Fleet Personal-Use Charges Increase in 2026
Personal use of company vehicles is becoming more common, with 79% of fleets surveyed by Automotive Fleet allowing employees to use their assigned vehicles for personal driving, up from 72% in 2024. Among respondents answering the fee question, 54% reported charging employees for personal use, compared with 48% in 2024.
Monthly personal-use charges are also trending higher. Among fleets assessing a fee, 61% charge at least $130 per month, compared with 49% in 2024. Additionally, 36% charge between $130 and $150, while 25% charge more than $150. Job function remains the leading factor in determining vehicle eligibility, cited by 69% of respondents.
For fleets, the results highlight an opportunity to review personal-use policies and employee contributions as vehicle ownership and operating costs continue to rise. Fleets should also evaluate authorized-driver restrictions, motor vehicle record checks, and consistent policy enforcement. While the survey included only 71 respondents, it provides a useful benchmark for reviewing personal-use charges heading into 2027.
Wholesale Used-Vehicle Values Decline as Cox Automotive Lowers 2026 Forecast
Wholesale used-vehicle values continued to weaken in September, with the Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index falling to 205.9, down 1.1% from August and 0.6% year over year. Depreciation accelerated during the third quarter as higher fuel prices, rising interest rates, and economic uncertainty pressured the market. Cox Automotive has lowered its year-end forecast to just 0.2% growth, down from its previous projection of 2%.
Ford Fathom EV Pickup Could Face Production Delay
Ford’s upcoming Fathom electric pickup could face a production delay as the automaker works to bring its new Universal Electric Vehicle platform to mass production. Ford had planned to open orders and begin production in 2027, but CEO Jim Farley acknowledged that meeting cost, scale, and timing targets will be challenging. No official delay has been announced.