auto dealer in black and red logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

KBB: Average New-Car Prices Rise 2% in February

Transaction prices have remained unaffected so far this year by the expected slowdown in new-vehicle demand. Notable increases were recorded by American Honda, Toyota Motor Co., and Volkswagen.

by Staff
March 1, 2018
KBB: Average New-Car Prices Rise 2% in February

 

2 min to read


IRVINE, Calif. — Kelley Blue Book put February’s estimated average transaction price for light vehicles at $35,444. That’s up $722 from a year ago but down $96 from January.

Even with new-vehicle demand expected to continue to slow in 2018, average transactions prices have so far been unaffected this year — though incentives have risen similarly to offset part of the extra cost, the firm noted.

“It was another month of solid transaction prices in February 2018, with 2% growth year-over-year,” said Kelley Blue Book analyst Tim Fleming. “The numbers indicate that new-car buyers are still willing to pay top dollar for the latest models with the most current features and technology. Even the new Honda Accord and Toyota Camry are commanding large premiums over their predecessors, despite competing in a rapidly shrinking segment.”

American Honda’s transaction prices climbed 2% in February 2018 — with the Honda brand alone recording a 3% increase. The new Accord posted a 6% increase, while the Odyssey continues to top the minivan segment with a 13% year-over-year increase in its average transaction price.

Toyota Motor Co. posted a 3% increase in its average transaction price behind the strength of its redesigned Camry, which recorded a 9% increase in transaction prices. The Lexus brand posted a 1% increase in its average transaction price, although that should climb in the coming months with its redesigned LS sedan now reaching dealerships.

Another notable manufacturer includes Volkswagen Group, which posted a 7% increase in its average transaction price. The Volkswagen brand alone posted an 8% increase, buoyed by the new Atlas SUV. Porsche transaction prices climbed 8% thanks to the redesigned Panamera, which was up 19%. Audi transaction prices rose 4%, with the redesigned A5 and Q5 showing the most improvement.

More Auto Finance

Industryby StaffAugust 15, 2024

The Risk When the Customer Is Not in the Dealership

Take this series of steps to help protect your business from fraud by this method.

Read More →
F&Iby StaffAugust 13, 2024

Auto Loan Access Keeps Falling

July conditions tighter for consumers despite average loan rate decline.

Read More →
F&Iby StaffAugust 12, 2024

Dealers Wary of AI in Auto Finance

Poll shows growing aversion to technology’s accelerating part in process.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Auto FinanceJuly 25, 2024

Is the Death Knell Being Sounded for Dealer Financing?

There appears to be a regulatory target on auto dealer-provided loans.

Read More →
Industryby StaffJuly 24, 2024

Ferrari Calls Cryptocurrency Foray a Success

Carmaker will add the payment options in its European dealerships this month after introducing it in the U.S. last year.

Read More →
Industryby StaffJuly 16, 2024

New-Vehicle Affordability Is Up

June conditions, including best average loan rate in a year, make buying more likely.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Industryby StaffJuly 12, 2024

Pandemic-Era Prices Affect Trade-Ins

New buyers, especially those with EV trade-ins, are feeling the brunt of depreciation as market normalizes.

Read More →
Industryby StaffJuly 1, 2024

Auto Credit Crunch Tightens

Borrowers taking on more debt, moving many into delinquent territory.

Read More →
Auto Financeby StaffJune 19, 2024

New Cars Within Easier Reach

Affordability metrics improved in May as lending costs ebbed, finances flowed more freely.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Auto Financeby Hannah MitchellJune 13, 2024

A Good Deal

Rising auto loan delinquencies, though bad news, could be another opportunity for agents to help dealers come down from pandemic highs.

Read More →