LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Freightliner Trucks unveiled new financing and leasing packages to entice buyers at the Mid-America Trucking Show last month.

Foremost was a new financing program for O/Os, dubbed the “Coronado Quest,” and designed exclusively for established owner/operators who purchase the 2006 Coronado equipped with premium interiors, 70″ Mid-Roof XT or 70″ Raised Roof SleeperCabs, all aluminum wheels, 13-speed transmissions and engines rated at 500-horsepower and up.

Under the Coronado Quest program, qualified buyers have a choice of either a retail loan with a balloon payment at the end of the term or a TRAC lease.

The retail loan with balloon finance option allows owner/operators to retain the tax benefits of accelerated depreciation. A 60-month, full-pay retail loan option is also available.

In addition to the financing options, the Coronado Quest program offers owner/operators reduced down payments, low interest rates and low monthly payment options. Other benefits, such as extended Sirius Satellite Radio subscriptions, are available for vehicles financed through DaimlerChrysler Services Truck Finance and have compatible, factory-installed radios.

Also announced by Freightliner execs at Mid-America was a new lease program for 2006 medium duty Business Class M2 106 trucks with gross vehicle weights of 25,500 or 33,000 pounds.

Vehicles equipped with Mercedes-Benz MBE900 engines, Freightliner proprietary axles and transmissions from Mercedes-Benz or Allison qualify under the program guidelines.

Eligible body types are flatbeds, stake-beds, dry vans and refrigerated trailers.

The new financing package, called the “2005 BizLease Program,” offers new Business Class M2 customers the ability to operate first-class vehicles with flexible payment options and low capital investments, said company officials.

Through the 2005 BizLease program, qualified buyers can lease up to five units with minimum advance cash requirements on 48- or 60-month terms. Because the BizLease financing plan is a walk-away, or fair market value (FMV) lease program, customers have the option to purchase the vehicle at the current fair market value or return the truck to the selling dealer at lease maturity.

Truck lessees are also required to acknowledge specific return conditions and a limit of 30,000 miles per year.

However, customers may purchase up to 20,000 additional miles, allowing for a 50,000-mile per year maximum.