(January 4, 2017) IRVINE, Calif. — The analysts at Kelley Blue Book kbb.com today reported the estimated average transaction price (ATP) for light vehicles in the United States was $35,309 in December, an all-time record high.  New-car prices have increased by $521 (up 1.5 percent) from December 2015, while rising $166 (up 0.3 percent) from last month.

"Even though transaction prices are at an all-time high, incentives have grown similarly to counterbalance the increased prices," said Tim Fleming, analyst for Kelley Blue Book. 

"Higher average transaction prices are reflective of the rapid shift in consumer demand away from cars and into trucks and utility vehicles, which are more expensive.  Should the sales mix of cars to SUVs reach a stable point in the near future, actual transaction price growth could match or fall just short of inflation."

Fiat Chrysler rose a solid 3 percent in December, with increases coming from its Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep brands.  The Chrysler brand was up 10 percent on the strength of the Pacifica minivan, as well as fewer sales of the 200 sedan.  The Dodge brand was up 5 percent on a lower mix of its compact car, the Dart, and strong performance from the Charger.  Finally, Jeep is up 2 percent, thanks to a strong month from the refreshed Grand Cherokee, which was up 3 percent.

Another strong domestic automaker, Ford, improved 3 percent, due to the Explorer, which was up 11 percent on a strong mix of its Sport and Platinum trims.  The refreshed Escape also was up 3 percent, while the reinvigorated Fusion climbed 4 percent.  The Lincoln brand increased 3 percent, as the Continental helped the brand's average by transacting at $57,156.

In addition, American Honda's transaction prices were flat overall, with the Acura brand up 1 percent, while Honda was flat.  The Honda Civic, now in its second year of production for the current generation, was up 4 percent, thanks to the recent launch of the hatchback variant.