THE CAR AND TRUCK FLEET AND LEASING MANAGEMENT MAGAZINE
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.
Toyota Motor North America has named Don Fordiani group manager for fleet sales to replace Dave Depew, who retired earlier this year.
Sales to corporate fleets increased 11.2%, while sales to government agencies and rental fleets fell 0.3% and 6.5% respectively.
March sales to commercial fleets increased 11.1%, while sales to government agencies increased 7.3%. Sales into daily rental increased 5.3%.
Mark Buzzell is no stranger to fleet. As the prior president and CEO of Ford of Canada, one of his key responsibilities was managing its Canadian fleet business. Buzzell understands fleet and recognizes its importance to Ford.