By Tim Cengel, Director Procurement and Electrification, Union Leasing
As OEM order windows narrow and pricing rules continue to shift, early planning and execution are becoming even more critical for fleets.
Tim Cengel, Union Leasing
As manufacturers begin to close model year 2026 order windows, fleet teams are facing shorter timelines and less room for delay. Several popular vehicles now have firm cut-off dates, making early decisions more critical for keeping replacement cycles, upfitting schedules, and daily operations on track.
At the same time, pricing continues to change, and how fleets remarket vehicles is playing a larger role in the overall cost of ownership. Execution is just as important as availability when it comes to protecting lifecycle value.
OEM Availability Remains Tight—MY26 Cut-off Dates are Now Set
Order windows are continuing to close earlier than many fleets have historically expected, reinforcing the need to act quickly.
Stellantis – Chrysler Minivans
Stellantis has issued an official MY26 order cut-off for its Chrysler minivan lineup:
- 26MY Chrysler Pacifica & Voyager (all derivatives)
- Fleet ordering closes Wednesday, January 28, 2026
If you are planning to replace or acquire minivans, you should submit orders as soon as possible to avoid disruptions tied to the cut-off.
General Motors – Key MY26 cut-offs
GM has also released multiple MY26 fleet ordering deadlines affecting several high-volume segments:
26MY Chevrolet Equinox / GMC Terrain
- Fleet ordering closes Friday, February 20, 2026
- 27MY ordering is expected to open in March 2026
- 26MY Chevrolet Silverado / GMC Sierra 1500 (Regular Cab, light duty)
- Fleet ordering closes Friday, March 27, 2026
- Regular cab availability is expected to pause for approximately nine months due to plant retooling ahead of the 27MY launch
Planning considerations
- Confirm which configurations are still buildable before finalizing orders
- Accelerate internal approvals for vehicles
- Identify acceptable substitutes now, rather than after cut-offs pass
Hybrid Sedan and SUV Options May Improve Flexibility
As availability tightens for certain OEMs, Hyundai and Kia continue to present viable alternatives for fleets seeking hybrid sedans and SUVs. For many operations, hybrids remain a practical option—offering improved fuel efficiency without the operational complexity of installing charging infrastructure.
OEM Pricing and Program Terms Continue to Evolve
Alongside availability constraints, OEM pricing structures remain fluid, underscoring the importance of planning.
GM pricing: GM implemented a price increase effective at the start of the year, impacting both MSRP and invoice pricing. While described as modest, fleets should confirm how the increase applies to open orders and whether any program caps or protections are in place. Broader cost pressures, including tariffs and EV-related financial impacts, were cited as contributing factors.
Stellantis price protection: For MY26, Stellantis is placing greater emphasis on order-date price protection, moving away from broader introductory pricing structures. This further elevates the importance of submitting orders promptly once specifications and approvals are finalized.
Ford: No specific updates were announced, though routine in-year pricing adjustments remain common. Many Ford fleet programs already rely primarily on order-date price protection.
Remarketing Execution Can Influence Resale Outcomes
Remarketing continues to be a meaningful contributor to the cost of ownership. Live representation at auction is often favored by buyers over “if-bid” processes, which can slow decisions and reduce bidder engagement. When your fleet management partner can respond in real time and make clear, in-lane decisions, it helps maintain momentum and create more consistent outcomes at sale.
Faster in-lane decisions can:
- Reduce uncertainty for buyers
- Maintain momentum during high-volume sales
- Support more consistent resale outcomes
Key Takeaways for 2026
Proper planning will be essential in 2026. With firm order cut-offs now in place for several key vehicles, and pricing structures still evolving, waiting too long can quickly create availability challenges or increase your costs.
Fleets that stay proactive on remaining order windows, remain flexible on vehicle selection, and pay close attention to pricing, remarketing, and maintenance are better positioned to manage risk and control lifecycle costs. And for organizations that want additional support navigating these decisions, Union Leasing is available to help. Contact Union Leasing to learn more.
