Strong numbers in the luxury auto sector are driving The Kelley Blue Book new-vehicle average transaction price (ATP), which increased to $48,281 in October, slightly lower than the revised all-time high of $48,301 set in August. October 2022 prices rose 0.2% ($187) month over month from September and were up 3.8% ($1,775) year over year from October 2021.
“The sales and transaction data from October clearly indicates that there are plenty of flush-with-cash buyers with strong credit still in the market and paying top dollar for new vehicles,” said Rebecca Rydzewski, research manager of economic and industry insights for Cox Automotive. “Automakers and dealers continue to hold back on incentives as well. In all, inventory is improving, but prices remain stubbornly high.”
According to Kelley Blue Book calculations, October marks a record 17th straight month that new-vehicle ATPs were higher than the average manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP), also known as the sticker price.
According to Cox Automotive estimates, new-vehicle inventory is steadily improving, though some brands have a noticeably larger supply than others. “If consumers are flexible on make and model, it will be possible to find a good deal at year-end sales events,” said Rydzewski.
According to the Kelley Blue Book report, strong luxury vehicle sales have been a primary reason for overall elevated new-vehicle prices. Luxury vehicle share remains historically high, slightly decreasing to 17.8% of total sales in October from 17.9% in September. The high share of luxury sales helps to push the overall industry ATP higher.
BMW and Porsche showed the most price strength in the luxury market, transacting between Three per cent to 5.5% over sticker price last month. Luxury brands Acura, Cadillac and Mercedes-Benz showed the least price strength, selling one per cent or more below MSRP in October.
The average price paid for a new non-luxury vehicle in October was $44,288, up $142 month over month. On average, car shoppers in the non-luxury segment paid $690 above sticker price, a slight decrease from September.
Most non-luxury brands had stable pricing or declines in October. Honda, Hyundai and Kia showed the most price strength in the non-luxury market, transacting between four per cent to eight per cent over sticker price last month. Meanwhile, Buick showed the least price strength, selling one per cent or more below MSRP in October.
The report found that The average price paid for a new EV declined in October by $2,286 (or down 2.3%) compared to September but was up by seven per cent compared to a year ago in October 2021. The average new EV price was $64,249, according to Kelley Blue Book estimates, well above the industry average and aligning more with luxury prices versus mainstream prices.
