auto dealer in black and red logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

KBB: New-Car Prices Up 3.9% in January

The average transaction price for a new light vehicle sold in the U.S. was $36,270, down slightly from December but up 3.9% from the year-ago period.

by Staff
February 1, 2018
KBB: New-Car Prices Up 3.9% in January

 

2 min to read


The discontinuation of the Dart sedan helped average prices for a new Dodge rise 8% in January, according to the latest figures from Kelley Blue Book. Photo courtesy Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

IRVINE, Calif. — The analysts at Kelley Blue Book reported the estimated average transaction price (ATP) for light vehicles in the United States was $36,270 in January 2018. New-car prices have increased by $1,360 (up 3.9%) from January 2017, while dropping $486 (down 1.3%) from last month.

“January was a strong month for transaction prices, rising nearly 4% on average. The shifting sales mix to trucks and SUVs has been particularly extreme lately, and as volume shifts away from cars, the average vehicle price ticks up,” said KBB analyst Tim Fleming. “However, there was a glimmer of hope in the midsize car segment, where prices rose 3% in January, thanks to the newest generations of the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. These well-received new models, along with the redesign of the Nissan Altima due later this year, will test how much demand still exists for sedans.”

While American Honda and Volkswagen Group continue to strengthen their average transaction values, other noteworthy manufacturers include General Motors and Fiat Chrysler. General Motors was up 4% year-over-year, with GMC showing the most improvement. GMC’s average climbed 7%, with the redesigned Terrain as its best performer, up 6%. Buick also had a good month, up 5%, as the redesigned Enclave rose 9%.

Fiat Chrysler’s average jumped nearly 4% in January 2018 on a strong mix of RAM trucks and Jeep SUVs. The new Jeep Compass had the best month for Fiat Chrysler, rising 5%, although the Wrangler, which is due for a redesign early in 2018, was down 1%. Dodge rose an impressive 8%, an average that was helped by the discontinuation of the Dart sedan.

Originally posted on F&I and Showroom

More Showroom

ShowroomJune 2, 2025

Capitalizing on Growth Opportunities

Try this strategic approach to dealership acquisitions.

Read More →
IndustryNovember 27, 2024

Six Powerful Questions

Take the time to answer these and lay the groundwork for a successful year-end.

Read More →
IndustryAugust 19, 2024

A Winning Sales Strategy

Expert says building trust and brand loyalty among all customers can be achieved by tailoring the car-buying experience to women.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Industryby StaffAugust 16, 2024

Used Sales Up After CDK Outage

July numbers reflect market volatility following weeks-long software shutdown following cyberattacks.

Read More →
Showroomby StaffAugust 15, 2024

New Cars Can Be a Headache

Many new-vehicle consumers find their rides uncomfortable, and it’s largely in their heads.

Read More →
Industryby StaffAugust 15, 2024

Longest Lasting Vehicles Named

Toyota, trucks and SUVs dominate list of those with greatest chance of hitting 250K miles.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
IndustryJuly 30, 2024

Leveraging the Monroney Label

A simple process can result in big differences in automotive sales.

Read More →
Industryby StaffJune 17, 2024

Openlane Offers U.S. Dealers With Faster Wholesaling

'Absolute Sale' designed to deliver increased velocity, higher engagement, better results.

Read More →
Industryby StaffJune 17, 2024

What EV Consumers Want

When it comes to the shopping experience, study shows they gravitate to nontraditional features, services.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
ShowroomJune 7, 2024

Five Ways to Bridge the EV Gender Gap

Dealerships will sell EVs to women when they craft an experience that caters to the female buyer and address concerns about EV charging and range.

Read More →