FLD has released its White Metal Market Report for Q2 2023. The used medium-duty wholesale market remains largely stagnant, with slight increases in dealer inventories and pricing. The big question facing the market is whether there will be enough pent-up demand for used vehicles as more units enter the market. There may be a lack of used inventory available for purchase as fleets are holding onto their vehicles for longer periods than ever before, and new inventory is still difficult to come by. The market for light-duty vehicles remains strong, with demand for smaller to mid-sized cars and SUVs remaining high. However, production of new vehicles in this class remains stable, and the fact that it is still significantly lower than in previous years means there likely will not be enough vehicles to meet demand. Production of new medium-duty trucks has begun showing up on dealer lots, which is an encouraging sign that production is headed in the right direction. However, used medium-duty values have softened and are likely to continue to do so as new inventory enters the market. Heavy-duty trucks remain segmented into two distinctly different markets, both being driven by freight demand. The “day cab” market remains the strongest, while the sleeper market has seen a decline in both demand and values. Overall, the report suggests that the market remains largely stagnant, with slight increases in pricing and dealer inventories.

Confusion. Consolidation. Shortages. The fleet world has been in a state of turmoil since the dawn of the pandemic, and the team here at FLD thought it was time to address it in a series of communications that thoughtfully ask fleets to humbly give FLD an opportunity to earn their business.

FLD has released its Year Behind/Ahead preview in its quarterly White Metal Market Report. The report looks back at 2022 and highlights how FLD’s predictions about the year’s trends, opportunities, and roadblocks turned out. FLD then offers predictions on what the fleet industry can expect in 2023. FLD predicts that 2023 will be a more favorable year than 2022, although the industry will continue to face challenges such as limited vehicle availability, base model pickups and van pricing falling off, supply chain woes, and inflation. However, there will be a more favorable trajectory as the economy improves, barring any prolonged recession. The report suggests that the proliferation of electric vehicles will drive innovation across the industry as they become more sophisticated and charging becomes more available. The growth of electric vehicles will create newfound excitement across the industry as everyone jockeys for their piece of the electric vehicle pie. FLD also warns that easy access to inexpensive financing will dry up and fleets should start stockpiling cash to prepare for this. Click the link below to read more.

The 2022 National Vehicle Leasing Association (NVLA) conference touched down this year in Tucson, Arizona, meaning our inveterate observer FLD “Frank” only needed to cross town after this year’s AFLA conference to report on what he learned. Read his free report to learn how small lessors are taking on the big boys, even the fleet management companies, to delight customers and win business.

Read more

Fleets can achieve their productivity goals by finding a service provider that can optimize their operations and business functions. One of the four things fleets should look for in a remarketing partner is a provider that can eliminate risk by purchasing assets upfront. This is particularly important because remarketing can be a risky endeavor, and it’s critical to sell end-of-lease vehicles quickly to avoid accruing daily charges such as lease payments, maintenance, insurance, and storage. Liability can also present a significant risk, as accidents can lead to additional costs. Working with a remarketer like FLD can help eliminate even the smallest possibility of risk by taking an ownership position in the vehicle before it goes through the remarketing process, offering a guaranteed price and eliminating the possibility of lease payments or surprise costs. Fleets can also benefit from partnering with a remarketer with technologically advanced tools that make their job easier, such as automated systems that track vehicles through the remarketing process, providing real-time updates and detailed reports. These tools can help streamline the process, reduce administrative burden and save time and resources. FLD’s remarketing technology, for instance, is designed to make the process faster, easier, and more efficient, offering sellers better prices and keeping their operations lean and nimble. By partnering with the right remarketing provider, fleets can make life easier, maximize resources, and increase productivity. Click the link below to read more.