Overall Fleet Sales Rise for First Time Since October 2024
Rental fleet sales accounted for the monthly increase but weren’t enough to sustain a Q1 increase compared to last year.
All the gains in fleet sales in March were seen in the rental segment, showing the strongest level of sales for any month in the last three years.
Graphic: Bobit
Among commercial, rental, and government fleets, March 2025 sales totaled 229,950 vehicles, up 2.3% compared to 224,833 vehicles sold in March 2024, according to Bobit Business Media fleet numbers released on April 1.
It was the first year-over-year increase of the three fleet sectors since October 2024. Fleet sales also rose 14.8% from the 195,892 vehicles sold in February 2025.
However, fleet sales year-to-date show Q1 2025 with 583,614 fleet vehicles sold, compared to 607,225 during Q1 2024, for a 3.9% dip.
These are the last fleet sales numbers before the heavy Trump tariffs on the automotive sector kick in on April 2.
“All the gains in fleet sales in March were seen in the rental segment, showing the strongest level of sales for any month in the last three years,” said Jeremy Robb, senior director of economic and industry insights at Cox Automotive. “Rental fleet operators stepped up their buying plans to try and get ahead of price increases that should be coming at the beginning of April, stemming from the tariff impact.”
March feet sales by fleet sector were:
Commercial fleet sales numbered 71,664 vehicles in March compared to 78,756 in March 2024, decreasing 9%.
Rental fleet sales rose 13.1% year-over-year in March at 137,645 vehicles compared to 121,731 vehicles in March 2024.
Government fleet sales last month were 20,641 vehicles, falling 15.2% from 24,346 in March 2024. [Government fleet totals include numbers from Ford, GM, and Stellantis only. The six major Asian-based automakers did not report any monthly fleet sales].
“While rental fleet sales were strong, there was weakness in commercial and government segments, which has been the trend each month so far this year,” Robb said.
Fleet sales gains were not common to all automakers, with GM registering the biggest increase in YOY fleet sales in March.
Bobit Business Media (BBM), owner of Automotive Fleet, Vehicle Remarketing, Government Fleet, and Auto Rental News, compiles fleet sales numbers that reflect aggregate figures from the three major Detroit-based auto manufacturers and the Asian Big 6 automakers. The figures include cars, SUVs, and trucks.
More Vehicle Research
What Should We Make of the Fiat Topolino?
This atypical low-speed vehicle is coming to the U.S. It's smaller than a Smart Fortwo and starts at $13,995.
Read More →
USPS, Zipcar, DPD UK, and Others Named Winners of The Optimizers Awards 2026
USPS, Zipcar, DPD UK, and other fleet organizations were recognized in the 2026 Optimizers Awards for initiatives involving route optimization, automation, AI, and fleet utilization.
Read More →
Commercial Fleet Sales Contribute To June, YTD Gains
The fleet sector has boosted its vehicle purchases at a reliable pace in the first half of this year compared with 1H 2025.
Read More →
Mid-Atlantic Advanced Transportation Summit to Explore Fleet Fuels, Infrastructure, and Transportation Innovation
Fleet Forward Conference expands collaboration with Clean Cities organizations as part of a broader effort to connect fleet leaders with emerging transportation technologies and strategies.
Read More →
America's 250th Birthday: Vehicles That Kept the Country Moving Over the Years
As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, Automotive Fleet looks back at 11 vehicles that helped shape commercial transportation.
Read More →
Can AI Really Make Fleet Drivers Safer?
Chris Brown and Wheels rep David Glines discuss how AI is reshaping safety for fleet drivers.
Read More →
GMC Previews Redesigned 2027 Sierra 1500 with New V8 Engines, Expanded Technology
The next-generation Sierra arrives later this year with new powertrains, a fully redesigned cabin, and trims aimed at the premium end of the full-size pickup segment.
Read More →
Slate Debuts Colorful, Unique EV Models
A recent media and client event, studded with electric vehicles dressed up on platforms, planted a new position for the manufacturer in the wider EV market. Fleets will find cost-saving advantages.
Read More →
Slate Electric SUV, Pickup Switchable Model Aims For Light-Duty Fleets
Everything about this EV is counterintuitive and understated, making it stand out from the crowd.
Read More →
Polestar Barred from U.S. Market Under Connected Vehicle Rule
The automaker loses its authorization to sell new vehicles in the U.S., starting with the 2027 model year. Polestar owners will retain access to the brand's service network.
Read More →