Automotive Fleet
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

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.

April 2, 2025
Overall Fleet Sales Rise for First Time Since October 2024

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

2 min to read


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.

Ad Loading...

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].

Ad Loading...

“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

Johan Verbois, executive director of CARA, stands outdoors in a blue blazer with arms crossed, with blurred vehicles and greenery in the background.
Remarketingby News/Media ReleaseApril 27, 2026

CARA Appoints Johan Verbois as Executive Director

CARA recently opened up a part-time executive director position and appointed Johan Verbois for the role.

Read More →
Subaru electric SUV driving along a coastal highway at sunset, representing the 2027 Getaway with three-row seating and all-electric performance.
Vehicle Researchby News/Media ReleaseApril 22, 2026

Subaru Unveils New Electric SUV, a Three-Row 2027 Subaru Getaway

Subaru introduces the all-electric 2027 Getaway, a three-row SUV with 420 hp, over 300 miles of range, and fast-charging capability, expanding its EV lineup.

Read More →
Vehicle Researchby StaffApril 21, 2026

GM Envolve Changes Name to GM Fleet

The GM Fleet name aligns to how customers identify us and it also helps with discoverability, the company said.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Electric vehicle charging in a home garage with wall-mounted charging and energy systems, illustrating WEX EV At-Home fraud protection and fleet charging verification technology.
Vehicle Researchby News/Media ReleaseApril 21, 2026

WEX Launches Solution to Close EV At-Home Charging Visibility Gap

At NAFA I&E 2026, WEX debuted an EV solution that adds a layer of verification to help fleets track, validate, and trust every at-home charging dollar.

Read More →
Mechanic working under a car hood with diagnostic tool; overlay text reads “Fleet repair isn’t too expensive. It’s unpredictable.” highlighting cost uncertainty in fleet maintenance.
Vehicle ResearchApril 20, 2026

The Hidden Pain in Fleet Repair

BBM research insights reveal that budget headaches might be less about costs than fleet pros think.

Read More →
Silver Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV driving on a winding mountain road, showcasing updated exterior design and performance in a scenic landscape.
Vehicle Researchby News/Media ReleaseApril 16, 2026

The New Mercedes-Benz GLE Brings More Power and Intelligence

Mercedes-Benz updates the 2027 GLE with revised powertrains, expanded electrification, updated suspension systems, and a new software platform, while retaining its core SUV lineup and capabilities.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Portrait of Art Kinsman, newly appointed NETS Chief Strategy Officer, smiling in a suit jacket against a neutral background.
Vehicle Researchby News/Media ReleaseApril 16, 2026

NETS Appoints Art Kinsman as Chief Strategy Officer

The Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) has tapped Art Kinsman for a new leadership role as Chief Strategy Officer.

Read More →
Vehicle Researchby StaffApril 15, 2026

Agero Aquires Urgently

Agero is acquiring Urgently, combining two tech-driven roadside assistance providers. The deal expands AI-powered dispatch, data capabilities, and service scale across fleet and mobility markets.

Read More →
Teaser image of 2027 Nissan Rogue Hybrid e-POWER, a dark SUV with LED lighting, representing Nissan’s new series hybrid with dual-motor AWD and no plug-in charging.

2027 Nissan Rogue Hybrid e‑POWER's Technology Explained

Nissan's hybrid powertrain with dual-motor all-wheel drive adds refinement and updated driving characteristics in the Rogue.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Side profile of a dark Volkswagen Atlas SUV in a studio setting with blue lighting, highlighting updated design and exterior styling.

All-new 2027 Volkswagen Atlas debuts at the New York International Auto Show

Volkswagen revealed the redesigned 2027 Atlas, featuring updated styling, new in-cabin technology, and a more powerful turbocharged engine ahead of its launch later this year.

Read More →