LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y. (July 1, 2008) - Advantage Funding, a Marubeni group company, announced its special school bus financing and leasing program for school bus operators looking to acquire buses in time for the 2008-2009 school year. The program is available nationwide for independent school bus contractors with qualifying credit.

“We have committed substantial resources and personnel to increase our existing school bus financing and leasing business. As credit availability in this space has tightened up, we believe there is opportunity to expand and provide world class service to good operators,” said Donald J. Coolbaugh, Vice President of Sales.

Both full size school buses and school bus vans will qualify for financing and leasing under this program. Rates and residuals are dependant on the operator and age of the collateral. The vehicle may be used for child care centers as well as traditional school bus transportation.

“Funding for the school bus industry has always been competitive and we believe the timing is right to expand our market share. Operators now have an easy and cost effective way to update and replace aged equipment. The program is easily serviced on our existing coach and minibus platform,” added Coolbaugh.

Advantage Funding is a leading noncaptive commercial vehicle leasing and financing company to the ground transportation industry and is a subsidiary of Marubeni America Corporation, the multinational general Japanese trading company.