Automotive Fleet
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Commercial Fleet Sales Experience April Downturn

Commercial fleet sales from nine manufacturers totaled 24,923 in April 2020, representing a 66.5% year-over-year decrease, driven heavily by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

May 4, 2020
Commercial Fleet Sales Experience April Downturn

Commercial car sales were down heavily, by 77.6% year-over-year during April at 1,600 units, and the truck and SUV segment also suffered heavily, with vehicle sales down 65.3% at 23,323.

Photos: Ford, GM, FCA, and Nissan. 

2 min to read


Commercial fleet sales from nine manufacturers totaled 24,923 in April 2020, representing a 66.5% year-over-year decrease, driven heavily by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Total fleet sales for the month — which is comprised of commercial, rental, and government sales — came in at 72,084, which represented a significant 70% drop from the same time last year. Commercial car sales were down heavily by 77.6% year-over-year during April at 1,600 units, and the truck and SUV segment also suffered heavily, with vehicle sales down 65.3% at 23,323 units, according to Automotive Fleet data.

Ad Loading...

The rental fleet segment also saw vehicle sales drop significantly; major declines were seen across the board for automakers who reported for the month of April.

Through April 2020, rental fleet car sales fell 76.2% totaling 12,801 units. Truck and SUV segment sales decreased 76.9% at 20,193 units. Combined, rental fleet sales totaled 32,994, which represented a 76.7% year-over-year decline.

The government fleet sector also experienced notable declines, though not as significantly as commercial and rental fleets. There were 786 cars sold to government fleets, a 75.1% decrease, and truck and SUV sales were at 13,381 units, reflecting a 39% decline. Combined, truck, SUV, and car vehicle sales for government fleets amounted to 14,167 units, which reflected a 43.5% decrease from last year.

Year-to-date, as of the end of April 2020, overall fleet sales from nine manufacturers total 786,296, 25%% less on a year-over-year basis. Major drops in segments across the board helped contribute to this. So far car sales are down 36.9% year-to-date and truck and SUV segment sales are down 20.1% year-to-date; strong fleet sales in the first few months of 2020 are helping keep these declines less significant than what happened in April alone.

More Vehicle Research

2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 models in a row
Vehicle Researchby Chris BrownJune 16, 2026

Chevrolet Brings Duramax Diesel to Work Truck Trim in Next-Generation 2027 Silverado 1500

The 2027 Silverado 1500 adds Duramax diesel availability to the Work Truck trim, introduces two new V-8 engines, and standardizes a 16.3-inch center display across all trims. Pricing and specifications are pending.

Read More →
A promotional graphic with a dark blue background featuring a woman pointing toward the headline, “Why Fleet Management Looks Different in 2026.” The graphic is labeled “Weekly Cheat Sheet” and includes icons representing trends, insights, and strategies.
Vehicle Researchby Faith HowellJune 15, 2026

Why Fleet Management Looks Different in 2026 | AF News Recap

This week's fleet headlines highlight a mix of industry leadership and an important safety reminder for fleet professionals.

Read More →
Stellantis executive talks from stage
Vehicle Researchby Chris BrownJune 10, 2026

Ram Previews ProMaster City, Updates Fleet Vehicle Lineup

The return of the small van headlined enhancements across the ProMaster, Chassis Cab, Heavy Duty, and Ram 1500 lineup, along with a preview of future Ram products.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Dark blue bar graphs showing percentage gains in average wholesale used vehicle prices
Remarketingby News/Media ReleaseJune 5, 2026

Wholesale Used Vehicle Market Sustains Moderate Rise In Values, Prices

Trends continue to normalize after a strong start to the year, as consumers contend with higher gas prices in the coming summer months.

Read More →
A red and blue graphic representing the expansion of Stellantis pro one,

Stellantis Launches Pro One in North America

Stellantis has launched Stellantis Pro One in North America, unifying its commercial vehicle operations under a global business unit and outlining plans for new vans, pickups, and fleet-focused services.

Read More →
Woman in a blue shirt points toward text reading “The Future of Fleet Is Closer Than You Think” on a Weekly Cheat Sheet graphic about fleet technology, cybersecurity, safety, and industry trends.
Vehicle Researchby Faith HowellJune 5, 2026

The Future of Fleet is Closer Than You Think | AF News Recap

Cybersecurity threats, autonomous vehicle strategies, and hands-on crash testing experiences are all making headlines this week. Here's a quick look at the trends shaping the future of fleet.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A blue and red Automotive Fleet graphic calling for nominations for the fleet safety award.
Safetyby Faith HowellJune 4, 2026

Nominations Open for 2026 Fleet Safety Award

Nominations have officially opened for the 2026 Fleet Safety Award Winner.

Read More →
Green and black bar graphs show May 2025 v. 2026 fleet vehicle sales into commercial, rental, and government fleet sectors.
Vehicle Researchby Martin RomjueJune 3, 2026

Commercial Fleet Sales Still Lead Sectors Despite May Mini Dip

The U.S. economy's continued growth and positive business investment are creating a favorable environment for fleet vehicle demand.

Read More →
Dark teaser image of Stellantis Pro One’s autonomous Box on Wheels delivery concept, a driverless zero-emission vehicle designed for last-mile logistics and fleet operations.
Vehicle Researchby StaffJune 2, 2026

Stellantis Pro One Unveils 2030 Strategy: 11 New Models, Autonomous Concept, and Uptime-as-a-Service

The commercial vehicle division sets ambitious targets, including 30% volume growth and a push toward 100% vehicle uptime through a new ecosystem services platform.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Presenter stands onstage before a large screen announcing Ford Pro’s expanded 5-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty for additional fleet vehicles beginning with the 2027 model year.
Vehicle Researchby StaffJune 1, 2026

Ford Pro Expands 5-Year/100,000-Mile Powertrain Warranty to Additional Commercial Vehicles

Beginning with the 2027 model year, Ford Pro will extend its 5-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty to a broader range of commercial vehicles, including several SUVs, pickups, and EVs purchased by eligible fleet customers.

Read More →