Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book reported stronger-than-expected auto sales during the month of November. The overall industry health is looking strong, but the two firms noted several risk factors that could negatively impact the industry as it heads into 2016.
The Volkswagen brand, still suffering from the diesel emissions scandal, was the only brand to show a dip in average transaction prices.
New-car transaction prices rose 2% in June, with Ford leading the way. The only automaker to realize a decrease was the Volkswagen Group.
New-car prices increased 3.6% over last February, with Hyundai-Kia showing the largest percentage gain of all major OEMs.
Despite predicting that new-vehicle sales will rise above 2014 levels, the vehicle information site believes 2015 will be the slowest year for sales growth since 2009.
Average transaction prices in December were up nearly 3% from a year ago and nearly 1.6% from November, with Hyundai and Kia posting the largest percentage gain among major OEMs.
New-car prices have increased by $165 from November last year, while rising $568 from a month prior. Domestic automakers have been the main beneficiaries of this trend, according to Kelley Blue Book.
On the strength of SUV sales, average transaction prices for light vehicles rose slightly in October. Leading the way was Ford and its F-Series line of trucks.
New-vehicle retail sales through September were at their highest level since 2005, but the rise in new-vehicle transaction prices is what has really contributed to the industry's health this year, say J.D. Power analysts.
In August, the estimated average transaction price for light vehicles in the United States was $32,495, according to the vehicle valuation source. New-car prices have also increased 2.7% from the same period last year.
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