New-Car Transaction Prices Climb More Than 2 Percent In May

The estimated average transaction price (ATP) for light vehicles in the United States was $32,307 in May 2014 according to Kelley Blue Book and new-car prices have increased by $653 (up 2.1 percent) from May 2013, while decreasing $79 (0.2 percent) from last month.

“Small and mid-size car share has declined slightly, as car shoppers opt for small and mid-size crossovers, helping boost this month’s average transaction price,” said Karl Brauer, senior analyst for Kelley Blue Book.

“Benefitting from strength among the crossover segment, the Acura MDX now comprises more than a third of Acura’s sales, boosting the brand’s transaction prices 5.5 percent year-over-year and helping keep Honda’s overall ATP flat,” he added.

“Revealing a healthy average transaction price increase this month is Volkswagen Group, up 5.5 percent from last year,” said Alec Gutierrez, senior analyst for Kelley Blue Book.

Among domestic brands, Chrysler Group reports the most impressive gain in average transaction prices at 4.8 percent from last year, with help from its RAM brand (up 6.4 percent). The Chrysler brand also is up 7.6 percent, but this is primarily due to a lower mix of 200 sales since May 2013.

Category: Featured, General Update, Management, Vehicles