AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON AUGUST 26, 2002
                                                        REGISTRATION NO. 333-
________________________________________________________________________________
                                 UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                              -------------------

                                    FORM S-3
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                        UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                              -------------------

                                 CIT GROUP INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


                                                       
                        DELAWARE                                                 65-1095289
             (State or other jurisdiction of                                  (I.R.S. Employer
             incorporation or organization)                                  Identification No.)


                              -------------------

                          1211 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS
                            NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10036
                                 (212) 536-1390
              (Address, including zip code, and telephone number,
       including area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)

                                ROBERT J. INGATO
                          EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND
                                GENERAL COUNSEL
                          1211 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS
                            NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10036
                                 (212) 536-1390
 (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code,
                             of agent for service)
                              -------------------

                                   COPIES TO:


                                                       
                       ANDRE WEISS                                            MEREDITH B. CROSS
                SCHULTE ROTH & ZABEL LLP                                 WILMER, CUTLER & PICKERING
                    919 THIRD AVENUE                                         2445 M STREET, N.W.
                NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10022                                   WASHINGTON, D.C. 20037
                     (212) 756-2000                                            (202) 663-6000


                              -------------------

    APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: From time
to time after the effective date of this Registration Statement, as determined
in light of market conditions.

    If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered
pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following
box. [ ]

    If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest
reinvestment plans, check the following box. [x]

    If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box
and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering. [ ]

    If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. [ ]

    If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box. [x]

                          CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE



                                                                      PROPOSED
                                                                      MAXIMUM        PROPOSED MAXIMUM
        TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF                  AMOUNT TO          OFFERING PRICE   AGGREGATE OFFERING    AMOUNT OF
     SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED              BE REGISTERED           PER UNIT            PRICE          REGISTRATION FEE
     ---------------------------              -------------           --------            -----          ----------------
                                                                                             
Senior/Senior Subordinated Debt
Securities............................       U.S.$400,000(1)            100%         U.S.$400,000(2)          $36.80


(1) In computing the principal amount of debt securities we issue, we will use
    the U.S. Dollar equivalent for debt securities denominated in a foreign
    currency and we will use the offering price, rather than the higher stated
    principal amount, for original issue discount debt securities.

(2) Estimated solely for the purpose of determining the registration fee.

                              -------------------

   THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL
FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a),
MAY DETERMINE.

________________________________________________________________________________








THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT COMPLETE AND MAY BE CHANGED. WE MAY
NOT SELL THESE SECURITIES UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION IS EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT AN OFFER
TO SELL THESE SECURITIES AND IT IS NOT SOLICITING AN OFFER TO BUY THESE
SECURITIES IN ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED.

                  SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED AUGUST 26, 2002

PROSPECTUS

                                     [Logo]

                                 CIT GROUP INC.
                                DEBT SECURITIES

                              -------------------

    We may issue up to an aggregate of $400,000 of debt securities in one
or more series with the same or different terms.

    When we offer specific debt securities, we will disclose the terms of those
debt securities in a prospectus supplement that accompanies this prospectus. The
prospectus supplement may also add, update and modify information contained or
incorporated by reference in this prospectus. BEFORE YOU MAKE YOUR INVESTMENT
DECISION, WE URGE YOU TO CAREFULLY READ THIS PROSPECTUS AND THE PROSPECTUS
SUPPLEMENT DESCRIBING THE SPECIFIC TERMS OF ANY OFFERING, TOGETHER WITH
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION DESCRIBED UNDER THE HEADING 'WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE
INFORMATION.'

    These debt securities may be either senior or senior subordinated in
priority of payment and will be direct unsecured obligations.

    The terms of any debt securities offered to the public will depend on market
conditions at the time of sale. We reserve the sole right to accept or reject,
in whole or in part, any proposed purchase of the debt securities that we offer.

                              -------------------

    NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES OR PASSED UPON THE
ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

    THIS PROSPECTUS MAY NOT BE USED TO CONSUMMATE SALES OF OFFERED SECURITIES
UNLESS ACCOMPANIED BY A PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT.

                 THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS AUGUST [  ], 2002







                               TABLE OF CONTENTS



                                                              PAGE
                                                              ----
                                                           
CIT GROUP INC...............................................    3

RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES.........................   12

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS...........   13

USE OF PROCEEDS.............................................   14

DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES..............................   15

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION........................................   20

EXPERTS.....................................................   21

LEGAL OPINIONS..............................................   21

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION.........................   21


                                       2







                                 CIT GROUP INC.

GENERAL

    CIT is a leading global commercial and consumer finance company that has
been a consistent provider of financing and leasing capital since 1908. With
about $48 billion of managed assets, we have the financial resources,
intellectual capital and product knowledge to serve the needs of our clients
across 30 industries. Our clients range from small private companies to many of
the world's largest and most respected multinational corporations.

    We commenced operations in 1908 and have developed a broad array of
'franchise' businesses that focus on specific industries, asset types and
markets, which are balanced by client, industry and geographic diversification.
We had $47.7 billion of managed assets and $4.5 billion of shareholder's equity
at June 30, 2002.

    On June 1, 2001, CIT was acquired by a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tyco
International Ltd. ('Tyco'), a diversified manufacturing and service company, in
a purchase business combination recorded under the 'push-down' method of
accounting, resulting in a new basis of accounting for the 'successor' period
beginning June 2, 2001. Information relating to all 'predecessor' periods prior
to the acquisition is presented using CIT's historical basis of accounting.
Following the acquisition, we changed our fiscal year end from December 31 to
September 30 to conform with that of Tyco. On September 30, 2001, we sold
certain international subsidiaries that had assets of approximately
$1.8 billion and liabilities of $1.5 billion to a non-U.S. subsidiary of Tyco
for a promissory note equal to the net book value. Our earnings included the
results of these subsidiaries through September 30, 2001. On February 11, 2002,
CIT repurchased these international subsidiaries for a purchase price equal to
the net book value. The financial information presented in this section includes
the international subsidiaries repurchased from Tyco for all periods presented;
as a result, the Balance Sheet Data at September 30, 2001 varies slightly from
comparable data reported in CIT's Form 10-K for the transition period ended
September 30, 2001.

    On July 8, 2002, Tyco completed a sale of 100% of CIT's common stock in an
initial public offering. Immediately prior to the offering, a restructuring was
effectuated whereby our predecessor CIT Group Inc., a Nevada corporation (which
is referred to in this prospectus as CIT Group Inc. (Nevada)) was merged with
and into its parent Tyco Capital Holding, Inc., and that combined entity was
further merged with and into CIT Group Inc. (Del), a Delaware corporation. In
connection with the reorganization, CIT Group Inc. (Del) was renamed CIT Group
Inc. As a result of the reorganization, CIT is the successor to CIT Group Inc.
(Nevada)'s business, operations, obligations and SEC registration.

    We have divested over $5 billion of non-core, less profitable assets and
reduced annual operating expenses by $150 million over the last year. These
improvements will allow us to continue to effectively execute our strategy
across our broad range of businesses.

    The financial data in this section reflects the four business segments that
comprise CIT, as follows:

     Equipment Financing and Leasing

     Specialty Finance

     Commercial Finance

     Structured Finance

    We conduct our operations through strategic business units that market
products and services to satisfy the financing needs of specific customers,
industries, vendors/manufacturers and markets. Our business segments are
described in greater detail below.

    We offer commercial lending and leasing in all four of the segments,
providing a wide range of financing and leasing products to small, midsize and
larger companies across a wide variety of industries, including: manufacturing,
retailing, transportation, aerospace, construction, technology, communication
and various service-related industries. The secured lending, leasing and
factoring products of our operations include direct loans and leases, operating
leases, leveraged and single investor leases, secured revolving lines of credit
and term loans, credit protection, accounts receivable collection, import and
export financing, debtor-in-possession and turnaround financing, and acquisition
and expansion financing.

                                       3






Consumer lending is conducted in our Specialty Finance segment and consists
primarily of home equity lending to consumers originated largely through a
network of brokers and correspondents.

    Transactions are generated through direct calling efforts with borrowers,
lessees, equipment end-users, vendors, manufacturers and distributors and
through referral sources and other intermediaries. In connection with our
separation from Tyco, we entered into a financial services cooperation agreement
with Tyco under which we may have the opportunity to offer financing and other
services to Tyco and Tyco customers. In addition, our strategic business units
jointly structure certain transactions and refer or cross-sell transactions to
other CIT units to best meet our customers' overall financing needs. We also buy
and sell participations in and syndications of finance receivables and/or lines
of credit. In addition, from time to time in the normal course of business, we
purchase finance receivables in bulk to supplement our originations and sell
select finance receivables and equipment under operating leases for risk and
other balance sheet management purposes, or to improve profitability.

EQUIPMENT FINANCING AND LEASING SEGMENT

    Our Equipment Financing and Leasing operations had total financing and
leasing assets of $14.5 billion at June 30, 2002, representing 40.6% of total
financing and leasing assets, and managed assets were $19.2 billion, or 40.2% of
total managed assets. We conduct our Equipment Financing and Leasing operations
through two strategic business units:

     Equipment Financing offers secured equipment financing and leasing and
     focuses on the broad distribution of its products through manufacturers,
     dealers/distributors, intermediaries and direct calling efforts primarily
     in manufacturing, construction, transportation, food services/stores and
     other industries.

     Capital Finance offers secured equipment financing and leasing by directly
     marketing customized transactions of commercial aircraft and rail
     equipment.

    Equipment Financing and Capital Finance personnel have extensive expertise
in managing equipment over its full life cycle, including purchasing new
equipment, maintaining and repairing equipment, estimating residual values and
re-marketing via re-leasing or selling equipment. Equipment Financing's and
Capital Finance's equipment and industry expertise enables them to effectively
manage residual value risk. For example, Capital Finance can repossess
commercial aircraft, if necessary, obtain any required maintenance and repairs
for such aircraft, and recertify such aircraft with appropriate authorities. We
manage the equipment, the residual value, and the risk of equipment remaining
idle for extended periods of time and, where appropriate, we locate alternative
equipment users or purchasers.

