Fleet Order Update: Key Updates from GM and Stellantis
By Tim Cengel, Director, Procurement and Electrification
Recent OEM updates signal product shifts and tightening production timelines. Here’s what this means for fleet planning in the months ahead.
Staying ahead of manufacturer changes is critical to keeping fleet plans on track. Recent notifications from GM and Stellantis highlight two important developments: a targeted shift in GM’s medium duty lineup and increasing urgency around 2026 model year (MY26) order timing from Stellantis. While these updates differ in nature, they point to the same takeaway: proactive planning will be essential to secure the right vehicles at the right time.
GM Adjusts Medium Duty Lineup
GM has announced that it will conclude production of several medium duty and select cutaway models following the end of its manufacturing agreement with International Motors on September 30, 2026. Affected vehicles include the Chevrolet Silverado 4500 HD, 5500 HD, and 6500 HD, along with select Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana cutaway configurations.
This change represents a focused adjustment within a specific segment rather than a broader pullback. GM has emphasized that its commitment to commercial and fleet customers remains unchanged, with continued investment in alternative solutions and future product development.
For fleets currently utilizing—or planning around—these medium duty units, timing will be important. Orders for impacted models will continue to be accepted while inventory remains available, but availability will naturally tighten as production winds down.
What GM Vehicles Remain Available
Despite these changes, much of GM’s commercial lineup remains intact. Popular cutaway models in the 9,900 lb. to 12,300 lb. GVWR range will continue to be produced, along with the broader Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana van portfolios.
Additionally, GM continues to position vehicles like the Silverado 3500 HD and Low Cab Forward models as viable solutions across many commercial applications. For fleets, this may present an opportunity to reassess specifications and determine whether alternative configurations can meet operational needs.
The key is flexibility. While certain medium duty options are being phased out, comparable capabilities may still be achieved through other vehicles in GM’s lineup or through adjusted upfit strategies.
Stellantis Signals Tightening MY26 Order Window
On the Stellantis side, the takeaway is clear: order early or risk missing out.
As MY26 production approaches, capacity across multiple vehicle lines is filling quickly. Stellantis strongly recommends that all MY26 orders be submitted by April 24, 2026, to secure current pricing, incentives, and production availability.
Orders placed by this deadline will have the best chance of being scheduled within the MY26 cycle. After that point, fleets may face increasing constraints as production slots are allocated and buildout progresses.
Importantly, Stellantis has indicated that it may close MY26 ordering at any time based on demand and plant capacity.
Risks of Delayed Fleet Orders
For fleets that push orders beyond the recommended window, several risks come into play:
- Loss of current model year pricing and incentives
- Limited or unavailable production slots
- Exposure to next model year changes, which may include cost increases or specification shifts
How Fleet Managers Can Plan Ahead
GM’s medium duty changes may require some fleets to evaluate alternative vehicle strategies sooner than expected. At the same time, Stellantis’ tightening order window underscores the importance of acting early to secure production.
For fleet managers, a few practical steps can help mitigate disruption:
- Review upcoming replacement cycles and identify any exposure to affected GM models
- Evaluate alternative vehicle options where needed, including adjacent classes or configurations
- Prioritize submission of MY26 orders—particularly for high-volume or critical units
- Maintain close communication with partners to stay aligned on availability and timing
If your fleet needs guidance on vehicle ordering, Union Leasing is here to help.
