(December 1, 2016) IRVINE, Calif. — The analysts at Kelley Blue Book kbb.com, the vehicle valuation and information source trusted and relied upon by both today reported the estimated average transaction price (ATP) for light vehicles in the United States was $34,948 in November. New-car prices have increased by $581 (up 1.7 percent) from November 2015, while dropping $51 (down 0.1 percent) from last month.

"Climbing transaction prices reflect the shift in consumer preference from cars to more expensive trucks and SUVs," said Tim Fleming, analyst for Kelley Blue Book.

"Manufacturers with strong truck and SUV lineups are currently seeing record pricing, especially in these late fall months when these segments are especially popular. However, the subcompact utility segment, which is the fastest-growing segment in the industry this year, is showing signs of slowing, with prices falling by 1 percent, thanks to higher discounts used to sell down excess inventory."



Among the greatest gains of all major automakers, Nissan North America's transaction prices rose 3.4 percent in November, with the Nissan brand up 5 percent. Nissan was helped by the new Armada SUV, which increased 16 percent year-over-year, and the Titan XD pickup helped push the Titan's average transaction prices up 34 percent to $50,447.

On the other hand, Hyundai-Kia transaction prices fell 2 percent, with Hyundai's prices falling 4 percent and Kia's prices decreasing 1 percent. The Sonata had the biggest declines for Hyundai, dropping 5 percent. Kia's biggest improver was the new Sportage, a recent 2017 Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Award winner, which is up 6 percent.