One of the highest ATP gains was reported by Fiat Chrysler
New car transaction prices in the U.S. increased slightly last month, according to the analysts at Kelley Blue Book, who reported a November estimated average transaction price (ATP) of $US 33,801 for light vehicles. That’s up $231, or 0.7 per cent from November, 2014, and $144, or 0.4 per cent from last month, and continues an upward trend for the year.
A growth rate of less than one per cent “stands in contrast to the two to three per cent increases seen so far this year,” said senior analyst Karl Brauer, pointing to trucks and SUVs as the principal drivers of ATP strength.
“In fact, the new 2016 Volvo XC90 is a standout even in the SUV segment, with an average transaction price up nearly 40 per cent from this time last year,” said Brauer.
One of the highest ATP gains was reported by Fiat Chrysler, with a 3.8 per cent year-over-year increase, boosted considerably by the Dodge and Ram brands, which are each up nearly eight per cent.
Honda is another leader, with a 2.4 per cent increase thanks, in large part, to the new Pilot, which is up 12 per cent.
“At the segment level, full-size pickup trucks had a great month, up six per cent, with increases across all major models,” said Kelley Blue Book analyst Tim Fleming. The top-tier 1794 edition helped to fuel an increase for the Toyota Tundra of roughly 10 per cent, he added.
Subcompact and mid-size car segments also fared well, according to Fleming, with players such as the Honda Accord and Volkswagen Golf contributing to month-over-month and year-over-year growth.
