Overview
Manheim Auction Services’ commercial vehicle division closed 2025 with strong momentum, reporting 9.1% year-over-year growth and a 31.3% increase versus 2023. Gains were supported by an active used van market, faster-moving electric stock, major new and renewed contracts, and more data-led buyer behavior.
Key Performance Highlights
- Average used van sale prices up 5.6% year over year; achieved values were 4.8% above guide.
- Electric vans: used sales up 102% vs. 2024; average days to sell improved by four; first-time conversion rates up 11%.
- Stock profile: average age at 68 months; average mileage at 77,323 miles.
Supply and Channel Mix
- Manufacturer entries: +41.2%.
- Finance volumes: +33%.
- Dealer part-exchanges: +21.6%.
- Fleet and leasing consignments: +13.4%.
- Rental volumes: −8.7% amid broader economic pressures.
What Drove the Results
Executives cited better-prepared buyers using granular data on age, mileage, and retail values; smarter vendor release strategies; and improved stock quality from a growing vendor base. Additional tailwinds came from major fleet renewals, new vendor partnerships, and increased flow from repossessions, early contract releases, and part-exchanges.
Electric Vans Standout
Used electric vans saw accelerated demand and liquidity: sales doubled versus 2024, units sold faster, and first-time conversions improved. This EV momentum helped offset softness elsewhere and reinforced rising confidence in used electric commercial vehicles.
Market Context
Despite a slowdown in new registrations, engagement in the used market strengthened. Buyers employed data-driven selectivity, while vendors delivered better-conditioned stock and timed releases more effectively—supporting premiums to guide values and faster conversions.
Outlook for 2026
With fleets unwinding extended life cycles, timing and discipline will be central to remarketing strategies. Manheim expects continued reliance on the used market for aging but retail-ready inventory, with electric vans remaining a key area of growth as replacement schedules normalize.
