Edwards Federal Credit Union, serving California’s Antelope Valley since 1962, partners with CULA to bring the affordability of vehicle leasing to its more than 16,000 members

SAN DIEGO, Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Credit Union Leasing of America (CULA), the nation’s leading provider of indirect vehicle leasing solutions, today announced that it has partnered with Edwards Federal Credit Union, bringing a vehicle leasing option to the more than 16,000 members of the Antelope Valley, California-based institution, which manages over $278 million in assets. The move extends CULA’s presence in one of the country’s largest vehicle leasing markets by volume, where credit unions are increasingly turning to leasing to help members manage the rising cost of vehicles. With Edwards Federal Credit Union on board, CULA’s network spans more than 40 credit unions nationwide, representing over $153 billion in assets and serving over 7.6 million credit union members.

“When a new vehicle costs what it does today, a lower monthly payment isn’t a small thing, it’s often what makes the difference for a member. Leasing can bring that monthly payment down, and last year our program saved credit union members an average of $169 a month versus financing a comparable vehicle. For a community-rooted credit union like Edwards, adding leasing is an important way to help members stretch their budgets,” said Ken Sopp, President of CULA.

A New Affordability Option for Edwards Federal Credit Union Members

Edwards Federal Credit Union traces its roots to 1962, when it began serving the workers and families of Edwards Air Force Base, and today its membership is open to anyone across the Antelope Valley. Bringing leasing into the mix gives members a more affordable route to their next vehicle and gives the credit union a new lending product to offer.

“Adding vehicle leasing is a natural extension of our commitment to providing members with flexible financing solutions,” said Tyler Richards, VP of Lending for Edwards Federal Credit Union. “CULA’s platform makes the leasing process simple and efficient, allowing us to focus on what matters most: helping our members get behind the wheel with affordable payments and options that fit their financial goals. Since 1962, we’ve been dedicated to serving this community, and this is another way we’re continuing that mission.”

The program will be offered through the CUDL dealer network, with support from CULA’s partners at Origence.

A Lower-Cost Path to a New Car

The savings add up. Across its credit union partners, CULA’s program is estimated to have put roughly $94.6 million back in members’ pockets over the course of 2025.

Dealers gain from the arrangement too. A leasing option gives them one more way to reach shoppers, turning would-be browsers into buyers who find a monthly payment they can live with.

“Close to a quarter of new vehicles purchased in the US are leased, 23.75%[1], and that share keeps rising as affordability stays top of mind for buyers. We see it in the steady stream of credit unions, Edwards Federal Credit Union among the latest, choosing to offer leasing to their members,” Sopp continued.

“This is reflected in lease volume growth across our network of credit unions, which has climbed to 21% year-to-date, and this tells us the value is landing with credit unions and the members they serve,” Sopp added.

CULA has led indirect vehicle leasing for credit unions since 1988, making vehicle leasing simple, compliant, and profitable for its partners. With a deep understanding of the credit union financial model, CULA has built long-term partnerships with top-tier credit unions nationwide. CULA handles operational complexity, including insurance, operations, compliance, and dealer management, and enables credit unions to add an important, competitive option for their car-buying members, all while strengthening their dealer relationships.

About Credit Union Leasing of America

Credit Union Leasing of America (CULA) has been the leader in indirect vehicle leasing for credit unions for over 35 years. Founded in 1988, CULA provides best-in-class program assistance, analytics reporting, compliance support, dealer management tools and member services. The CULA indirect vehicle leasing program empowers credit union innovators to diversify their existing loan portfolios, improve yield and expand member services. Visit www.cula.com to learn more.

[1] Experian Automotive State of the Automotive Finance Market Q2 2026

Media Contact

Angela Jacobson, Credit Union Leasing of America (CULA), 1 714-454-8776, angela@mwebbcom.com

Melanie Webber, 1 949-307-1723, melanie@mwebbcom.com

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SOURCE Credit Union Leasing of America (CULA)