Related: Overall Fleet Sales Down 39% in 2020
Overall Fleet Sales Down 25% in January
Total fleet sales for the month — which is comprised of commercial, rental, and government sales — came in at 153,372, which represented a 25.5% drop from the same time last year.

Total fleet sales for the month — which is comprised of commercial, rental, and government sales — came in at 153,372, which represented a 25.5% drop from the same time last year.
Photo: Pixabay
Commercial fleet sales through January 2021 were down 10.8% compared to same time last year, according to sales data from nine manufacturers, though the month had to compete with a strong January 2020 market that was pre-pandemic.
The decline in commercial fleet sales saw its most significant drop in for the car segment, down 38.6%, year-over-year, though sedans represent the smallest segment volume for commercial fleets. Meanwhile, the truck and SUV segment saw a 8.3% decline. Total commercial fleet sales in January were at 50,363 units.
Total fleet sales for the month — which is comprised of commercial, rental, and government sales — came in at 153,372, which represented a 25.5% drop from the same time last year.
The rental and government fleet segments also both saw overall declines for the month of January 2021.
For rental fleets, there was a 32.6% overall decline in fleet sales during the month, according to sales data. Through January, rental fleet car sales fell by a drastic 15.6%, totaling 35,189 units. Truck and SUV segment sales decreased 40.7% at 52,625 units.
Meanwhile, government fleets also saw declines for each segment. There was a 58.1% decline in cars sold to government fleets in January, and an 18% decline in the truck and SUV segment. Combined, truck, SUV, and car vehicle sales for government fleets amounted to 14,565 units, which reflected a 20.6% decline.
More Operations

Here's When You Should Make an Exception to Fleet Policy
Fleet policies are designed to create consistency, but not every driver or situation fits neatly within standard rules.
Read More →
AI-Native or AI-Acquired: What Should Fleet Managers Look for in an AI Platform?
Six questions can help fleet managers look beyond AI marketing claims to evaluate integration, data access, and real-world operational performance.
Read More →
A buyer's guide to fleet management software in 2027
Buying fleet management software in 2027 means looking beyond features and price. As fleet operations, technology and expectations evolve, this guide explores what today’s fleet professionals should consider when choosing a system that can deliver value now and adapt to what comes next.
Read More →
What Will Shape the Next Era of Fleet Management?
EVs, AI, and autonomous vehicles are reshaping fleet management. Discover what’s ahead—and how fleet leaders can prepare for the next era.
Read More →
How Fleets Can Recruit and Train Veterans for Technician Roles
Here's how the technician shortage has affected uptime for fleets, and what to do about it.
Read More →
Avis Budget Group Deploys Neology Toll Management Technology Across Major Brands
Neology’s neoFleet platform will manage toll transactions and toll-authority operations for vehicles across Avis, Budget, Payless, Budget Truck and Zipcar.
Read More →
Fleet Personal-Use Charges Edge Higher in 2026
Nearly eight in 10 surveyed fleets allow personal use of company vehicles, while just over half of respondents report charging employees for the privilege.
Read More →
The Future of Fleet + What’s Changing Right Now | AF News Recap
Could developments overseas offer a preview of what’s coming for U.S. fleets? This week, we’re looking at the future of AI, autonomy, and electrification, plus Ford Pro’s new certified pre-owned program, smarter vehicle offboarding, and a new way for fleets to manage toll expenses.
Read More →
How to Handle Vehicle Offboarding
What do fleet managers need to do when a driver leaves?
Read More →
Fleet Manager’s Ultimate Playbook: Navigating the New Standard in OEM Connectivity
Rising operating costs, driver safety concerns, and unplanned downtime are putting unprecedented pressure on modern fleets. Discover how fleet managers use embedded OEM connectivity and real-time vehicle data to cut TCO, prevent downtime, and protect drivers without aftermarket telematics hardware.
Read More →
