THE CAR AND TRUCK FLEET AND LEASING MANAGEMENT MAGAZINE
Sales of vehicles from nine manufacturers to commercial fleets fell 9.9% to 54,384 in November after enjoying several robust months of sales but remain the strongest fleet segment with an 8.7% increase year to date. Sales to rental and government fleets fell in November as well.
Domestic sales of new light commercial vehicles were at 10,679 units during November 2019 and recorded a decline of 3,038 units from the 13,717 light commercial vehicles sold in November 2018.
A more stable economy in Mexico is driving change in vehicle purchasing strategies. Fleets are becoming more focused on controlling costs which is also increasing interest in telematics services.
Sales of vehicles to commercial fleets from nine manufacturers remained robust in October, while sales to government agencies and daily rental companies were sharply lower.
Sales of vehicles to commercial fleets surged in September even as several automakers reported sharply lower overall sales during the month.
Commercial fleet sales increased 9.9% in August, while government sales fell 15.3% and daily rental sales increased 44.7%.
The sale of commercial vehicles in Turkey are down significantly year over year so far in 2019, due in part by an expiration of tax incentives.
Through the 12-month period ending in June 2019, overall manufacturer incentive spend has declined, and the strength of fleet sales this year has been a big reason why.
Commercial fleet sales rebounded in July with a 29.8% increase to 66,909 from a year ago. Sales of trucks, vans, and SUVs paced the gain, while sales of cars again saw a heavy decline, according to Automotive Fleet data.
Commercial fleet sales continued their torrid spring, increasing 12.3% in May after increasing 11.2% in April. Year-to-date sales are now 7.8% ahead of the first five months of 2018, according to Automotive Fleet data.