(October 1, 2015) IRVINE, Calif. — The analysts at Kelley Blue Book today report the estimated average transaction price (ATP) for light vehicles in the United States was $33,730 in September. New car prices have increased by $660 — or 2 percent — from September 2014, while climbing $167 from last month.

"Transaction prices continue to rise, with month-over-month increases spurred primarily by luxury utility vehicles, while year-over-year numbers are driven by strength in trucks, vans, crossovers and full-size cars," said Akshay Anand, analyst for Kelley Blue Book.

"At the manufacturer level, nearly all automakers beat the year-over-year industry average, with the exception of Toyota and Volkswagen Group. The recent Volkswagen crisis undoubtedly has impacted pricing, and likely will impact sales. The automaker has a rough road ahead, not only through 2015 but into 2016 as well."

September's biggest winners year-over-year are Dodge, Fiat, GMC, Mazda and Volvo, all reporting transaction growth well above 5 percent. Dodge average transaction price strength is fueled by its Challenger and Charger, as the Hellcat trim levels continue to climb in popularity.

GMC growth is due to the Sierra, which should continue to help the brand as the refreshed 2016 model debuted this week. Mazda pricing is up across the board. In fact, every vehicle within Mazda's lineup is up from this time last year. This is a great sign for the brand, as profitability keeps increasing along with stellar sales growth.

"Volvo's XC90 transaction prices have jumped an astonishing 41 percent year-over-year, which is by far the best mark for any vehicle, regardless of brand," said Anand. "Considering the industry average in that same span is at 2 percent, this stellar reception for the redesigned XC90 is a great sign for Volvo's brand turnaround."