September Fleet Update
Resale Market Softens Heading Into Fall
The resale market softened over the past month, with most vehicle segments declining approximately 1%. Higher gas prices are contributing to the shift as buyer demand moves toward compact vehicles and EVs. Current resale performance is below both typical fall-market levels and September of last year.
Conditions could remain challenging as the market moves toward winter. Activity typically slows from mid-November through December as dealers work to clear inventory before year-end.
That makes a strategic remarketing approach increasingly important. Our team is evaluating demand across markets rather than limiting each vehicle to buyers near its current location. A vehicle located in one market may have stronger demand and greater resale potential in another. Expanding that reach gives us more opportunities to maximize resale value and support stronger lifecycle performance.
New Vehicle Demand Remains Strong
On the acquisition side, demand remains healthy. August new-vehicle sales reached a 16.76 million seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR), while manufacturers continue to right-size inventory after higher inventory levels earlier in the year. Larger incentives are also supporting sales activity.
The market appears to be finding greater stability around an annual sales pace of approximately 16.5 million vehicles, with manufacturers adjusting production and inventory toward that level of demand.
For fleets, availability still varies considerably by make and model. Planning upcoming vehicle needs early and staying flexible in vehicle selection can help keep acquisition plans—and operations—moving.
Hybrid Demand Is Reshaping Vehicle Availability
Higher fuel prices continue to support demand for hybrids and EVs. We’re seeing that shift among fleet customers as well, particularly in the hybrid market.
Toyota remains a popular fleet choice for sedans, SUVs, and hybrids, but demand continues to outpace availability. Several models have already sold out, and Toyota’s low days-in-inventory can make stock purchases difficult for fleets looking for specific vehicles.
That doesn’t mean fleets are out of options. Kia and Hyundai offer a number of alternatives in the hybrid space, and we’re seeing increased use of both brands among customers.
The objective isn’t simply to secure a particular make or model. It’s to match vehicle requirements with availability, operating needs and timing so the fleet can continue supporting the business.
We’re Here to Help You Monitor the Lifecycle of Your Vehicles
Moventum continues to monitor resale conditions, acquisition, and inventory to help customers make informed fleet decisions, maximize vehicle value and keep work moving. Contact our team to discuss what today’s market conditions mean for your fleet.