(January 5, 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 $34,367 in December.  New-car prices have increased by $842 (up 2.5 percent) from December 2013, while rising $556 (1.6 percent) from last month. 

This is the highest month on record for average transaction prices.

"Pricing is strong across most of the industry with the exception of the hybrid/alternative energy segment, which dropped 1.2 percent as gas prices hit a five-year low," said Alec Gutierrez, senior analyst for Kelley Blue Book. 

"Lower gas prices will further help the market for trucks and utilities, which are traditionally popular in December."

Among those brands benefitting from the strength in trucks and utility vehicles, Fiat Chrysler transaction prices are up 2.3 percent on strong Ram sales as well as higher Dodge pricing.  Dodge average transaction prices were up 6.8 percent following the discontinuation of the discount mid-size Avenger sedan.  In addition, Challenger, now including the 707-horsepower SRT Hellcat model, is up 15.4 percent.

"Another notable automaker is Hyundai Kia with the biggest percentage gain of the major manufacturers at 5.5 percent," said Tim Fleming, analyst for Kelley Blue Book. 

"The Hyundai brand was up 6.8 percent, helped by the Sonata, which brought the model's average up 6.1 percent to $26,046.  Kia average transaction prices were up 3.1 percent, highlighted by a 16.7 increase from the recently redesigned Sedona minivan."