ATP Dips Below MSRP
20-month milestone reflects more availability of lower-priced models.

Sales volume increased 20% month-over-month and 8% year-over-year.
IMAGE; Pixabay/Nannica
Almost two years of new-vehicle prices sitting above manufacturer’s suggested retail price ended in March, when the average U.S. transaction price fell to a hair over $48,000, according to Kelley Blue Book.
The average price paid was $171 below the average sticker price and the first drop below it that KBB had noted in 20 months. That price was down 1%, or $550, month-over-month.
A year earlier, the average ATP hit almost $1,000 over MSRP, KBB said.
“Both luxury and non-luxury prices were down month over month. We’ve been anticipating transaction price declines as inventory has steadily improved and choice has expanded,” said Rebecca Rydzewski, research manager of economic and industry insights for Cox Automotive. “More vehicles on dealer lots – and on their competitors’ lots – means dealers simply don’t have the pricing power they did six months ago.”
Sales volume increased 20% month-over-month and 8% year-over-year in March, due in part to less expensively priced models, along with greater supply and robust fleet sales, KBB said.
LEARN MORE: New-Vehicle Sales Get Q1 Bump
More Dealer Ops

Ladies and Gentlemen, This Is a Dealership: Why the Fundamentals Still Decide Who Wins
A teaching moment by a legendary football coach happens to apply perfectly in the auto retail space. Learn what it is and how to use it to your store’s advantage.
Read More →
Timing the Market Can Hurt Long-Term Program Performance
For dealer-owned reinsurance entities, avoiding volatility entirely can mean falling behind inflation and missing market rebounds that drive long term surplus growth. Missing just a handful of strong market days can materially impact cumulative returns—an important reminder for long horizon trust and investment strategies.
Read More →
Dealer Ads and the FTC
The agency has made it clear in recent enforcement actions and warnings, in auto retail and other industries, that advertised prices must include all nonoptional costs to the consumer.
Read More →
Used Autos Supply Dwindles
The March shopping surge, despite high prices, cut into inventory by the most since the thick of the pandemic, Cox Automotive analysts calculated.
Read More →
Managing Risk Effectively Through Changing Times
The variables influencing risk pricing have changed significantly over the past five years. Being proactive and responsive to emerging trends is not optional but essential.
Read More →
Survey Reveals What Won't Fix What's Breaking Car Sales
AutoPayPlus says extra-long auto loans are trapping consumers and threatening the dealer trade-in cycle, and that the industry is leveraging the wrong tools to combat high MSRPs.
Read More →
IA American Appoints Two Execs
Senior vice presidents of the company's agent and dealer channels chosen to support general agents and help auto dealers with sales and performance.
Read More →
Cox Automotive Acquires Inspection Firm
Full ownership of Alliance Inspection Management, or AiM, meant to unlock growth for Manheim inspection capabilities
Read More →
Assurant Expands Partnership With Holman
Extended collaboration delivers training, products and performance development to 30 newly acquired Holman dealerships
Read More →
Franchises, Throughput Down in First Half
A handful of states see franchise growth through June, while EV sales per store boost overall business in U.S.
Read More →