2025 Fleet Sales Rise, but Outlook Turns Softer for 2026
Fleet sales across commercial, rental and government sectors rebounded in 2025, reaching 2.23 million vehicles — up 4.8% from 2024 and slightly above 2023 levels. The recovery was driven almost entirely by rental fleets, which surged 16.4% and made up 54% of all fleet purchases.
Commercial fleet sales fell 4% in 2025 as post-pandemic demand cooled and economic uncertainty weighed on businesses, though truck sales within the segment rose 9%. Government fleet sales declined the most, dropping 12.8% from the prior year.
Despite the annual weakness in commercial and government activity, December 2025 was strong across all segments, with total fleet sales up nearly 15% year over year — continuing momentum from November.
Even with the 2025 rebound, total fleet sales remain about 20% below pre-pandemic 2019 levels, largely due to ongoing softness in the rental sector. Cox Automotive expects fleet sales to decline again in 2026 as slower economic growth pressures both the commercial and rental markets, though supply conditions should stay stable.
AI and Autonomous Driving Take the Lead at CES as Automakers Pull Back on EVs
Autonomous driving and artificial intelligence are the main focus at CES as automakers scale back electric vehicle plans amid slowing demand, high costs, safety concerns, and changing government incentives. With fewer new EV launches expected, companies are increasingly looking to AI and self-driving technology as their next major growth opportunity.
Cox Automotive Forecasts Stable but Slowing U.S. Auto Market for 2026
Cox Automotive’s 2026 outlook projects a moderate slowdown in the U.S. auto market, with new-vehicle sales expected at 15.8 million, down 2.4% from 2025. While 2025 outperformed expectations, 2026 is expected to be stable but softer across most major metrics.