    The following table sets forth the managed assets of our Equipment Financing
and Leasing segment at June 30, 2002, September 30, 2001 and at December 31 for
each of the years in the four-year period ended December 31, 2000 ($ in
millions).



                                                                                           DECEMBER 31,
                                               JUNE 30,    SEPTEMBER 30,   ---------------------------------------------
EQUIPMENT FINANCING AND LEASING                  2002          2001          2000        1999        1998        1997
-------------------------------                  ----          ----          ----        ----        ----        ----
                                                      (SUCCESSOR)                          (PREDECESSOR)
                                                                                             
Finance receivables..........................  $ 9,418.4     $11,555.0     $14,202.7   $12,999.6   $10,592.9   $ 9,804.1
Operating lease equipment, net...............    5,081.0       4,554.1       5,875.3     4,017.1     2,774.1     1,905.6
                                               ---------     ---------     ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------
   Total financing and leasing assets........   14,499.4      16,109.1      20,078.0    17,016.7    13,367.0    11,709.7
Finance receivables previously securitized
 and still managed by us.....................    4,658.2       4,464.8       6,387.2     2,189.4          --          --
                                               ---------     ---------     ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------
Total managed assets.........................  $19,157.6     $20,573.9     $26,465.2   $19,206.1   $13,367.0   $11,709.7
                                               ---------     ---------     ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------
                                               ---------     ---------     ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------


    During the nine months ended September 30, 2001, certain intersegment
transfers of assets were completed from Equipment Financing to Specialty Finance
to better align marketing and risk management efforts, to further improve
operating efficiencies and to implement a more uniform North American business
strategy.

                                       4






EQUIPMENT FINANCING

    Equipment Financing had total financing and leasing assets of $8.7 billion
at June 30, 2002, representing 24.4% of our total financing and leasing assets,
and managed assets were $13.4 billion, or 28.0% of total managed assets.
Equipment Financing offers secured equipment financing and leasing products,
including loans, leases, wholesale and retail financing for distributors and
manufacturers, loans guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration,
operating leases, sale and leaseback arrangements, portfolio acquisitions,
municipal leases, revolving lines of credit and in-house syndication
capabilities. In connection with our acquisition by Tyco, in fiscal 2002
Equipment Financing ceased origination of, and placed in liquidation status, the
trucking and franchise finance portfolios. The portfolios approximated
$0.9 billion at June 30, 2002.

    Equipment Financing is a diversified, middle-market, secured equipment
lender with a global presence and strong North American marketing coverage. At
June 30, 2002, its portfolio included significant financing and leasing assets
to customers in a number of different industries, with manufacturing being the
largest as a percentage of financing and leasing assets, followed by
construction and transportation. The Small Business Lending group is the number
one provider of Small Business Administration loans in the United States, based
on dollar amount of SBA loan authorizations.

    Products are originated through direct calling on customers and through
relationships with manufacturers, dealers, distributors and intermediaries that
have leading or significant marketing positions in their respective industries.
This provides Equipment Financing with efficient access to equipment end-users
in many industries across a variety of equipment types.

    The following table sets forth the managed assets of Equipment Financing at
June 30, 2002, September 30, 2001 and at December 31 for each of the years in
the four-year period ended December 31, 2000 ($ in millions). Both the increase
in assets during 2000 and the decrease in assets in 2001 resulted primarily from
asset transfers between Specialty Finance and Equipment Financing.



                                                                                            DECEMBER 31,
                                                 JUNE 30,    SEPTEMBER 30,   -------------------------------------------
EQUIPMENT FINANCING                                2002          2001          2000        1999        1998       1997
-------------------                                ----          ----          ----        ----        ----       ----
                                                        (SUCCESSOR)                         (PREDECESSOR)
                                                                                              
Finance receivables............................  $ 7,888.2     $ 9,782.0     $12,153.7   $10,899.3   $8,497.6   $7,403.4
Operating lease equipment, net.................      818.6       1,281.7       2,280.7     1,066.2      765.1      623.8
                                                 ---------     ---------     ---------   ---------   --------   --------
Total financing and leasing assets.............    8,706.8      11,063.7      14,434.4    11,965.5    9,262.7    8,027.2
Finance receivables previously securitized and
 still managed by us...........................    4,658.2       4,464.8       6,387.2     2,189.4         --         --
                                                 ---------     ---------     ---------   ---------   --------   --------
Total managed assets...........................  $13,365.0     $15,528.5     $20,821.6   $14,154.9   $9,262.7   $8,027.2
                                                 ---------     ---------     ---------   ---------   --------   --------
                                                 ---------     ---------     ---------   ---------   --------   --------


CAPITAL FINANCE

    Capital Finance had financing and leasing assets of $5.8 billion at
March 31, 2002, which represented 16.2% of our total financing and leasing
assets and 12.2% of managed assets. Capital Finance specializes in providing
customized leasing and secured financing primarily to end-users of commercial
aircraft and railcars, including operating leases, single investor leases,
equity portions of leveraged leases, and sale and leaseback arrangements, as
well as loans secured by equipment. Typical Capital Finance customers are
middle-market to larger-sized companies. New business is generated through
direct calling efforts supplemented with transactions introduced by
intermediaries and other referral sources.

    Capital Finance has provided financing to commercial airlines for over 30
years. The Capital Finance aerospace portfolio includes most of the leading U.S.
and foreign commercial airlines, with a fleet of approximately 200 aircraft and
an average age of approximately eight years. Capital Finance has developed
strong direct relationships with most major airlines and major aircraft and
aircraft engine manufacturers. This provides Capital Finance with access to
technical information, which enhances customer service, and provides
opportunities to finance new business. As of June 30, 2002, remaining
commitments to purchase aircraft from both Airbus Industrie and The Boeing
Company totaled 94 units at an approximate value of $4.4 billion, including
options to purchase additional units. Additionally, in some cases CIT has the
flexibility to delay or terminate certain positions. Deliveries of these new
aircraft are scheduled to take place through 2006. As of June 30, 2002, all
delivered aircraft have been placed in service. Remaining

                                       5






deliveries for calendar years 2002 and 2003 are 5 and 19, respectively, of which
all 2002 and eight 2003 deliveries have customers in place as of June 30, 2002.

    Capital Finance has over 25 years of experience in financing the rail
industry, contributing to its knowledge of asset values, industry trends,
product structuring and customer needs. Capital Finance has a dedicated rail
equipment group, maintains relationships with several leading railcar
manufacturers, and has a significant direct calling effort on railroads and rail
shippers in the United States. The Capital Finance rail portfolio includes loans
and/or leases to all of the U.S. and Canadian Class I railroads (which are
railroads with annual revenues of at least $250 million) and numerous shippers.
The operating lease fleet includes primarily covered hopper cars used to ship
grain and agricultural products, plastic pellets and cement; gondola cars for
coal, steel coil and mill service; open hopper cars for coal and aggregates;
center beam flat cars for lumber; and boxcars for paper and auto parts.

    The following table sets forth the financing and leasing assets of Capital
Finance at June 30, 2002, September 30, 2001 and at December 31 for each of the
years in the four-year period ended December 31, 2000 ($ in millions).



                                                                                             DECEMBER 31,
                                                    JUNE 30,   SEPTEMBER 30,   -----------------------------------------
CAPITAL FINANCE                                       2002         2001          2000       1999       1998       1997
---------------                                       ----         ----          ----       ----       ----       ----
                                                          (SUCCESSOR)                        (PREDECESSOR)
                                                                                              
Finance receivables...............................  $1,530.2     $1,773.0      $2,049.0   $2,100.3   $2,095.3   $2,400.7
Operating lease equipment, net....................   4,262.4      3,272.4       3,594.6    2,950.9    2,009.0    1,281.8
                                                    --------     --------      --------   --------   --------   --------
Total financing and leasing assets................  $5,792.6     $5,045.4      $5,643.6   $5,051.2   $4,104.3   $3,682.5
                                                    --------     --------      --------   --------   --------   --------
                                                    --------     --------      --------   --------   --------   --------


SPECIALTY FINANCE SEGMENT

    The Specialty Finance segment is the combination of the former Vendor
Technology Finance and Consumer segments, which were consolidated during the
second quarter of 2001, consistent with how activities are reported internally
to management. Specialty Finance assets include certain small ticket commercial
financing and leasing assets, vendor programs and consumer home equity. At
June 30, 2002, the Specialty Finance financing and leasing assets totaled
$10.0 billion, representing 28.0% of total financing, and leasing assets and
managed assets were $17.3 billion, representing 36.3% of total managed assets.
As part of our review of non-strategic businesses, in fiscal 2001 we sold
approximately $1.4 billion of our manufactured housing loan portfolio and we are
liquidating the remaining assets. We also exited the recreational vehicle
finance receivables origination market and placed the existing portfolio in
liquidation status. In October 2001, we sold approximately $700 million of this
liquidating portfolio. The primary focus of the consumer business is home equity
lending. As part of an ongoing strategy to maximize the value of its origination
network and to improve overall profitability, Specialty Finance sells individual
loans and portfolios of loans to banks, thrifts and other originators of
consumer loans.

    Specialty Finance forms relationships with industry-leading equipment
vendors, including manufacturers, dealers and distributors, to deliver
customized asset-based sales and financing solutions in a wide array of vendor
programs. These alliances allow CIT's vendor partners to better utilize core
competencies, reduce capital needs and drive incremental sales volume. As part
of these programs, we offer credit financing to the manufacturer's customers for
the purchase or lease of the manufacturer's products and enhanced sales tools to
manufacturers and vendors, such as asset management services, efficient loan
processing, and real-time credit adjudication. Higher level partnership programs
provide integration with the vendor's business planning process and product
offering systems to improve execution and reduce cycle times. Specialty Finance
has significant vendor programs in information technology and telecommunications
equipment and serves many other industries through its global network.

