With strong resale conditions, tightening OEM order windows, and ongoing cost pressures, the next 30–60 days represent a critical planning window for fleet operators finalizing their MY 2026 ordering cycle.
Start with a Lifecycle Cost Analysis
Strategic lifecycle management is the foundation of a strong fleet strategy.
Before placing new orders, take a structured view of your fleet:
- Pre-acquisition planning
- Total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis
- New asset needs evaluation
- Replacement timing and prioritization
Understanding how your assets perform today—and what they will cost tomorrow—enables more informed, data-driven decisions.
This is especially important given current market dynamics:
- Fuel price volatility impacting operating costs
- Inflation and labor costs affecting maintenance and downtime
- Continued variability in new vehicle supply
- Shifting used vehicle values
Spring Is a Strategic Resale Window
Spring is one of the most active periods in the vehicle resale cycle—and 2026 presents a particularly strong opportunity.
Recent data supports this:
- The Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index is up over 5% year-over-year
- Used vehicle prices continued rising into March
- Retail demand has improved for five consecutive weeks
- Auction prices, conversion rates, and retention values are increasing
- EV resale values are rising faster than non-EVs
As tax refunds circulate and dealer demand increases, fleets have a window to maximize remarketing returns. Dealers are actively seeking clean, well-maintained units they can quickly retail.
The key is not urgency—it’s preparation.
Coordinate Disposals with Forward Ordering
Remarketing should not happen in isolation.
The most effective fleet strategies align vehicle disposal with forward ordering decisions.
As you evaluate aging assets, now is the time to:
- Review MY 2026 vehicle selectors
- Compare OEM pricing and incentives
- Align replacement timing with operational needs
- Submit orders before production constraints tighten
Replacing older vehicles during a strong resale window helps:
- Protect residual value
- Improve total cost of ownership
- Maintain a modern, reliable fleet
Proper preparation—inspection, transport, detailing, and lane timing—can materially impact final resale performance.
Plan and Execute MY 2026 Ordering
Timing is critical.
Manufacturers have already reached or are approaching MY 2026 order cutoffs, with many models closing within the next 30–60 days.
Most time-sensitive categories include:
- Compact SUVs
- Nissan sedans
- Select GM truck configurations
To secure the right vehicles, fleets should:
- Gain internal approvals early
- Be ready when order banks open
- Use batch ordering strategies where possible
- Remain flexible on models and specifications
Delays can limit availability and reduce optionality.
Look Beyond Purchase Price: Focus on Total Cost
A strong MY 2026 strategy goes beyond upfront vehicle cost.
Key cost drivers include:
- Fuel or energy costs
- Maintenance and service expenses
- Depreciation and residual values
- Remarketing performance
EV and hybrid alternatives should also be part of this evaluation, particularly given ongoing oil market volatility and its potential long-term impact on operating costs.
Understanding these variables enables smarter replacement decisions and better capital allocation.
Where Zeti Fits In
At Zeti, we help fleets connect real-world asset performance with financing decisions.
By combining fleet data, telematics, and capital access, we enable:
- More accurate lifecycle and replacement planning
- Better alignment between asset performance and financing structures
- Improved visibility into residual value and operating costs
- Access to flexible financing through a network of 40+ lenders
- Strong relationships with OEM partners
This allows fleets to move into spring with a data-driven, performance-based approach to fleet management.
Act Now
The current environment presents a rare alignment:
- Strong resale market
- Active buyer demand
- Closing OEM order windows
Fleets that act now—by aligning remarketing, ordering, and financing—will be best positioned for a successful MY 2026 cycle.