File photo

File photo

Sales of vehicles to commercial fleets from eight manufacturers bounced back in June after several months of declining sales, by increasing 14.6% from a year ago to 68,443 units, according to Automotive Fleet data.

Sales of trucks, vans, and SUVs increased 20.1% to 60,185 units, while passenger car sales fell 14.2% to 8,258 units.

For the first half of the year, commercial fleet sales have fallen 2.1% to 366,372 units. Truck-based sales have increased 0.7% to 315,905, while car sales have fallen 16.7% to 50,467 units.

While commercial sales surged in June, sales into daily rental declined 22%.

In June, Ford sold 75,583 vehicles to commercial, government, and rental fleet buyers (down 13.9% from June of 2016). Overall F-Series truck sales, which include retail units, remain robust with a 9.8% increase to 77,895 compared to a year ago. Total SUV sales were even stronger with Explorer up 23% and Edge up 20% from a year ago.

General Motors increased its commercial sales by 36% and recorded its best June since 2006. Total fleet sales for the month were 40,247 (down 12.3%). Overall utility sales were strong, including a 36% increase in Equinox and 71% increase in Traverse.

Fiat-Chrysler sold 47,401 fleet units (down 15%) with much of the reduction coming in the rental segment, according to FCA. Fleet sales of Jeeps fell 49%. Ram truck sales increased 5% and gave the brand its best month on record. Chrysler Pacifica minivan sales increased 59%.

The automakers sold 240,710 vehicles in the three fleet segments in June with 165,703 in the truck category and 75,007 in the car category. In the first half of the year, overall fleet sales declined 11.4% to 1.44 million. The truck category has declined 4.1% to 923,888, while the car category has fallen 22.% to 516,532.

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