Fleet Sales Still Low in May

Commercial fleet sales from nine manufacturers totaled 23,866 in May 2020, representing a 68.9% year-over-year decrease, continuing a streak of significant monthly declines since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Total fleet sales for the month — which is comprised of commercial, rental, and government sales — came in at 52,203, which represented a significant 83.2% drop from the same time last year. Commercial car sales were down heavily by 86% year-over-year during May at 1,207 units, and the truck and SUV segment also suffered heavily, with vehicle sales down 66.7% at 22,659 units, according to Automotive Fleet data.

The rental fleet segment also saw vehicle sales drop significantly; major declines were seen across the board for automakers who reported for the month of May.

Through May 2020, rental fleet car sales fell 93.3% totaling 5,024 units. Truck and SUV segment sales decreased 90.2% at 13,001 units. Combined, rental fleet sales totaled 18,025, which represented a 91.3% year-over-year decline.

The government fleet sector also continued to experience notable declines. There were 510 cars sold to government fleets, a 86.6% decrease, and truck and SUV sales were at 9,802 units, reflecting a 57.3% decline. Combined, truck, SUV, and car vehicle sales for government fleets amounted to 10,312 units, which reflected a 61.5% decrease from last year.

Year-to-date, as of the end of May 2020, overall fleet sales from nine manufacturers total 838,499, 38.3%% less on a year-over-year basis. So far car sales are down 49.4% year-to-date and truck and SUV segment sales are down 33.8% year-to-date.