U.S. new vehicles prices were up 1.7% or $56, year-over-year, in December 2019, while declining 0.2% or $80 from the previous month, according to valuation analysts at Kelley Blue Book.
The estimated average transaction price for a light vehicle in the U.S. in December was $38,948. Most OEMs noted by KBB experienced increases in average transaction prices, though American Honda (Acura, Honda) slipped 1.7% YOY.
The Ford Motor Company managed a strong sales month in December with its average prices up 6.5%, thanks in part to the Mustang (up 11% due to the Shelby GT350 and GT500 variants) and the new Explorer rising 9%. The Lincoln brand’s increases came in part from the Corsair (up 8%), and the pricing of the new Aviator strengthened in December.
Nissan North America was up 1% during the same period, with its Infiniti brand down 3% and Nissan up 2%. Infiniti’s QX50 declined 8% while the aging QX60 dropped 5%. Nissan’s boost came from its cars — its redesigned Versa (up 15%) and electric LEAF (up 9%). The Rogue and Altima were both up 2%.
As for the percentage change in average transaction prices from December 2018 to 2019, the electric vehicle segment declined 14.9%, full-size cars were down 0.6%, and hybrid/alternative energy cars were down 2.0%. Luxury cars also declined 2.4% YOY, and all other segments listed by KBB were up.
