Automotive Fleet
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Commercial Fleet Sales Increase 2.1% in May

Sales of vehicles to commercial fleets increased 2.1% in May, while sales to government fleets were flat, and sales into daily rental increased 29.8%.

June 5, 2018
Commercial Fleet Sales Increase 2.1% in May

Sales of vehicles to commercial fleets increased 2.1% in May, while sales to government fleets were flat, and sales into daily rental increased 29.8%.

Photos courtesy of Ford, GM, Nissan, and Ram.

2 min to read


Sales of vehicles to commercial fleets from eight manufactures increased 2.1% to 69,145 in May as sales of trucks, vans, and SUVs powered an increase of 6.9% to 61,484, while and passenger car sales fell 25.1% to 7,661 units compared to a year ago, according to Automotive Fleet data.

For the year so far, sales to commercial fleets have increased 8.6% to 323,528. Truck-based sales have increased 10.3% to 282,174, and car sales have fallen 2% to 41,354.

Ad Loading...

Sales to government fleets from four manufacturers were flat in May with a 0.6% decline to 28,574. Truck-based sales fell 2.8% to 22,653 and car sales increased 8.9% to 5,921. For the year, government sales have declined 4.7% to 110,631 for the month with truck sales decreasing 5% to 90,678 and car sales falling 3.2% to 19,953.

Daily rental sales from nine manufacturers in May increased 29.8% to 182,111 units. Truck-based sales increased 58.6% to 119,358 units, while car sales declined 3.5% to 62,753 units. Year-to-date sales have increased 8.4% to 851,821 vehicles with a 10.6% decline in car sales to 338,390 and a 26.1% increase in truck-based sales to 513,431 units.

For all three segments, fleet sales in May increased 18.2% from a year ago to 279,830 units with a 30.3% gain in truck sales to 203,495 and a 5.4% decline in car sales to 76,335.

Year to date, the three fleet segments have increased 7.2% to 1.28 million. While truck-based sales have increased 16.9% to 886,283, car sales have fallen 9.5% to 399,697.

Related: Commercial Fleet Sales Increase 9% in April

More Vehicle Research

An AF news recap blue and white thumbnail
Vehicle Researchby Faith HowellAugust 28, 2026

New Tariff Threats & a Leadership Change at Wheels | AF News Recap

A new tariff threat is creating more uncertainty for fleet ordering, Wheels has named a new president, and we’re asking whether certification is really worth the investment.

Read More →
A certification symbol with text over it
Vehicle Researchby Faith HowellAugust 28, 2026

Certification: What’s in It for the Fleet Manager?

From smarter fleet decisions to stronger career credibility, certification can give fleet managers knowledge they may never gain inside a single operation.

Read More →
Graphic for the new Wheels president with Matthew Cole's headshot on the left
Vehicle Researchby News/Media ReleaseAugust 27, 2026

Wheels Names Matthew Cole President

Cole brings more than 30 years of automotive and technology experience to the fleet management company, including leadership roles at Aptiv, Visteon and Johnson Controls.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
An AF news recap thumbnail
Vehicle Researchby Faith HowellAugust 22, 2026

AI is changing what fleet managers can build & 849,000 vehicles recalled | AF News Recap

Fleet managers are learning how to build their own AI-powered tools, Stellantis is recalling nearly 849,000 vehicles, and this year’s Fleet Manager of the Year finalists have been revealed. Additionally, we’re examining how to identify repairs that warrant a second look. Here’s what you need to know this week.

Read More →
Geotab idling report graph
Vehicle Researchby StaffAugust 21, 2026

Geotab Study Finds $105M Opportunity in Reducing Fleet Idling

A study of more than 2.6 million commercial vehicles found that targeting the worst-performing fleet vehicles could save 24.2 million gallons of fuel annually.

Read More →
a Ram 1500 on the road
Vehicle Researchby StaffAugust 18, 2026

Stellantis Recalls Nearly 849,000 Vehicles for Rearview Camera Issue

Nearly 849,000 Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram vehicles are affected by a software issue that can prevent the rearview camera image from appearing. Stellantis plans to address the issue through an over-the-air software update.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Vehicle Researchby News/Media ReleaseAugust 18, 2026

2027 Jeep Grand Cherokee Adds Upland, Trailhawk and Overland Trims

The 2027 Grand Cherokee lineup adds new trim options, updated standard technology and a choice of V6 or turbocharged four-cylinder powertrains.

Read More →
AF news recap
Vehicle Researchby Faith HowellAugust 14, 2026

The Tools Are Smarter, but Are Your Fleet Strategies? | AF News Recap

From a fleet manager’s critical first 90 days to why more technology doesn’t automatically mean better safety, this week is all about turning tools into results.

Read More →
City of Carlsbad public works superintendent sits across from publisher for Automotive Fleet Chris Brown
Vehicle Researchby StaffAugust 14, 2026

Beyond the Hype: How AI Can Make Fleets More Productive

How can AI actually make fleets more efficient?

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A blue and white AF news recap thumbnail on Ram recalls and hands-on AI
Vehicle Researchby Faith HowellAugust 10, 2026

From a Major Ram Recall to Hands-On AI | AF News Recap

A massive Ram recall, new maintenance cost comparisons, the retirement of a longtime fleet industry leader, and hands-on AI are all making headlines. Here’s what fleet professionals need to know this week.

Read More →