    These vendor alliances feature traditional vendor finance programs, joint
ventures, profit sharing and other transaction structures entered into with
large, sales-oriented corporate vendor partners. In the case of joint ventures,
Specialty Finance and the vendor combine sales and financing activities through
a distinct legal entity that is jointly owned. Generally, these arrangements are
accounted for on an equity basis, with profits and losses distributed according
to the joint venture agreement. Additionally, Specialty Finance generally
purchases finance receivables originated by the joint venture entities.
Specialty Finance also utilizes 'virtual joint ventures,' whereby the assets are
originated on Specialty Finance's balance sheet,

                                       6






while profits and losses are shared with the vendor. These types of strategic
alliances are a key source of business for Specialty Finance. New vendor
alliance business is also generated through intermediaries and other referral
sources, as well as through direct end-user relationships.

    The home equity products include both fixed and variable rate closed-end
loans and variable rate lines of credit. This unit primarily originates,
purchases and services loans secured by first or second liens on detached,
single family residential properties. Customers borrow for the purpose of
consolidating debts, refinancing an existing mortgage, funding home
improvements, paying education expenses and, to a lesser extent, purchasing a
home, among other reasons. Specialty Finance primarily originates loans through
brokers and correspondents with a high proportion of home equity applications
processed electronically over the internet via BrokerEdge'sm' using proprietary
systems. Through experienced lending professionals and automation, Specialty
Finance provides rapid turnaround time from application to loan funding, a
characteristic considered to be critical by its broker relationships.

    Consumer contract servicing for securitization trusts and other third
parties is provided through a centralized Asset Service Center. Our Asset
Service Center centrally services and collects substantially all of our consumer
receivables, including loans originated or purchased by our Specialty Finance
segment, as well as loans originated or purchased and subsequently securitized
with servicing retained. The servicing portfolio also includes loans owned by
third parties that are serviced by our Specialty Finance segment for a fee on a
'contract' basis. These third-party portfolios totaled $3.1 billion at June 30,
2002.

    Commercial assets are serviced via our several centers in the United States,
Canada and internationally. During the nine months ended June 30, 2002,
Specialty Finance closed selected service centers in North America and Europe.

    The following table sets forth the managed assets of our Specialty Finance
segment at June 30, 2002, September 30, 2001 and at December 31 for each of the
years in the four-year period ended December 31, 2000 ($ in millions). The
reduction in financing and leasing assets during 2001 reflects the disposition
(or partial disposition) of non-strategic businesses, including the United
Kingdom dealer business and manufactured housing loans.



                                                                                            DECEMBER 31,
                                                 JUNE 30,    SEPTEMBER 30,   -------------------------------------------
SPECIALTY FINANCE                                  2002          2001          2000        1999        1998       1997
-----------------                                  ----          ----          ----        ----        ----       ----
                                                        (SUCCESSOR)                         (PREDECESSOR)
                                                                                              
Finance receivables
   Commercial..................................    6,371.6     $ 6,791.6     $ 6,864.5   $ 7,488.9   $     --   $     --
   Home Equity.................................    1,241.0       2,760.2       2,451.7     2,215.4    2,244.4    1,992.3
   Liquidating Portfolios
      Recreational vehicles(1).................       20.8         742.6         648.0       361.2      744.0      501.9
      Manufactured housing.....................      637.5         470.9       1,802.1     1,666.9    1,417.5    1,125.7
      Other(2).................................      191.9         229.7         298.2       462.8      848.4      313.1
                                                 ---------     ---------     ---------   ---------   --------   --------
                                                     850.2       1,443.2       2,748.3     2,490.9    3,009.9    1,940.7
Operating lease equipment, net.................    1,546.9       1,796.1       1,256.5     2,108.8         --         --
                                                 ---------     ---------     ---------   ---------   --------   --------
Total financing and leasing assets(3)..........   10,009.7      12,791.1      13,321.0    14,304.0    5,254.3    3,933.0
Finance receivables previously securitized and
 still managed by us...........................    7,309.7       5,683.1       4,729.1     8,849.9    2,516.9    2,385.6
                                                 ---------     ---------     ---------   ---------   --------   --------
Total managed assets...........................  $17,319.4     $18,474.2     $18,050.1   $23,153.9   $7,771.2   $6,318.6
                                                 ---------     ---------     ---------   ---------   --------   --------
                                                 ---------     ---------     ---------   ---------   --------   --------


---------

(1) In October 2001, we sold approximately $700 million of recreational vehicle
    finance receivables.

(2) Balances include recreational boat and wholesale loan product lines exited
    in 1999.

(3) Prior year balances have been conformed to include our former Vendor
    Technology and Consumer segments.

    As previously discussed, during the nine months ended September 30, 2001,
certain intersegment transfers of assets were completed from Equipment Financing
to Specialty Finance and are reflected in the table above.

COMMERCIAL FINANCE SEGMENT

    At June 30, 2002, the financing and leasing assets of our Commercial Finance
segment totaled $8.2 billion, representing 22.9% of total financing and leasing
assets and 17.2% of managed assets. We

                                       7






conduct our Commercial Finance operations through two strategic business units,
both of which focus on accounts receivable and inventories as the primary source
of security for their lending transactions.

     Commercial Services provides traditional secured commercial financing, as
     well as factoring and receivable/collection management products to
     companies in apparel, textile, furniture, home furnishings and other
     industries.

     Business Credit provides traditional secured commercial financing to a full
     range of borrowers from small to larger-sized companies for working capital
     business expansion and turnaround needs.

    The following table sets forth the financing and leasing assets of
Commercial Finance at June 30, 2002, September 30, 2001 and at December 31 for
each of the years in the four-year period ended December 31, 2000 ($ in
millions).



                                                                                             DECEMBER 31,
                                                    JUNE 30,   SEPTEMBER 30,   -----------------------------------------
COMMERCIAL FINANCE                                    2002         2001          2000       1999       1998       1997
------------------                                    ----         ----          ----       ----       ----       ----
                                                          (SUCCESSOR)                        (PREDECESSOR)
                                                                                              
Commercial Services...............................  $4,536.4     $5,112.2      $4,277.9   $4,165.1   $2,481.8   $2,113.1
Business Credit...................................   3,644.1      3,544.9       3,415.8    2,837.0    2,514.4    2,137.7
                                                    --------     --------      --------   --------   --------   --------
   Total financing and leasing assets.............   8,180.5      8,657.1       7,693.7    7,002.1    4,996.2    4,250.8
   Total receivables securitized and still managed
    by us.........................................        --           --            --         --         --         --
                                                    --------     --------      --------   --------   --------   --------
   Total managed assets...........................  $8,180.5     $8,657.1      $7,693.7   $7,002.1   $4,996.2   $4,250.8
                                                    --------     --------      --------   --------   --------   --------
                                                    --------     --------      --------   --------   --------   --------


    In 1999, Commercial Services acquired two domestic factoring businesses,
which added in excess of $1.5 billion in financing and leasing assets.

Commercial Services

    Commercial Services had total financing and leasing assets of $4.5 billion
at June 30, 2002, which represented 12.7% of our total financing and leasing
assets and 9.5% of managed assets. Commercial Services offers a full range of
domestic and international customized credit protection, lending and outsourcing
services that include working capital and term loans, factoring, receivable
management outsourcing, bulk purchases of accounts receivable, import and export
financing and letter of credit programs. Commercial Services generates business
regionally from a variety of sources, including direct calling efforts and
referrals from existing clients and other sources.

    Financing is provided to clients through the purchase of accounts receivable
owed to clients by their customers, as well as by guaranteeing amounts due under
letters of credit issued to the clients' suppliers, which are collateralized by
accounts receivable and other assets. The purchase of accounts receivable is
traditionally known as 'factoring' and results in the payment by the client of a
factoring fee which is commensurate with the underlying degree of credit risk
and recourse, and which is generally a percentage of the factored receivables or
sales volume. When Commercial Services 'factors' (i.e., purchases) a customer
invoice from a client, it records the customer receivable as an asset and also
establishes a liability for the funds due to the client ('credit balances of
factoring clients'). Commercial Services also may advance funds to its clients
prior to collection of receivables, typically in an amount up to 80% of eligible
accounts receivable (as defined for that transaction), charging interest on such
advances (in addition to any factoring fees) and satisfying such advances from
receivables collections.

    Clients use Commercial Services' products and services for various purposes,
including improving cash flow, mitigating or reducing the risk of charge-offs,
increasing sales and improving management information. Further, with the
TotalSource'sm' product, clients can outsource bookkeeping, collection and other
receivable processing activities. These services are attractive to industries
outside the typical factoring markets, providing growth opportunities for
Commercial Services.

Business Credit

    Financing and leasing assets of Business Credit totaled $3.6 billion at
June 30, 2002 and represented 10.2% of our total financing and leasing assets
and 7.7% of managed assets. Business Credit offers revolving and term loans
secured by accounts receivable, inventories and fixed assets to smaller through
larger-sized companies. Clients use such loans primarily for working capital,
growth, expansion,

                                       8






acquisitions, refinancings and debtor-in-possession financing, reorganization
and restructurings, and turnaround financings. Business Credit sells and
purchases participation interests in such loans to and from other lenders.

    Through its variable interest rate senior revolving and term loan products,
Business Credit meets its customers' financing needs for working capital,
growth, acquisition and other financing situations that are otherwise not met
through bank or other unsecured financing alternatives. Business Credit
typically structures financings on a fully secured basis, though, from time to
time, it may look to a customer's cash flow to support a portion of the credit
facility. Revolving and term loans are made on a variable interest rate basis
based on published indexes, such as LIBOR or a prime rate of interest.

