New-Vehicle Price Inflation Disappearing
Pandemic-induced ATPs receding as inventories, incentives ascend.

Automaker incentive spending rose in July for the 10th month in a row to its greatest since October 2021.
IMAGE: Pixabay/Andreas 160578
The upward pandemic-era pressure on new-vehicle prices appears to have finally subsided, as July’s year-over-year average price increase was the smallest in a decade, Kelley Blue Book says.
It found further confirmation of the milestone in the January-through-July transaction price decrease of 2.7%, which it said it the biggest fall of that period in a decade.
July’s average new-vehicle transaction price was $48,334, down 0.7% month-over-month and up $199 from a year earlier, the Cox Automotive company said.
Inventories that have steadily increased this year from pandemic-era lows, along with rising incentives, are affecting the rebalancing. Automaker incentive spending rose in July for the 10th month in a row to its greatest since October 2021 for a $2,148 average, or 4.4% of the ATP. That’s up from 2.4% year-over-year.
“New-vehicle price inflation has all but disappeared in 2023,” said Cox Automotive Research Manager Rebecca Rydzewski. “New-vehicle prices, primarily driven by cuts in luxury and electric vehicles, are decreasing as inventory is steadily improving.”
Average nonluxury new-vehicle prices alone fell nearly $500 month-over-month in July to $44,700, up just 0.5% year-over-year, though they’ve held steady since January. Just one model was selling for less than $20,000, though, unlike before the pandemic: the Mitsubishi Mirage, Kelley Blue Book said.
Meanwhile, average luxury prices fell $192 month-over-month to $63,552, a nearly 3% year-over-year decrease and down by more than 5% since the year started. The decline was helped along by more than 19% cuts in prices at Tesla, which Cox considers the luxury market leader.
Originally posted on Auto Dealer Today
More Showroom

Mitsubishi Unveils U.S. Plan
The automaker announced a strategy that includes an expanded lineup and dealership presence, along with more ‘rugged’ and electric models.
Read More →
Used Lots Getting the Business
Many consumers are seeking out the units to save money, and the demand – higher in July than normal – is keeping supply limited and prices up.
Read More →
Used Market Stabilizes
The Carfax Used Car Index noted a major drop in used-vehicle price increases in July after several months of hikes.
Read More →
California Hybrids Reach State Record
The Golden State still leads the country in electric-vehicle registrations, but much like the rest of the U.S. its hybrid market share is up while full electrics stabilize after a dramatic first-quarter dip.
Read More →
My Mercedes in the U.S.
The German brand debuted its studio dealership concept for the first time in the states in Los Angeles, tapping Americans’ penchant for creative distinctions.
Read More →
Used Sales Hit Summer Drag
The vacation season, combined with high prices, has dented deliveries and added to inventories, though supply is still slim enough to keep listings elevated.
Read More →
California Launches EV Rebate Program
Participating automakers are matching the state's $13.5 million investment in new electric-vehicle rebates scheduled to take effect later this summer.
Read More →
OEM Poll Sees Industry Evolution
Kerrigan Advisors’ survey of automakers finds that tariffs, technology, network tightening and other factors are poised to reshape auto retail.
Read More →
The Trade-In Paradox
Retailing older cars with confidence in today’s market is a matter of establishing and following a clear process that can turn greater profit for auto dealers as they aim to meet used-unit hunger.
Read More →
Focus on Vehicle Cabins
The market for interior materials will grow in coming years as automakers look to meet consumer demand while staying competitive with changeups to sourcing and included features.
Read More →