Leasing companies are feeling the pinch just like everyone else. The market for second hand vehicles has completely dried up in the UK so they're not realising book values any more. I reckon this is the only way they can make their margins now?
I work for a medium sized FLT company who leases all of their equipment and we recently got charged £800GBP (around $1200USD) for sending a van back after four years lease with nothing more than stone chips on the paintwork and scuffs on the front and rear bumpers.
Oh how I wish we could all charge the same damage fees to customers when they send their equipment back after five years!