    Business is originated through direct calling efforts and intermediary and
referral sources, as well as through sales and regional offices. Business Credit
has focused on increasing the proportion of direct business origination to
improve its ability to capture or retain refinancing opportunities and to
enhance finance income. Business Credit has developed long-term relationships
with selected finance companies, banks and other lenders and with many
diversified referral sources.

STRUCTURED FINANCE SEGMENT

    Structured Finance had financing and leasing assets of $3.0 billion,
comprising 8.5% of our total financing and leasing assets and 6.3% of managed
assets at June 30, 2002. Structured Finance operates internationally through
operations in the United States, Canada, and Europe. Structured Finance provides
specialized investment banking services to the international corporate finance
and institutional finance markets by providing asset-based financing for large
ticket asset acquisitions and project financing and related advisory services to
equipment manufacturers, corporate clients, regional airlines, governments and
public sector agencies. Communications, transportation, and the power and
utilities sectors are among the industries that Structured Finance serves.

    Structured Finance also serves as an origination conduit to its lending
partners by seeking out and creating investment opportunities. Structured
Finance has established relationships with insurance companies and institutional
investors and can arrange financing opportunities that meet asset class, yield,
duration and credit quality requirements. Accordingly, Structured Finance has
considerable syndication and fee generation capacity.

    Structured Finance continues to arrange transaction financing and
participate in merger and acquisition transactions and has venture capital
equity investments, totaling $362.5 million at June 30, 2002, in emerging growth
enterprises in selected industries, including information technology,
communications, life science and consumer products, as well as investments in
private equity funds. The portfolio composition is approximately 55% direct
investments and 45% venture capital funds. We do not plan to invest in new
venture capital funds or make additional direct investments beyond existing
commitments.

    The following table sets forth the financing and leasing assets of
Structured Finance at June 30, 2002, September 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000
and 1999 ($ in millions).



                                                                                   DECEMBER 31,
                                                     JUNE 30,   SEPTEMBER 30,   -------------------
STRUCTURED FINANCE                                     2002         2001          2000       1999
------------------                                     ----         ----          ----       ----
                                                           (SUCCESSOR)             (PREDECESSOR)
                                                                               
Finance receivables................................  $2,594.5     $2,777.1      $2,347.3   $1,933.9
Operating lease equipment, net.....................      61.8         52.6          58.8         --
Other -- Equity Investments........................     362.5        342.2         285.8      137.3
                                                     --------     --------      --------   --------
    Total financing and leasing assets.............  $3,018.8     $3,171.9      $2,691.9   $2,071.2
                                                     --------     --------      --------   --------
                                                     --------     --------      --------   --------


SECURITIZATION PROGRAM

    We fund most of our assets on balance sheet by accessing various sectors of
the capital markets. In an effort to broaden funding sources and to provide an
additional source of liquidity, we have in place an array of securitization
programs to access both the public and private asset-backed securitization
markets. Current products included in these programs include receivables and
leases secured by equipment, consumer loans secured by recreational vehicles and
residential real estate and accounts receivable of

                                       9






factoring clients. During the nine months ended June 30, 2002, we securitized
$6.7 billion of financing and leasing assets. The balance of finance receivables
securitized at June 30, 2002 was $12.0 billion or 25.1% of our total managed
assets.

    Under a typical asset-backed securitization, we sell a 'pool' of secured
loans or leases to a special-purpose entity, generally a trust. The
special-purpose entity, in turn, typically issues certificates and/or notes that
are collateralized by the pool and entitle the holders thereof to participate in
certain pool cash flows. We retain the servicing of the securitized contracts,
for which we earn a servicing fee. We also participate in certain 'residual'
cash flows (cash flows after payment of principal and interest to certificate
and/or note holders, servicing fees and other credit-related disbursements). At
the date of securitization, we estimate the 'residual' cash flows to be received
over the life of the securitization, record the present value of these cash
flows as a retained interest in the securitization (retained interests can
include bonds issued by the special-purpose entity, cash reserve accounts on
deposit in the special-purpose entity or interest only receivables) and
typically recognize a gain.

    In estimating residual cash flows and the value of the retained interests,
we make a variety of financial assumptions, including pool credit losses,
prepayment speeds and discount rates. These assumptions are supported by both
our historical experience and anticipated trends relative to the particular
products securitized. Subsequent to recording the retained interests, we review
them quarterly for impairment based upon estimated fair values. These reviews
are performed on a disaggregated basis. Fair values of retained interests are
estimated utilizing current pool demographics, actual note/certificate
outstandings, current and anticipated credit losses, prepayment speeds and
discount rates. During the nine months ended June 30, 2002, we recorded
securitization gains of $119.8 million on $6.7 billion of financing and leasing
assets securitized. During the same period in 2001, we recorded securitization
gains of $112.7 million on $3.6 billion of financing and leasing assets
securitized. The increased securitization volume in 2002 reflects the increased
use of securitizations during the current period following the disruption to our
funding base. Our retained interests had a carrying value at June 30, 2002 of
$1,350.2 million, including interests in 'equipment' securitized assets of
$1,141.5 million and consumer securitized assets of $208.7 million. Retained
interests are subject to credit and prepayment risk. Our interests relating to
commercial securitized assets are generally subject to lower prepayment risk
because of the contractual terms of the underlying receivables. These assets are
subject to the same credit granting and monitoring processes.

COMPETITION

    Our markets are highly competitive and are characterized by competitive
factors that vary based upon product and geographic region. Competitors include
captive and independent finance companies, commercial banks and thrift
institutions, industrial banks, leasing companies, manufacturers and vendors
with global reach. Substantial financial services networks with global reach
have been formed by insurance companies and bank holding companies that compete
with us. On a local level, community banks and smaller independent finance and
mortgage companies are a competitive force. Some competitors have substantial
local market positions. Many of our competitors are large companies that have
substantial capital, technological and marketing resources. Some of these
competitors are larger than us and may have access to capital at a lower cost
than us. Competition has been enhanced in recent years by a strong economy and
growing marketplace liquidity, although, during 2001, the economy slowed and
marketplace liquidity tightened. The markets for most of our products are
characterized by a large number of competitors, although there continues to be
consolidation in the industry. However, with respect to some of our products,
competition is more concentrated.

    We compete primarily on the basis of pricing, terms and structure. From time
to time, our competitors seek to compete aggressively on the basis of these
factors and we may lose market share to the extent we are unwilling to match
competitor pricing and terms in order to maintain interest margins and/or credit
standards.

    Other primary competitive factors include industry experience and client
service and relationships. In addition, demand for our products with respect to
certain industries will be affected by demand for such industry's services and
products and by industry regulations.

                                       10






REGULATION

    Our operations are subject, in certain instances, to supervision and
regulation by state, federal and various foreign governmental authorities and
may be subject to various laws and judicial and administrative decisions
imposing various requirements and restrictions, which, among other things,
(i) regulate credit granting activities, including establishing licensing
requirements, if any, in applicable jurisdictions, (ii) establish maximum
interest rates, finance charges and other charges, (iii) regulate customers'
insurance coverages, (iv) require disclosures to customers, (v) govern secured
transactions, (vi) set collection, foreclosure, repossession and claims handling
procedures and other trade practices, (vii) prohibit discrimination in the
extension of credit and administration of loans, and (viii) regulate the use and
reporting of information related to a borrower's credit experience. In addition
to the foregoing, CIT OnLine Bank, a Utah industrial loan corporation wholly
owned by CIT, is subject to regulation and examination by the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation and the Utah Department of Financial Institutions.

EMPLOYEES

    CIT employed approximately 5,935 people at June 30, 2002, of which
approximately 4,495 were employed in the United States and 1,440 were outside
the United States.

FACILITIES

    CIT conducts its operations in the United States, Canada, Europe, Latin
America, Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. CIT occupies approximately
2.6 million square feet of office space, substantially all of which is leased.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

    We are a defendant in various lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of our
business. We aggressively manage our litigation and evaluate appropriate
responses to our lawsuits in light of a number of factors, including the
potential impact of the actions on the conduct of our operations. In the opinion
of management, none of the pending matters is expected to have a material
adverse effect on our financial condition, liquidity or results of operations.
However, there can be no assurance that an adverse decision in one or more of
such lawsuits will not have a material adverse effect.

                                       11









                      RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

    The following table sets forth the ratio of earnings to fixed charges of CIT
for each of the periods indicated.



                             NINE MONTHS
                           ENDED JUNE 30,        NINE MONTHS ENDED         YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                       -----------------------     SEPTEMBER 30,     -------------------------------------
                          2002         2001            2001          2000    1999    1998    1997    1996
                          ----         ----      -----------------   ----    ----    ----    ----    ----
                                    (COMBINED)      (COMBINED)
                                                                             
Ratios of Earnings to
  Fixed Charges            (1)        1.29x            1.37x         1.39x   1.45x   1.49x   1.51x   1.49x


    We have computed the ratios of earnings to fixed charges in accordance with
requirements of the SEC's Regulation S-K. Earnings consist of income from
continuing operations before income taxes and fixed charges. Fixed charges
consist of interest on indebtedness, minority interest in a subsidiary trust
holding solely debentures of CIT and one-third of rent expense which is deemed
representative of an interest factor.

(1) Earnings were insufficient to cover fixed charges by $5,862.4 million in the
    nine months ended June 30, 2002. Earnings for the nine months ended June 30,
    2002 included total non-cash, estimated goodwill impairment charges of
    $6,511.7 million in accordance with SFAS 142, 'Goodwill and Other Intangible
    Assets.' The ratio of earnings to fixed charges includes total fixed charges
    of $1,115.7 million and a loss before provision for income taxes of $5,862.4
    million resulting in a total loss before provision for income taxes and
    fixed charges of (4,746.7) million.

