Automotive Fleet
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Commercial Fleets Start Year With Double-Digit Gain

After flat-to-low monthly sales in 2025, fleets bounced back in vehicle purchases in January.

February 4, 2026
Fleet sales green and black bar graphs comparing Januarys 2025 and 2026.

Commercial fleet sales rose to 57,132 vehicles last month, up from 50,387 in January 2025, a 13.4% increase.

Credit: Automotive Fleet

2 min to read


Commercial and rental fleets started 2026 with double-digit gains over last year, while government fleets posted a smaller increase, according to monthly fleet sales figures released by Bobit Business Media on Feb. 3. 

Total fleet sales for January built on the momentum that carried over from last year. 

Ad Loading...

Sales gains in the three fleet segments for January 2026 were as follows:

  • Commercial fleet sales rose to 57,132 vehicles last month, up from 50,387 in January 2025, a 13.4% increase.

  • Rental fleet sales hopped 16.1% for the month, from 90,237 rental cars sold in January 2025 to 104,725 vehicles sold last month.

  • Government fleet vehicles, which fared the worst of the three fleet sectors throughout 2025, started the year on a modestly positive trend, with 18,028 vehicles sold in January, up 5.1% from 17,148 in January 2025. (Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Nissan, Subaru, and Toyota did not provide any government fleet numbers for January.)

That resulted in total January fleet sales of 179,885, up 14% from 157,772 in January 2025.

"Economic growth provides support for growth in various U.S. sectors such as manufacturing and retail, which is favorable to commercial vehicle demand," said Zohaib Rahim, senior manager of economic and industry insights for Cox Automotive. "Both OBBBA (One Big Beautiful Bill Act) and the current economic environment are supporting commercial fleet vehicles, which is leading to the positive momentum to start 2026."

Bobit Business Media (BBM), owner of Automotive Fleet and Vehicle Remarketing, compiles fleet sales statistics based on aggregate data from the three major Detroit-based auto manufacturers, the Asian Big 7 automakers, and VW. The statistics include cars, SUVs, and trucks.


More Vehicle Research

Two Fiat Topolino models shown on a bluff.
Vehicle Researchby Chris BrownJuly 9, 2026

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 →
Graphic announcing the 2026 Autofleet Optimizers Awards winners, featuring headshots of leaders from USPS, DPD UK, Zipcar, Karmo, Dollaride, and Kari Ride Hailing.
Mobilityby News/Media ReleaseJuly 9, 2026

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 →
Green and black bar graphs showing 2026 versus 2025 fleet sales.
Vehicle Researchby Martin RomjueJuly 8, 2026

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 →
Ad Loading...
Cherry blossoms frame James Madison University's Atlantic Union Bank Center in Harrisonburg, Virginia, host site for the Mid-Atlantic Advanced Transportation Summit & Expo (MAATSE).
Vehicle Researchby StaffJuly 1, 2026

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 →
Graphic featuring an American flag and the text "10 Vehicles That Have Defined American Fleets" with Automotive Fleet branding and a gold "250" anniversary graphic.
Vehicle Researchby Faith HowellJune 30, 2026

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 →
An Automotive Fleet podcast logo for episode 3
Vehicle ResearchJune 29, 2026

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 →
Ad Loading...
GMC Sierra in desert
Vehicle Researchby Chris BrownJune 26, 2026

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 →
Yellow Slate pickup truck on a platform.
Green Fleetby Martin RomjueJune 26, 2026

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 →
Yellow Slate Fastback on a raised platform in a warehouse.
Green Fleetby Martin RomjueJune 25, 2026

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 →
Ad Loading...
Profile view of Polestar 3
Vehicle Researchby Chris BrownJune 25, 2026

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 →