The Pennsylvania Department of General Services (DGS) recently announced that state used vehicle auctions have generated a record-breaking $19.2 million in revenue during the past two years.

The state has not only improved vehicle management but has also redefined how public assets are used to deliver maximum value to taxpayers. By phasing out aging, high-maintenance vehicles and reinvesting in a modernized fleet, the moves are delivering cost savings, prioritizing safety and ensuring state employees can more quickly deliver services and get out into communities.

In 2024 alone, DGS’ Bureau of Vehicle Management (BVM) raised a record $10.1 million in vehicle auction revenue, breaking the previous year’s single-year sales record of $9.1 million. The proactive vehicle replacement program has not only generated historic auction revenue but also saved the state $1.5 million in repair costs over two years.

“The Shapiro administration’s focus on smart fiscal policies and innovative solutions has delivered extraordinary results for Pennsylvania,” said Brian Esposito, DGS deputy secretary for procurement. “Our vehicle replacement program is helping us provide commonwealth employees with safer, more reliable vehicles while saving taxpayers money in the long term.

“By retiring older vehicles before maintenance costs escalate, we’re making smarter fiscal decisions that benefit everyone.”

The BVM has implemented the largest fleet renewal effort in over a decade.

Between 2023 and 2024, 43% of the state’s leased vehicles — 1,639 in total — have been replaced, along with 24% of agency-owned vehicles. The modernization effort has significantly reduced repair costs, improved reliability and incorporated cutting-edge safety technologies that better protect employees.

“As vehicles age, the cost to maintain them skyrockets and reliability plummets,” said Jim Fiore, BVM director. “Governor (Josh) Shapiro’s administration has prioritized replacing vehicles at the right time to avoid expensive downtime and repairs. These upgrades are fiscally smarter but also ensure that commonwealth employees have access to safe and reliable transportation.”

Modernized vehicles are equipped with advanced safety features, including lane assist, blind-spot monitoring and all-wheel drive, which have reduced the severity of crashes across the state fleet.

The BVM manages the vehicle fleet for state agencies and also conducts public auctions of surplus vehicles.

“As vehicles age, they become more expensive to repair, less reliable and costlier to operate,” Fiore said. “By replacing vehicles on a regular schedule and retiring them while they still have value, we’ve been able to significantly reduce downtime, avoid expensive repairs and ensure that our fleet operates at peak efficiency.

“The added safety and technological advancements in newer vehicles have also been a game-changer for our employees.”

The modernization effort has also supported sustainability goals by expanding the number of alternative fuel vehicles in the state’s fleet. The fleet now has:

• 33 battery electric vehicles in service, with an additional 39 in stock.

• 82 plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.

• 138 hybrid electric vehicles.

“These investments in electric and hybrid vehicles not only help reduce our environmental footprint but also lower fuel and maintenance costs,” Fiore said. “Our fleet is getting greener, safer and more cost-efficient — delivering benefits across the board for the commonwealth and its citizens.”

The BVM holds six vehicle auctions annually.

Used vehicle auctions are open to the public, including auto dealers. Auctions take place at the Manheim Keystone Pennsylvania Auto Auction located at 488 Firehouse Road, Grantville. The next auction is scheduled for 10 a.m. April 15.

For more information, visit www.pa.gov/agencies/dgs.html and see vehicle management under programs and services.