New-car transaction prices climb 2 percent year-over-year in June

(July 1, 2016) IRVINE, Calif. — The analysts at Kelley Blue Book kbb.com today report the estimated average transaction price (ATP) for light vehicles in the United States was $33,652 in June.  New-car prices have increased by $655 (up 2 percent) from June 2015, while rising $31 (up 0.1 percent) from last month.

"It is no surprise that strength in trucks and SUVs continue to drive up average transaction prices and help brands with models in these segments," said Tim Fleming, analyst for Kelley Blue Book.

"In particular, mid-size trucks stand out as one of the strongest segments with prices up nearly 9 percent in June 2016.  With full-size trucks now averaging $47,000, a large gap still exists to the segment's mid-size counterparts, which sit closer to $32,000."

The domestic automakers reveal the greatest year-over-year gains this month.  Fiat Chrysler transaction prices grew nearly 4 percent with the Chrysler and Dodge brands rising most.  Chrysler is seeing a 9 percent average gain due to the new Pacifica minivan, while nearly every model in the Dodge lineup is up, helping the brand's transaction prices increase 5 percent.

Ford also is up 4 percent due to stronger F-Series sales and increased pricing on the Explorer, which was up 6 percent.  The Transit also had a great month, increasing 5 percent.  On the luxury side, the Lincoln brand was flat overall, but the redesigned MKX was a bright spot for the automaker, climbing 6 percent to $48,009 on average.

"General Motors increased most of all major manufacturers, up 4 percent in June, helped most by Cadillac and Chevrolet," said Fleming.  "Cadillac rose 8 percent, helped by the new ATS-V and CTS-V sedans, as well as the new XT5, which is transacting 10 percent above the SRX that it replaced.  Chevrolet was up 5 percent with strong pricing on most of its key products, including the Silverado (up 5 percent), Malibu (up 6 percent) and Equinox (up 4 percent)."