The hidden business behind used cars: how corporate fleet renewal is moving $23 million a month

The used vehicle market in Colombia has experienced significant growth during the first half of 2026, according to records presented by the ANDI and Fenalco. During this period, 157,620 new vehicles were registered, representing a 50.1% increase compared to the same period in 2025. This surge in new vehicle registrations has had ripple effects throughout the secondary market, particularly with the influx of used cars returning to circulation after completing corporate renewal cycles or rental contracts. According to Superbid, a digital auction platform specializing in vehicle sales, there has been a notable rise in the participation of vehicles sourced from business renewal processes and rental agreements. For instance, Usados Renting Colombia introduces approximately 100 vehicles into the market each week, translating to around 400 units monthly across various categories such as sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, utility vehicles, and even commercial trucks. Considering the average sale price of these vehicles, which hovers near $57.9 million per unit, this results in an estimated potential value of $23 billion entering the used vehicle market each month. However, it should be noted that this figure reflects the inventory's potential value rather than actual sales figures, which can vary depending on the specific characteristics and composition of the inventory during each period. Among the types of vehicles returning to the market, SUVs and pickup trucks account for 44% of corporate vehicles that re-enter the used market following their rental or fleet cycles. Sedans and hatchbacks make up 22%, while utility vehicles and vans contribute another 21%. The remaining portion consists of trucks, vans, buses, motorcycles, specialized bodies, and other niche categories. Brands represented in this flow include Nissan, Renault, Chevrolet, as well as more premium brands such as BMW, Volvo, and Mercedes-Benz. Geographically, Bogotá leads in terms of purchase distribution with a share of 39%, followed by Antioquia at 17.6%, Valle del Cauca at 8.7%, Santander at 5.3%, and Cundinamarca at 4.3%. In terms of buyer profiles, nearly 90% of purchases are made by individuals, while the remaining 10% are attributed to legal entities. Helena Balcázar, General Manager of Superbid Colombia, highlighted how the renewal of corporate fleets generates a continuous stream of vehicles that, after serving within a company or under a rental contract, return to the market for further use. She emphasized that this dynamic creates an interesting scenario for the used vehicle sector by expanding the supply and connecting diverse buyer profiles. Additionally, she pointed out that technology is playing a crucial role in making these connections more transparent and traceable, which is increasingly relevant for buyers making purchasing decisions. The process of vehicle renewal within corporate fleets involves a systematic replacement of older models with newer ones, often through structured rental agreements. These agreements typically span several years before the vehicles are returned to the market. As companies update their fleets to maintain efficiency and modernity, they contribute significantly to the volume of used vehicles available for resale. This trend is further amplified by the growing popularity of rental services among businesses seeking flexible transportation solutions without the long-term commitment of ownership. As the used vehicle market continues to evolve, it is becoming increasingly clear that the interplay between corporate fleet renewals and individual consumer demand is shaping the landscape of automotive trade in Colombia. With technological advancements facilitating greater transparency and accessibility, the market is poised for continued growth and transformation.