MANCHESTER, NH - Merchants Leasing has announced the addition of Steve Michels to the company as regional sales manager - West Coast, Southern Region. Michels has over 25 years experience in the fleet leasing industry and has held senior sales management positions at PHH Arval, NationsBanc Leasing, and GE Capital.

Michels will be focusing his consultative fleet leasing experience on companies who want to effectively manage their fleets and are seeking unique leasing solutions that lead to superior fleet results. Understanding the financial and fleet leasing needs of businesses in Southern California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada will be his first priority.

Michels will report to Gary Scanlon, national sales manager, and will be located in Templeton, Calif.

About Merchants Leasing

Merchants Leasing offers customers nationwide a total fleet solution which includes its unique No Risk closed-end lease option. Other comprehensive services include insurance and maintenance programs, fuel cards to manage mileage and gasoline expenses, roadside assistance, telematics, local and nationwide delivery, and expert fleet management and administration. Merchants leases a variety of vehicles including cars, trucks and vans, law enforcement vehicles, handicap-equipped vehicles and more. Merchants Leasing is part of Hooksett based Merchants Automotive Group and a Singer Family Company which includes Merchants Auto,  Merchants Service and CARQUEST Parts. For more information about Merchants Leasing, visit www.merchantsleasing.com.