automaker said some special lease rates are available through Sept. 30 on specific 2010 models:

--Chrysler Town & Country

--Dodge Grand Caravan, Ram 1500 and Journey

--Jeep Wrangler and Liberty

GMAC indicated that its SmartLease product is generally for customers who prefer to rotate vehicles more often and do not like dealing with trading-in or resale. In fact, GMAC states that this option is for customers "not purely driven by a lower payment."