                                       12







               SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

    Certain statements contained in this prospectus and the documents
incorporated by reference are forward-looking statements within the meaning of
the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements
contained herein that are not clearly historical in nature are forward-looking
and the words 'anticipate,' 'believe,' 'expect,' 'estimate' and similar
expressions are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. Any
forward-looking statements contained herein, in press releases, written
statements or other documents filed with the SEC or in communications and
discussions with investors and analysts in the normal course of business through
meetings, webcasts, phone calls and conference calls, concerning our operations,
economic performance and financial condition are subject to known and unknown
risks, uncertainties and contingencies. Forward-looking statements are included,
for example, in the discussions about:

     our liquidity risk management,

     our credit risk management,

     our asset/liability risk management,

     our capital, leverage and credit ratings,

     our operational and legal risks,

     how we may be affected by legal proceedings, and

     our relationship with Tyco following the separation.

    All forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, many of
which are beyond our control, which may cause actual results, performance or
achievements to differ materially from anticipated results, performance or
achievements. Also, forward-looking statements are based upon management's
estimates of fair values and of future costs, using currently available
information. Therefore, actual results may differ materially from those
expressed or implied in those statements. Factors that could cause such
differences include, but are not limited to:

     risks associated with transactions involving foreign currencies,

     continued weakness in the telecommunications industry,

     changes in our credit ratings,

     risks of economic slowdown, downturn or recession,

     industry cycles and trends,

     risks inherent in changes in market interest rates,

     funding opportunities and borrowing costs,

     changes in funding markets, including commercial paper, term debt and the
     asset-backed securitization markets,

     uncertainties associated with risk management, including credit,
     prepayment, asset/liability, interest rate and currency risks,

     adequacy of reserves for credit losses,

     risks associated with the value and recoverability of leased equipment and
     lease residual values,

     changes in regulations governing our business and operations or permissible
     activities,

     changes in competitive factors, and

     future acquisitions and dispositions of businesses or asset portfolios.

                                       13






                                USE OF PROCEEDS

    We intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of any debt securities
offered under this prospectus to provide additional working funds for us and our
subsidiaries. Generally, we use the proceeds of our short-term borrowings
primarily to originate and purchase receivables in the ordinary course of our
business. We have not yet determined the amounts that we may use in connection
with our business or that we may furnish to our subsidiaries. From time to time,
we may also use the proceeds to finance the bulk purchase of receivables and/or
the acquisition of other finance-related businesses.

                                       14








                         DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

    The debt securities offered by this prospectus will be unsecured obligations
of CIT and will be either senior debt or senior subordinated debt. Senior debt
will be issued under a senior debt indenture. Senior subordinated debt will be
issued under a senior subordinated debt indenture. The senior debt indenture and
the senior subordinated debt indenture are sometimes referred to in this
prospectus individually as an 'indenture' and collectively as the 'indentures.'
We have filed forms of the global senior indenture and subordinated indenture as
exhibits to the registration statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-    ) under the
Securities Act of 1933, of which this prospectus is a part. The terms of the
indentures are also governed by the applicable provisions of the Trust Indenture
Act of 1939.

    The following briefly summarizes the material provisions of the indentures
and the debt securities, other than pricing and related terms disclosed in the
accompanying prospectus supplement. You should read the more detailed provisions
of the applicable indenture, including the defined terms, for provisions that
may be important to you. You should also read the particular terms of a series
of debt securities, which will be described in more detail in the applicable
prospectus supplement. Copies of the indentures may be obtained from CIT or the
applicable trustee. So that you may easily locate the more detailed provisions,
the numbers in parentheses below refer to sections in the applicable indenture
or, if no indenture is specified, to sections in each of the indentures.
Wherever particular sections or defined terms of the applicable indenture are
referred to, these sections or defined terms are incorporated into this
prospectus by reference and the statements in this prospectus are qualified by
that reference.

GENERAL

    The indentures provide that any debt securities that we issue will be issued
in fully registered form. We may issue the debt securities in one or more
separate series of senior or senior subordinated securities. Debt securities in
a particular series may have different maturities or different purchase prices.
(See Section 2.01 of the indentures).

    The debt securities that we issue will constitute either 'superior
indebtedness' or 'senior subordinated indebtedness,' as those terms are defined
below. From time to time, we may issue senior debt securities or 'senior
securities,' in one or more separate series of debt securities. We will issue
each series of senior securities under separate indentures, each substantially
in the form of a global senior indenture filed with the SEC. We will enter into
each senior indenture with a banking institution organized under the laws of the
United States or one of the states thereof. We refer to this banking institution
as a 'senior trustee.'

    From time to time, we may also issue senior subordinated debt securities as
one or more separate series of debt securities. We will issue each series of
senior subordinated securities under one or more separate indentures, each
substantially in the form of a senior subordinated global indenture filed with
the SEC. We will enter into each senior subordinated indenture with a banking
institution organized under the laws of the United States or one of the states
thereof. We refer to this banking institution as 'senior subordinated trustee.'

    Limitations on Indebtedness. The terms of the senior indentures do not limit
the amount of debt securities or other unsecured superior indebtedness that we
may issue. The terms of the senior indentures also do not limit the amount of
subordinated debt, secured or unsecured, that we may issue. The terms of some of
the senior subordinated indentures may limit the amount of debt securities or
other unsecured senior subordinated indebtedness that we may issue or limit the
amount of junior subordinated indebtedness that we may issue. For a description
of these limitations, see 'Description of Debt Securities -- Restrictive
Provisions and Covenants' on pages 18-19. At June 30, 2002, there was no senior
subordinated indebtedness issued and outstanding. At June 30, 2002, under the
most restrictive provisions of the senior subordinated indentures, we could
issue up to approximately $4.5 billion of additional senior subordinated
indebtedness.

    Original Issue Discount. Debt securities bearing no interest or a below
market interest rate when issued are known as original issue discount
securities. We will offer any original issue discount securities which we issue
at a discount, which may be substantial, below their stated principal amount.
You should

                                       15






refer to the prospectus supplement for a description of federal income tax
consequences and other special considerations applicable to original issue
discount securities.

    Particular Terms of Offered Debt Securities. You should refer to the
prospectus supplement for a description of the particular terms of any debt
securities that we offer for sale. The following are some of the terms of these
debt securities that we will describe in the prospectus supplement:

     title, designation, total principal amount and authorized denominations;

     percentage of principal amount at which debt securities will be issued;

     maturity date or dates;

     interest rate or rates (which may be fixed or variable) per annum, the
     method of determining the interest rate or rates and any original issue
     discount;

     payment dates for interest and principal and the provisions for accrual of
     interest;

     provisions for any sinking, purchase or other comparable fund;

     any redemption terms;

     designation of the place where registered holders of debt securities may be
     paid or may transfer or redeem debt securities;

     designation of any foreign currency, including composite currencies, in
     which the debt securities may be issued or paid and any terms under which a
     holder of debt securities may elect to be paid in a different currency than
     the currency of the debt securities;

     any index that may be used to determine the amounts of principal, interest
     or any other payment due on the debt securities; and

     designation of the debt securities as senior securities or senior
     subordinated securities. (See Section 2.01 of the indentures).

    Payment. Unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement, we will
make all payments due on debt securities, less any applicable withholding taxes,
at the office of CIT or its agent maintained for this purpose in New York, New
York. However, at our option, we may pay interest, less any applicable
withholding taxes, by mailing a check to the address of the person entitled to
the interest as their name and address appear on our register. (See
Section 2.04 of the indentures).

    Transfer of Debt Securities. A registered holder of debt securities or a
properly authorized attorney of the holder, may transfer these debt securities
at our office or our agent's office. The prospectus supplement will describe the
location of these offices. We will not charge the holder a fee for any transfer
or exchange of debt securities, but we may require the holder to pay a sum
sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge in connection with a
transfer or exchange. (See Section 2.06 of the indentures).

    Certain Defined Terms. 'Indebtedness' in the definition of the terms
'superior indebtedness,' 'senior subordinated indebtedness,' and 'junior
subordinated indebtedness' means all obligations which in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles should be classified as liabilities on
a balance sheet and in any event includes all debt and other similar monetary
obligations, whether direct or guaranteed.

    'Superior indebtedness' means all of our indebtedness that is not by its
terms subordinate or junior to any of our other indebtedness. The senior
securities will constitute superior indebtedness.

    'Senior subordinated indebtedness' means all of our indebtedness that is
subordinate only to superior indebtedness. The senior subordinated securities
will constitute senior subordinated indebtedness.

    'Junior subordinated indebtedness' means all indebtedness of CIT that is
subordinate to both superior indebtedness and senior subordinated indebtedness.

SENIOR SECURITIES

    The senior securities will be direct, unsecured obligations of CIT. Senior
securities will constitute superior indebtedness issued with equal priority to
the other superior indebtedness. At June 30, 2002, CIT Group Inc.'s consolidated
unaudited balance sheet reflected approximately $24.1 billion of outstanding
superior indebtedness.

                                       16






    The senior securities will be senior to all senior subordinated
indebtedness, including the senior subordinated securities. At June 30, 2002,
CIT Group Inc.'s consolidated balance sheet reflected no outstanding senior
subordinated indebtedness and no outstanding junior subordinated indebtedness.

SENIOR SUBORDINATED SECURITIES

    The senior subordinated securities will be direct, unsecured obligations of
CIT. CIT will pay principal, premium, if any and interest on the senior
subordinated securities only after the prior payment in full of all superior
indebtedness of CIT, including the senior securities.

    In the event of any insolvency, bankruptcy or similar proceedings, the
holders of superior indebtedness will be paid in full before any payment is made
on the senior subordinated securities. An event of default under or acceleration
of superior indebtedness does not in itself trigger the payment subordination
provisions applicable to senior subordinated securities. However, if the senior
subordinated securities are declared due and payable before maturity due to a
default, the holders of the senior subordinated securities will be entitled to
payment only after superior indebtedness is paid in full.

    Due to these subordination provisions, if we become insolvent, the holders
of superior indebtedness may recover a higher percentage of their investment
than the holders of the senior subordinated securities. We intend that any
senior subordinated securities will be in all respects equal in right of payment
with the other senior subordinated indebtedness, including CIT's outstanding
senior subordinated securities. We also intend that all senior subordinated
securities will be superior in right of payment to all junior subordinated
indebtedness and to all outstanding capital stock.

