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SEARCHRental fleets once again keep the momentum as government fleet sales last month showed an upturn for the first time in 2025.
Rental fleet sales now comprise more than 50% of all fleet sales this year and rank higher by about 2 percentage points
Graphic: Automotive Fleet
Fleet sales rose for the third month in a row in September, turning in a strong third-quarter performance, according to Bobit Business Media fleet numbers released on Oct. 1.
Combined, the three fleet sectors in September totaled 161,171 vehicles sold, up 11.6% from 144,456 in September 2024.
Rental fleets are still the leading source of sales among the three sectors this year, up 22% year-over-year last month and higher by 51% for Q3 versus Q3 2024.
Rental fleet sales now comprise more than 50% of all fleet sales this year and rank higher by about 2 percentage points, as commercial fleets are down three points in the mix and government fleets by 2 points, said Jeremy Robb, lead economist for Manheim.
Bucking its 2025 trend, government fleet sales showed year-over-year growth in September, partly due to the low sales pace in 2024, he added.
Meanwhile, lackluster commercial fleet sales were flat YOY rising just over 1% in Q3 against last year but were down 11% against August 2025.
Broken down by fleet sector:
Commercial fleet sales numbered 62,059 vehicles in September compared to 62,359 in September 2024, for a sliver dip of .5%.
Rental fleets bought 77,496 vehicles, up 22.2% from 63,400 rental cars sold in September 2024.
Government fleet sales rose 15.6%, from 18,697 vehicles in September 2024 to 21,616 last month. [Government fleet totals included only numbers from Ford, GM, Stellantis, and Mazda. Five of the six major Asian-based automakers did not report any monthly government fleet sales].
Total fleet sales YTD as of Sept. 30 stood at 1,702,838 vehicles sold, ahead 3.1% from the 1,651,900 vehicles sold in the first three quarters of 2024.
“Commercial volume is down 5% in the first three quarters of 2025 versus same period last year, while rental is up 14% and government is down 14%,” Robb said.
Among the nine major OEM brands, GM, Hyundai, Ford, and Mazda all gained market share in September, compared to September 2024.
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 statistics include cars, SUVs, and trucks.
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