Money & The Economy

Average New-Car Prices Rise 2 Percent in February 2018; Buyers Still Willing to Pay Top Dollar for the Latest Models

The analysts at Kelley Blue Book today reported the estimated average transaction price (ATP) for light vehicles in the United States was $35,444 in February 2018. New-vehicle prices have increased by $722 (up 2.1 percent) from February 2017, while dropping $96 (down 0.3 percent) from last month.

“It was another month of solid transaction prices in February 2018, with 2 percent growth year-over-year,” said Tim Fleming, analyst for Kelley Blue Book. “Even with new-vehicle demand expected to continue to slow in 2018, average transaction prices have been unaffected, though incentives have risen similarly to offset part of the extra cost. The numbers indicate that new-car buyers are still willing to pay top dollar for the latest models with the most current features and technology. Even the new Honda Accord and Toyota Camry are commanding large premiums over their predecessors, despite competing in a rapidly shrinking segment.”

Manufacturer	February 2018 Transaction Price (Avg.)*	January 2018 Transaction Price (Avg.)*	February 2017 Transaction Price (Avg.)*	Percent Change January 2018 to February 2018*	Percent Change February 2017 to February 2018*
American Honda (Acura, Honda)	$28,482	$28,643	$27,838	-0.6%	2.3%
Fiat Chrysler (Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Jeep, RAM)	$37,105	$37,230	$36,865	-0.3%	0.7%
Ford Motor Company (Ford, Lincoln)	$39,710	$40,126	$38,956	-1.0%	1.9%
General Motors (Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC)	$40,013	$39,655	$38,644	0.9%	3.5%
Hyundai–Kia	$25,643	$25,684	$25,122	-0.2%	2.1%
Nissan North America (Nissan, Infiniti)	$29,165	$29,153	$29,040	0.0%	0.4%
Subaru	$28,861	$28,979	$28,550	-0.4%	1.1%
Toyota Motor Company (Lexus, Toyota)	$32,376	$32,413	$31,304	-0.1%	3.4%
Volkswagen Group (Audi, Volkswagen, Porsche)	$40,978	$42,832	$38,264	-4.3%	7.1%
Industry	$35,444	$35,540	$34,722	-0.3%	2.1%
*Kelley Blue Book average transaction prices do not include applied consumer incentives

American Honda’s transaction prices climbed 2 percent in February 2018, with a 3 percent increase from the Honda brand. The new Accord posted a 6 percent increase, while the Odyssey continues to top the minivan segment, up 13 percent year-over-year. Toyota Motor Company also increased its average transaction prices, up 3 percent on the strength of the redesigned Camry, up 9 percent. The Lexus brand increased 1 percent, although, this could climb in future months with the redesigned LS sedan now reaching dealerships.

Another notable manufacturer includes Volkswagen Group, up 7 percent in February 2018, with all brands showing solid transaction price growth. The Volkswagen brand rose 8 percent, buoyed by the new Atlas SUV. Porsche climbed 8 percent, thanks to the redesigned Panamera, which was up 19 percent. Audi rose 4 percent, with the redesigned A5 and Q5 showing the most improvement.

Segment	February 2018 Transaction Price (Avg.)*	January 2018 Transaction Price (Avg.)*	February 2017 Transaction Price (Avg.)*	Percent Change January 2018 to February 2018*	Percent Change February 2017 to February 2018*
Compact Car	$20,431	$20,380	$20,636	0.2%	-1.0%
Compact SUV/Crossover	$28,664	$28,648	$28,106	0.1%	2.0%
Electric Vehicle	$38,062	$38,704	$37,314	-1.7%	2.0%
Entry-level Luxury Car	$41,976	$42,143	$41,667	-0.4%	0.7%
Full-size Car	$34,245	$34,483	$34,118	-0.7%	0.4%
Full-size Pickup Truck	$46,903	$46,874	$46,667	0.1%	0.5%
Full-Size SUV/Crossover	$62,000	$61,692	$60,403	0.5%	2.6%
High Performance Car	$99,251	$105,514	$92,919	-5.9%	6.8%
High-end Luxury Car	$100,267	$100,143	$95,793	0.1%	4.7%
Hybrid/Alternative Energy Car	$25,795	$25,859	$25,718	-0.3%	0.3%
Luxury Car	$58,858	$58,904	$56,789	-0.1%	3.6%
Luxury Compact SUV/Crossover	$44,237	$44,613	$43,098	-0.8%	2.6%
Luxury Full-size SUV/Crossover	$84,527	$83,174	$82,483	1.6%	2.5%
Luxury Mid-size SUV/Crossover	$56,522	$56,264	$55,742	0.5%	1.4%
Mid-size Car	$25,788	$25,858	$25,106	-0.3%	2.7%
Mid-size Pickup Truck	$33,235	$32,980	$32,575	0.8%	2.0%
Mid-size SUV/Crossover	$38,542	$38,441	$37,555	0.3%	2.6%
Minivan	$34,220	$34,361	$33,209	-0.4%	3.0%
Sports Car	$30,676	$30,798	$30,794	-0.4%	-0.4%
Subcompact Car	$16,174	$16,278	$16,342	-0.6%	-1.0%
Subcompact SUV/Crossover	$24,504	$24,410	$24,170	0.4%	1.4%
Van	$34,015	$34,258	$35,004	-0.7%	-2.8%
Grand Total	$35,444	$35,540	$34,722	-0.3%	2.1%
*Kelley Blue Book average transaction prices do not include applied consumer incentives

Rich Mitchell

Rich Mitchell is the editor-in-chief of Conservative Daily News and the president of Bald Eagle Media, LLC. His posts may contain opinions that are his own and are not necessarily shared by Bald Eagle Media, CDN, staff or .. much of anyone else. Find him on twitter, facebook and GETTR