RESTRICTIVE PROVISIONS AND COVENANTS

    Negative Pledge. Generally, the indentures do not limit the amount of other
securities that we or our subsidiaries may issue. But each indenture contains a
provision, the 'Negative Pledge,' that we will not pledge or otherwise subject
to any lien any of our property or assets to secure indebtedness for money
borrowed, incurred, issued, assumed or guaranteed by us, subject to certain
exceptions. (See Section 6.04 of the indentures).

    Under the terms of the Negative Pledge, we are permitted to create the
following liens:

     liens in favor of any of our subsidiaries;

     purchase money liens;

     liens existing at the time of any acquisition that we may make;

     liens in favor of the United States, any state or governmental agency or
     department to secure obligations under contracts or statutes;

     liens securing the performance of letters of credit, bids, tenders, sales
     contracts, purchase agreements, repurchase agreements, reverse repurchase
     agreements, bankers' acceptances, leases, surety and performance bonds and
     other similar obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business;

     liens upon any real property acquired or constructed by us primarily for
     use in the conduct of our business;

     arrangements providing for our leasing of assets, which we have sold or
     transferred with the intention that we will lease back these assets, if the
     lease obligations would not be included as liabilities on our consolidated
     balance sheet;

     liens to secure non-recourse debt in connection with our leveraged or
     single-investor or other lease transactions;

     consensual liens created in our ordinary course of business that secure
     indebtedness that would not be included in total liabilities as shown on
     our consolidated balance sheet;

     liens created by us in connection with any transaction that we intend to be
     a sale of our property or assets;

     liens on property or assets financed through tax-exempt municipal
     obligations;

                                       17






     liens arising out of any extension, renewal or replacement, in whole or in
     part, of any financing permitted under the Negative Pledge, so long as the
     lien extends only to the property or assets, with improvements, that
     originally secured the lien; and

     liens that secure certain other indebtedness which, in an aggregate
     principal amount then outstanding, does not exceed 10% of our consolidated
     net worth.

(See Section 6.04 of the indentures for the provisions of the Negative Pledge).

    In addition, in the senior subordinated indentures, we have agreed not to
permit:

     the aggregate amount of senior subordinated indebtedness outstanding at any
     time to exceed 100% of the aggregate amount of the par value of our capital
     stock plus our consolidated surplus (including retained earnings); or

     the aggregate amount of senior subordinated indebtedness and junior
     subordinated indebtedness outstanding at any time to exceed 150% of the
     aggregate amount of the par value of the capital stock plus our
     consolidated surplus (including retained earnings). Under the more
     restrictive of these tests, as of March 31, 2002, we could issue up to
     approximately $6.5 billion of additional senior subordinated indebtedness.

(See senior subordinated indenture Section 6.05).

    Restrictions on Mergers and Asset Sales. Subject to the provisions of the
Negative Pledge, the indentures will not prevent us from consolidating or
merging with any other corporation or selling our assets as or substantially as,
an entirety. However, if we are not the surviving corporation in a merger, the
surviving corporation must expressly assume our obligations under the
indentures. Similarly, if we were to sell our assets as or substantially as, an
entirety to another party, the purchaser must also assume our obligations under
the indentures. (See Section 15.01 of the senior indenture, Section 16.01 of the
senior subordinated indenture).

    The holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding
debt securities of any series may waive compliance with the restrictions of the
Negative Pledge. This waiver of compliance will bind all of the holders of that
series of debt securities. (See Section 6.06 of the senior indenture,
Section 6.07 of the senior subordinated indenture).

    Other than these restrictions, the indentures contain no additional
provisions limiting our ability to enter into a highly leveraged transaction.

MODIFICATION OF INDENTURE

    Each indenture contains provisions permitting us and the trustee to amend,
modify or supplement the indenture or any supplemental indenture as to any
series of debt securities. Generally, these changes require the consent of the
holders of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding principal amount of each series
of debt securities affected by the change.

    Unanimous consent of the holders of a series of debt securities is required
for any of the following changes:

     extending the maturity of that series of debt security, reducing the rate,
     extending the time of payment of interest or reducing any other payment due
     under that series of debt security; or

     reducing the percentage of holders required to consent to any amendment or
     modification for purposes of that series of debt security.

    The rights, duties or immunities of the trustee cannot be modified without
the consent of the trustee.

(See Section 14.02 of the indentures).

COMPUTATIONS FOR OUTSTANDING DEBT SECURITIES

    In computing whether the holders of the requisite principal amount of
outstanding debt securities have taken action under an Indenture:

     for an original issue discount security, we will use the amount of the
     principal that would be due and payable as of that date, as if the maturity
     of the debt had been accelerated due to a default; or

                                       18






     for a debt security denominated in a foreign currency or currencies, we
     will use the U.S. dollar equivalent of the outstanding principal amount as
     of that date, using the exchange rate in effect on the date of original
     issuance of the debt security.

(See Section 1.02 of the indentures).

EVENTS OF DEFAULT

    Each indenture defines an 'event of default' with respect to any series of
debt securities. An event of default under an indenture is any one of the
following events that occurs with respect to a series of debt securities:

     nonpayment for thirty days of any interest when due;

     nonpayment of any principal or premium, if any, when due;

     nonpayment of any sinking fund installment when due;

     failure, after thirty days' appropriate notice, to perform any other
     covenant in the indenture (other than a covenant included in the indenture
     solely for the benefit of another series of debt securities);

     certain events in bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization;

     nonpayment of interest on our indebtedness, including guaranteed
     indebtedness (other than indebtedness that is subordinate) or nonpayment of
     any principal on any of our indebtedness, in an aggregate amount exceeding
     $25 million, as a result of which such indebtedness shall have been
     accelerated and such acceleration shall not have been annulled or rescinded
     within thirty days after written notice thereof; or

     any other event of default included in any indenture or supplemental
     indenture.

(See Section 7.01 of the indentures).

    The trustee may withhold notice of any default (except in the payment of
principal of, premium, if any or interest, if any, on any series of debt
securities) if the trustee considers that withholding notice is in the interests
of the holders of that series of debt securities. (See Section 11.03 of the
indentures).

    Generally, each indenture provides that upon an event of default, the
trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of any series of
debt securities then outstanding may declare the principal of all debt
securities of that series to be due and payable. (See Section 7.02 of the
indentures).

    You should refer to the prospectus supplement for any original issue
discount securities for disclosure of the particular provisions relating to
acceleration of the maturity of indebtedness upon the occurrence of an event of
default.

    Within 120 days after the close of each fiscal year, we are required to file
with each trustee a statement, signed by specified officers, stating whether or
not the specified officers have knowledge of any default and, if so, specifying
each default, the nature of the default and what action, if any, has been taken
to cure the default. (See Section 6.05 of the senior indenture, Section 6.06 of
the senior subordinated indenture).

    Except in cases of default and acceleration, the trustee is not under any
obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under an indenture at the
request of holders of debt securities, unless these holders offer the trustee a
reasonable indemnity. (See Section 11.01 of the indentures). As long as the
trustee has this indemnity, the holders of a majority in principal amount of any
series of debt securities outstanding may direct the time, method and place of
conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee under the
indenture or of exercising any trust or power conferred upon the trustee. (See
Section 7.08 of the indentures).

DEFEASANCE OF THE INDENTURE AND DEBT SECURITIES

    We may, at any time, satisfy our obligations with respect to payments on any
series of debt securities by irrevocably depositing in trust with the trustee
cash or Government Obligations, as defined in the indenture or a combination
thereof sufficient to make payments on the debt securities when due. If we make
this deposit in a sufficient amount, properly verified, then we would discharge
all of our obligations with respect to that series of debt securities and the
indenture insofar as it relates to that series of debt

                                       19






securities, except as otherwise provided in the indenture. In the event of this
defeasance, holders of that series of debt securities would be able to look only
to the trust fund for payment on that series of debt securities until the date
of maturity or redemption. Our ability to defease debt securities of any series
using this trust fund is subject to certain tax, legal and stock exchange
requirements. (See Sections 12.01, 12.02 and 12.03 of the indentures).

INFORMATION CONCERNING THE TRUSTEES

    We may periodically borrow funds from any of the trustees. We and our
subsidiaries may maintain deposit accounts and conduct other banking
transactions with any of the trustees. A trustee under a senior indenture or a
senior subordinated indenture may act as trustee under any of CIT's other
indentures.

                              PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

    We may sell the debt securities being offered hereby:

     directly to purchasers;

     through agents;

     to dealers; or

     through an underwriter or a group of underwriters.

    We may directly solicit offers to purchase debt securities. We may also
solicit offers through our agents. Unless otherwise indicated in the prospectus
supplement, any agent will be acting on a best efforts basis for the period of
its appointment (ordinarily five business days or less). Under our agreements
with agents, we may indemnify agents against certain civil liabilities,
including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933.

    We may also sell debt securities through a dealer as principal. The dealer
may then resell the debt securities to the public at varying prices to be
determined by the dealer at the time of resale. Under our agreements with
dealers, we may indemnify dealers against certain civil liabilities, including
liabilities under the Securities Act.

    We may also use one or more underwriters to sell debt securities. Under our
agreements with underwriters, we may indemnify underwriters against certain
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. The names of the
underwriters and the terms of the debt securities will be set forth in the
prospectus supplement. When reselling debt securities to the public, the
underwriters will deliver the prospectus supplement and this prospectus to
purchasers of debt securities, as required by applicable law.

    The underwriters, dealers, and agents may be deemed to be underwriters under
the Securities Act. Any discounts, commissions, or concessions that they receive
from us or any profit they make on the resale of debt securities may be deemed
to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act. We will
disclose in the prospectus supplement any person who may be deemed to be an
underwriter and any compensation that we have paid to any underwriter. We may
have various other commercial relationships with our underwriters, dealers, and
agents.

