Commercial Fleet Sales Increased 8.8% in 2018

Sales of vehicles to commercial fleets from eight manufactures increased 8.8% to 743,210 in 2018, even with a weaker December, on the strength of sales of trucks, SUVs, and vans that accounted for nearly nine units out of every 10 sold.

The manufacturers increased truck-based sales by 10% to 656,395. Sales of passenger cars were slightly higher with a 0.7% increase to 86,815 units, according to Automotive Fleet data.

Commercial fleet sales in December declined from the prior year to 60,191, which was 3.7% lower. Truck-based sales increased 2.7% to 53,970, while car sales declined 37.6% to 6,221.

Daily rental sales from nine manufacturers increased 7% to 1.7 million in 2018. Truck, van, and SUV sales increased 24.1% to 1.03 million, while car sales fell 11.7% to 673,034. In December, sales to rental fleets increased 11.6% to 140,010. Truck-based sales increased 40.5%, while car sales fell 15.4% to 54,781.

Sales to government fleets from five manufacturers increased 2.4% to 268,242 in 2018. Truck-based sales increased 5% to 223,667, while sales of cars fell 8.6% to 44,575. For December, sales increased 7.1% to 21,342. Truck-based sales increased 7.9% to 17,663, while car sales increased 3.1% to 3,679.

For the three segments, fleet sales increased 7% to 2.71 million in 2018. Truck-based sales increased 16.5% to 1.91 million, while car sales fell 10.3% to 804,424. In December, overall fleet sales increased 6.6% to 221,543. Truck-based sales increased 21.1% to 156,862, while car sales fell 17.4% to 64,681.

Originally posted on Automotive Fleet