What’s on the Horizon for Fleets in 2026?

For fleet operators, 2025 was a year unlike any other. From tariffs and difficult macroeconomic conditions to supply chain shifts and rising cost, fleet operators had to navigate a number of unforeseen challenges. Now, as the calendar turns to 2026, fleet operators find themselves tasked to deliver efficiency and reliability in a business environment that provides little in the way of clarity.

To help companies prepare for what lies ahead, several Holman experts recently spoke with Automotive Fleet to share their perspective on the challenges fleet operators are likely to face in 2026 — and beyond.

In the article, Holman’s Dan Mullin noted that while some supply constraints continue to linger, these disruptions are mainly isolated to larger commercial vehicles and highly specialized units. Overall, the automotive supply chain continues to trend in the right direction but Dan cautioned that conditions can change rather quickly, particularly as OEMs adjust production strategies to account for tariffs and regulatory uncertainty.

Rising operating costs remain a key area of concern for fleet operators in 2026, particularly in terms of maintenance expenses. In the article, Holman’s Ed Powell highlighted that fleets adhering to cycling best practices are better positioned to minimize the impact of rising costs, whereas fleets that have delayed replacements are highly susceptible to them .

Ed also shared that after initially absorbing the bulk of tariff-induced cost increases throughout 2025, many manufacturers  will likely begin adjusting vehicle prices for the new model year. In the article, he said moderate price increases are likely during the 2026 model-year changeover with more subtle increases in the second half of the year. To adjust, Ed recommended fleet operators add a 10-14% buffer to operating budgets in anticipation of continued price increases.

Later in the article, Holman’s Alyssa Fortino highlighted some trends that appear poised to offer fleet operators some relief in 2026. Alyssa explained that the Federal Reserve is likely to continue to cut the benchmark interest rate which will help affordability. Additionally, she noted that fuel prices will likely continue to decline, potentially reaching the lowest annual average since 2020.

Holman’s Holly Vollant also shared that savvy fleet operators should be able to take advantage of favorable secondary market conditions in 2026 but emphasized the importance of developing a holistic remarketing strategy.

Finally, Holman’s Jeremy Dewey weighed in on the EV market, noting that fleet electrification is poised to continue to expand in applications where EVs traditionally thrive, while potentially pausing or pivoting in those scenarios where they do not.

To read the entire article, please visit Automotive-Fleet.com. To stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends and receive insight on how to adjust to these challenges—or opportunities—be sure to subscribe to Holman’s Morning Brake newsletter.