    If disclosed in the prospectus supplement, we may authorize underwriters and
agents to solicit offers by certain institutions to purchase offered debt
securities from us at the public offering price set forth in the prospectus
supplement pursuant to contracts providing for payment and delivery on the date
stated in the prospectus supplement. Each contract will be for an amount not
less than, and unless we otherwise agree the aggregate principal amount of
offered debt securities sold pursuant to contracts will be not less nor more
than, the amounts stated in the prospectus supplement. We may authorize
underwriters and agents to enter into contracts with institutions including
commercial and savings banks, insurance companies, pension funds, investment
companies, educational and charitable institutions, and other institutions, all
subject to our approval. Contracts will not be subject to any conditions except
that any purchase of debt securities by an institution pursuant to a contract
must be permitted under applicable laws. We will disclose in the prospectus
supplement any commission that we pay to underwriters and agents who sell debt
securities pursuant to contracts. Underwriters and agents will have no
responsibility in respect of the delivery or performance of contracts.

    The place and time of delivery for the debt securities will be set forth in
the prospectus supplement.

                                       20






                                    EXPERTS

    The consolidated balance sheet of CIT Group Inc. as of September 30, 2001,
and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in shareholder's
equity and cash flows for the periods from January 1, 2001 to June 1, 2001 and
June 2, 2001 to September 30, 2001, incorporated by reference herein and in the
registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, have been so
incorporated by reference in reliance on the reports of PricewaterhouseCoopers
LLP, independent accountants, given on the authority of said firm as experts in
auditing and accounting.

    The consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2000, and the related
consolidated statements of income, changes in shareholders' equity and cash
flows of The CIT Group, Inc. and subsidiaries for each of the years in the
two-year period ended December 31, 2000, have been incorporated by reference
herein and in the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part,
in reliance on the report of KPMG LLP, independent accountants, also
incorporated by reference herein, and upon the authority of KPMG LLP as experts
in accounting and auditing.

    The stand-alone balance sheet of CIT Group Inc. (Del) as of September 30,
2001, incorporated by reference herein and in the registration statement of
which this prospectus forms a part, has been so incorporated by reference in
reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants,
given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

    The consolidated balance sheet of Tyco Capital Holding, Inc. as of
September 30, 2001, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes
in shareholder's equity and cash flows for the period from October 13, 2000
(date of inception) to September 30, 2001, incorporated by reference herein and
in the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, have been
so incorporated by reference in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers
LLP, independent accountants, given on the authority of said firm as experts in
auditing and accounting.

                                 LEGAL OPINIONS

    The validity of the debt securities offered will be passed upon for us by
Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP.

                      WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

    We have filed with the SEC a Registration Statement on Form S-3 to register
the debt securities being offered in this prospectus. This prospectus, which
forms part of the registration statement, does not contain all of the
information included in the registration statement. For further information
about us and the securities offered in this prospectus, you should refer to the
registration statement and its exhibits. You may read and copy any document that
CIT files at the SEC's Public Reference Rooms at 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549. You can also request copies of the documents, upon
payment of a duplicating fee, by writing the Public Reference Section of the
SEC. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the
operation of the public reference rooms. These SEC filings are also available to
the public from the SEC's web site at http://www.sec.gov. Certain of our
securities are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and reports and other
information concerning us can also be inspected at the offices of the New York
Stock Exchange at 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005. You can also obtain
more information about us by visiting our web site at http:// www.cit.com.

    The SEC allows us to 'incorporate by reference' the information we file with
the SEC and information our predecessors filed in the past with the SEC, which
means we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those
documents. The information included in the following documents is incorporated
by reference and is considered to be a part of this prospectus. The most recent
information that we file with the SEC automatically updates and supersedes older
information.

                                       21






We are incorporating by reference into this prospectus the following documents
previously filed with the SEC:

    1. CIT Group Inc. (Nevada)'s Transition Report on Form 10-K for the nine
       months ended September 30, 2001;

    2. CIT Group Inc. (Nevada)'s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter
       ended December 31, 2001;

    3. CIT Group Inc. (Nevada)'s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and 10-Q/A for
       the quarter ended March 31, 2002;

    4. CIT Group Inc. (Nevada)'s Current Reports on Form 8-K filed January 17,
       2002, January 24, 2002, February 7, 2002, February 22, 2002 and April 26,
       2002;

    5. Our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2002;
       and

    6. Our Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 10, 2002, July 15 2002 and
       July 25, 2002.

    Until we have sold all of the debt securities that we are offering for sale
under this prospectus, we also incorporate by reference all documents that we
will file in the future pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the
Exchange Act. In addition, all documents filed by us pursuant to Section 13(a),
13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of the initial
registration statement and prior to the effectiveness of the registration
statement shall be deemed to be incorporated herein by reference.

    We will provide without charge to each person who receives a prospectus,
including any beneficial owner, a copy of the information that has been
incorporated by reference in this prospectus. If you would like to obtain this
information from us, please direct your request, either in writing or by
telephone, to Glenn Votek, Executive Vice President and Treasurer, CIT Group
Inc., 1 CIT Drive, Livingston, New Jersey 07039, telephone (973) 740-5000.

    You should rely only on the information provided in this prospectus and the
prospectus supplement, as well as the information incorporated by reference. CIT
has not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. CIT is not
making an offer of these securities in any state where the offer is not
permitted. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus, the
prospectus supplement or any documents incorporated by reference is accurate as
of any date other than the date on the front of the applicable document.

                                       22









                                    PART II

                   INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN THE PROSPECTUS

ITEM 14. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.

    The following table sets forth all expenses payable by CIT in connection
with the issuance and distribution of the securities being registered. All the
amounts shown are estimates, except for the registration fee.


                                                           
SEC registration fee........................................          36.80
Printing and engraving expenses.............................        200,000
Legal fees and expenses.....................................        450,000
Accounting fees and expenses................................        190,000
Fees and expenses of trustees and paying and authenticating
  agents....................................................        150,000
Rating agencies.............................................        800,000
Blue Sky fees and expenses..................................         25,000
Miscellaneous expenses......................................         10,000
                                                              -------------
    Total...................................................  $1,825,036.80
                                                              -------------
                                                              -------------


ITEM 15. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.

    Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the 'DGCL') provides,
in summary, that directors and officers of Delaware corporations are entitled,
under certain circumstances, to be indemnified against all expenses and
liabilities (including attorney's fees) incurred by them as a result of suits
brought against them in their capacity as a director or officer, if they acted
in good faith and in a manner they reasonably believed to be in or not opposed
to our best interests, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding,
if they had no reasonable cause to believe their conduct was unlawful; provided
that no indemnification may be made against expenses in respect of any claim,
issue or matter as to which they shall have been adjudged to be liable to us,
unless and only to the extent that the court in which such action or suit was
brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of
liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, they are fairly and
reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the court shall deem
proper. Any such indemnification may be made by us only as authorized in each
specific case upon a determination by the stockholders, disinterested directors
or independent legal counsel that indemnification is proper because the
indemnitee has met the applicable standard of conduct.

    Our certificate of incorporation and by-laws provide that we will indemnify
our directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by law and that no
director shall be liable for monetary damages to us or our stockholders for any
breach of fiduciary duty, except to the extent provided by applicable law (i)
for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to us or our stockholders, (ii)
for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct
or a knowing violation of law, (iii) pursuant to Section 174 of the DGCL, or
(iv) for any transaction from which such director derived an improper personal
benefit.

    In addition, we maintain liability insurance for our directors and officers.

    We have entered into indemnification agreements with each of our directors
and officers pursuant to which we have agreed to indemnify such persons to the
fullest extent permitted by Delaware law, as the same may be amended from time
to time.

ITEM 16. EXHIBITS.

    The exhibits to this Registration Statement are listed in the Exhibit Index
to this Registration Statement, which Exhibit Index is hereby incorporated by
reference.

ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS.

    (a) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:

        (1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made,
            a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

                                      II-1






              (i) to include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the
                  Securities Act of 1933 (the 'Securities Act');

             (ii) to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after
                  the effective date of this registration statement (or the most
                  recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually
                  or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the
                  information set forth in this registration statement.
                  Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in
                  volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of
                  securities offered would not exceed that which was registered)
                  and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated
                  maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of
                  prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b)
                  if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price
                  represent no more than a 20 percent change in the maximum
                  aggregate offering price set forth in the 'Calculation of
                  Registration Fee' table in the effective registration
                  statement; and

            (iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan
                  of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration
                  statement or any material change to such information in the
                  registration statement;

provided, however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) do not apply if the
information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those
paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the
Commission by the Registrant pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the registration
statement.

        (2) That, for the purposes of determining any liability under the
    Securities Act each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a
    new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and
    the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the
    initial bona fide offering thereof.

        (3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment
    any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
    termination of the offering.

        (4) That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities
    Act, each filing of the Registrants' annual report pursuant to Section 13(a)
    or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that is incorporated
    by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new
    registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
    offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial
    bona fide offering thereof.

    Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
Registrant, pursuant to the provisions described under Item 15 above, or
otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Commission
such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act
and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification
against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses
incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant
in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issue.

    The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes (1) to use its best efforts to
distribute prior to the opening of bids, to prospective bidders, underwriters
and dealers, a reasonable number of copies of a prospectus which at the time
meets the requirements of Section 10(a) of the Securities Act, and relating to
the securities offered at competitive bidding, as contained in the registration
statement, together with any supplements thereto, and (2) to file an amendment
to the registration statement reflecting the results of bidding, the terms of
the reoffering and related matters to the extent required by the applicable
form, not later than the first use, authorized by the issuer after the opening
of bids, of a prospectus relating to the securities offered at competitive
bidding, unless no further public offering of such securities by the issuer and
no reoffering of such securities by the purchasers is proposed to be made.

