Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of General Services (DGS) announced today that Commonwealth used vehicle auctions have generated a record-breaking $19.2 million in revenue during the past two years, underscoring the Shapiro Administration’s commitment to fiscal responsibility, modernizing vehicle management operations, and advancing Pennsylvania’s safety and sustainability priorities.
Under Governor Shapiro’s leadership, the Commonwealth has not only improved vehicle management but has also redefined how public assets are utilized to deliver maximum value to taxpayers. By phasing out aging, high-maintenance vehicles and reinvesting in a modernized fleet, the Administration is delivering cost savings, prioritizing safety, and ensuring Commonwealth 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 Administration’s proactive vehicle replacement program has not only generated historic auction revenue but also saved the Commonwealth $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 percent of the Commonwealth’s leased vehicles—1,639 in total—have been replaced, along with 24 percent of agency-owned vehicles. This comprehensive modernization effort has significantly reduced repair costs, improved reliability, and incorporated cutting-edge safety technologies that better protect Commonwealth employees.
“As vehicles age, the cost to maintain them skyrockets, and reliability plummets,” said Jim Fiore, BVM Director. “Governor 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 accidents across the Commonwealth fleet.
Significant Cost Savings and Enhanced Safety Features
The BVM manages the vehicle fleet for Commonwealth agencies. The bureau is responsible for managing all contracts pertaining to the operation, repair, and maintenance of Commonwealth vehicles. The BVM also conducts public auctions for surplus vehicles.
“As vehicles age, they become more expensive to repair, less reliable, and costlier to operate,” Fiore added. “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.”
A More Sustainable Fleet
The modernization effort has also supported Pennsylvania’s sustainability goals by expanding the number of alternative fuel vehicles in the state’s fleet. The Commonwealth now has:
- 33 Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) in service, with an additional 39 in stock, including models such as the Chevy Bolt and Ford Mach-E
- 82 Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)
- 138 Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)
“These investments in electric and hybrid vehicles not only help reduce our environmental footprint but also lower fuel and maintenance costs,” Fiore added. “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 Commonwealth 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, PA 17028. The next auction is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Tuesday, April 15th.
For more information about Commonwealth vehicle auctions, visit DGS’ auto auction webpage.