                                      II-2









                                   SIGNATURES

    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant
certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the City of New York, State of New York, on the 26th day of
August, 2002.

                                          CIT GROUP INC.

                                          BY:         /S/ JOSEPH M. LEONE
                                              ..................................
                                                       JOSEPH M. LEONE
                                             EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF
                                          FINANCIAL OFFICER (PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL
                                                 AND ACCOUNTING OFFICER)

                               POWER OF ATTORNEY

    KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned constitutes and
appoints ALBERT R. GAMPER, JR., JOSEPH M. LEONE and ROBERT J. INGATO, and each
of them, his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full
power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name,
place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign this registration statement
(including all pre-effective and post-effective amendments thereto and all
registration statements filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) which incorporate this
registration statement by reference), and to file the same, with all exhibits
thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, granting unto such attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each
of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all
intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying
and confirming all that such attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or
their or his or her substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be
done by virtue thereof.

    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons on August 26,
2002 in the capacities indicated below.

                                          By:        /s/ ROBERT J. INGATO*
                                              ..................................
                                                     (ROBERT J. INGATO,
                                                      ATTORNEY-IN-FACT)



                 NAME                                             TITLE
                 ----                                             -----
                                      
      /s/ ALBERT R. GAMPER, JR.*         President, Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the
 ......................................    Board and Director (Principal Executive Officer)
        (ALBERT R. GAMPER, JR.)

          /s/ JOSEPH M. LEONE            Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and
 ......................................    Director (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
           (JOSEPH M. LEONE)

           /s/ JOHN S. CHEN*             Director
 ......................................
            (JOHN S. CHEN)

       /s/ WILLIAM A. FARLINGER*         Director
 ......................................
        (WILLIAM A. FARLINGER)

       /s/ HON. THOMAS H. KEAN*          Director
 ......................................
         (HON. THOMAS H. KEAN)

       /s/ EDWARD J. KELLY, III*         Director
 ......................................
        (EDWARD J. KELLY, III)

          /s/ PETER J. TOBIN*            Director
 ......................................
           (PETER J. TOBIN)


                                      II-3






                                 EXHIBIT INDEX



EXHIBIT NO.   DESCRIPTION
-----------   ------------------------------------------------------------
           
    1.1       Form of Underwriting Agreement (Incorporated by reference to
              an Exhibit to Form S-3 filed by CIT on February 11, 1999).
    1.2       Form of Selling Agency Agreement (Incorporated by reference
              to an Exhibit to Form S-3 filed by CIT on February 16,
              1993).
    4.1       Proposed form of Debt Securities (Note) (Incorporated by
              reference to an Exhibit to Form S-3 filed by CIT on
              October 25, 1984).
    4.2       Proposed form of Debt Securities (Debenture) (Incorporated
              by reference to an Exhibit to Form S-3 filed by CIT on
              October 25, 1984).
    4.3       Proposed form of Debt Securities (Deep Discount Debenture)
              (Incorporated by reference to an Exhibit to Form S-3 filed
              by CIT on October 25, 1984).
    4.4       Proposed form of Debt Securities (Zero Coupon Debenture)
              (Incorporated by reference to an Exhibit to Form S-3 filed
              by CIT on October 25, 1984).
    4.5       Proposed form of Debt Securities (Extendible Note)
              (Incorporated by reference to an Exhibit to Form S-3 filed
              by CIT on July 24, 1989).
    4.6       Proposed form of Debt Securities (Floating Rate Renewable
              Note) (Incorporated by reference to an Exhibit to Form S-3
              filed by CIT on July 24, 1989).
    4.7       Proposed form of Debt Securities (Floating Rate Note)
              (Incorporated by reference to an Exhibit to Form S-3 filed
              by CIT on February 16, 1993).
    4.8       Proposed form of Debt Securities (Medium-Term Senior Fixed
              Rate Note) (Incorporated by reference to an Exhibit to Form
              S-3 filed by CIT on February 23, 2001).
    4.9       Proposed form of Debt Securities (Medium-Term Senior
              Floating Rate Note) (Incorporated by reference to an Exhibit
              to Form S-3 filed by CIT on February 23, 2001).
    4.10      Proposed form of Debt Securities (Medium-Term Senior
              Subordinated Fixed Rate Note) (Incorporated by reference to
              an Exhibit to Form S-3 filed by CIT on February 23, 2001).
    4.11      Proposed form of Debt Securities (Medium-Term Senior
              Subordinated Floating Rate Note) (Incorporated by reference
              to an Exhibit to Form S-3 filed by CIT on February 23,
              2001).
    4.12      Form of Indenture dated as of August 26, 2002 by and among
              CIT, Bank One Trust Company, N.A., as trustee, and Bank One,
              NA, London Branch, as London Paying Agent and London
              Calculation Agent, for the issuance of unsecured and
              unsubordinated debt securities (Filed herewith).
    4.13      Form of Indenture dated as of September 24, 1998 by and
              between CIT (formerly known as Tyco Capital Corporation and
              Tyco Acquisition Corp. XX (NV) and successor to The CIT
              Group, Inc.) and The Bank of New York, as trustee, for the
              issuance of unsecured and senior subordinated debt
              securities (Incorporated by reference to an Exhibit to Form
              S-3 filed by CIT September 24, 1998).
    4.14      First Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 1, 2001 among
              CIT (formerly known as Tyco Capital Corporation and Tyco
              Acquisition Corp. XX (NV) and successor to The CIT Group,
              Inc.), CIT Holdings (NV) Inc. and The Bank of New York, as
              trustee, for the issuance of unsecured and senior
              subordinated debt securities (Incorporated by reference to
              Exhibit 4.2f to Form S-3 filed by CIT on June 7, 2001).
    4.15      Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of February 14, 2002
              to an Indenture dated as of September 24, 1998, as
              supplemented by the First Supplemental Indenture dated as of
              June 1, 2001, by and between CIT Group Inc. (formerly known
              as Tyco Capital Corporation and Tyco Acquisition Corp. XX
              (NV) and successor to The CIT Group, Inc.) and The Bank of
              New York, as trustee, for the issuance of unsecured senior
              subordinated debt securities (Incorporated by reference to
              Exhibit 4.3 to Form 8-K filed by CIT on February 22, 2002).
    4.16      Third Supplemental Indenture dated as of July 2, 2002 to an
              Indenture dated as of September 24, 1998, as supplemented by
              the First Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 1, 2001
              and the Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of
              February 14, 2002, by and between CIT Group Inc. (formerly
              known as CIT Group Inc. (Del)) and The Bank of New York, as
              trustee, for the issuance of unsecured senior subordinated
              debt securities (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to
              Form 8-K filed by CIT on July 10, 2002).
    4.17      Certain instruments defining the rights of holders of CIT's
              long-term debt, none of which authorize a total amount of
              indebtedness in excess of 10% of the total amounts
              outstanding of CIT and its subsidiaries on a consolidated
              basis have not been filed as exhibits. CIT agrees to furnish
              a copy of these agreements to the Commission upon request.
    5.1       Opinion of Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP (Filed herewith).


                                      II-4








EXHIBIT NO.   DESCRIPTION
-----------   ------------------------------------------------------------
           
   10.1       Form of Separation Agreement by and between Tyco
              International Ltd. and CIT (Incorporated by reference to
              Exhibit 10.2 to Form S-1/A filed by CIT on June 12, 2002).
   10.2       Form of Financial Services Cooperation Agreement by and
              between Tyco International Ltd. and CIT (Incorporated by
              reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Form S-1/A filed by CIT on
              June 12, 2002).
   10.3       Retention Agreement for Albert R. Gamper, Jr., as proposed
              to be amended (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to
              Form S-1/A filed by CIT on June 26, 2002).
   10.4       Retention Agreement for Joseph M. Leone (Incorporated by
              reference to Exhibit 10.20 to Form S-1/A filed by CIT on
              June 26, 2002).
   10.5       Retention Agreement for Thomas B. Hallman (Incorporated by
              reference to Exhibit 10.21 to Form S-1/A filed by CIT on
              June 26, 2002).
   10.6       Retention Agreement for Lawrence A. Marsiello (Incorporated
              by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to Form S-1/A filed by CIT on
              June 26, 2002).
   10.7       Retention Agreement for Nikita Zdanow (Incorporated by
              reference to Exhibit 10.23 to Form S-1/A filed by CIT on
              June 26, 2002).
   10.8       Executive Severance Plan (Incorporated by reference to
              Exhibit 10.24 to Form S-1/A filed by CIT on June 26, 2002).
   10.9       Long-Term Equity Compensation Plan (Incorporated by
              reference to Exhibit 10.25 to Form S-1/A filed by CIT on
              June 26, 2002).
   10.10      Form of Indemnification Agreement (Incorporated by reference
              to Exhibit 10.26 to Form S-1/A filed by CIT on June 26,
              2002).
   10.11      Form of Tax Agreement by and between Tyco International Ltd.
              and CIT (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.27 to Form
              S-1/A filed by CIT on June 12, 2002).
   12         Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges (Filed
              herewith).
   21.1       Subsidiaries of CIT (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
              21.1 to Form S-1/A filed by CIT on June 12, 2002).
   23.1       Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (CIT Group Inc.)
              (Filed herewith).
   23.2       Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (CIT Group Inc. (Del))
              (Filed herewith).
   23.3       Consent of KPMG LLP (Filed herewith).
   23.4       Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (CIT Group Inc. (Del))
              (Filed herewith).
   23.5       Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (Tyco Capital Holding,
              Inc.) (Filed herewith).
   23.6       Consent of Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP (Included in Exhibit
              5.1).
   24.1       Powers of Attorney (Filed herewith) (Included on the
              signature page of this Form S-3).
   24.2       Board Resolutions (Filed herewith).
   25.1       Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture
              Act of 1939 of The Bank of New York (Filed herewith).
   25.2       Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture
              Act of 1939 of Bank One Trust Company, NA (Filed herewith).


                                      II-5



                             STATEMENT OF DIFFERENCES

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