New car shopping is significantly less enjoyable than it was just several years ago, as the pandemic and the ongoing supply chain crisis have deeply impacted the automotive industry. Ford is not immune to any of these changes, and is still struggling to meet demand. In addition to rising costs, the automaker has also largely cut back on incentive spending, as demand continues to vastly outstrip supply. As Ford Authority previously reported, the average transaction price of a vehicle wearing the Blue Oval somehow declined in September in what was apparently a momentary aberration. That’s because Kelley Blue Book recently released its monthly ATP report for October 2022, which showed that prices for Ford branded vehicles increased by three percent on average last month.
Average transaction pricing for Blue Oval branded vehicles increase 2.8 percent in October to $53,966. Compared to October 2021, that’s a nearly seven percent increase, as the ATP that month totaled $50,583. Both figures significantly outpaced the industry as a whole, as ATP across all brands increased by just 0.2 percent last month and are up about four percent from October 2021. The average price paid for a new vehicle in October 2022 was $48,281.
According to the publication, October marks the 17th straight month that average transaction prices were higher than the average MSRP, a new record. Non-luxury vehicle shoppers are paying $690 above sticker on average, which is slightly lower than last month. Meanwhile, incentives remain at historic lows, averaging just 2.1 percent of the average transaction price.
“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.”
As Ford Authority previously reported, while demand remains high, historically high prices are impacting the recent buying habits of Ford shoppers. CEO Jim Farley said that F-150 buyers are beginning to switch from Lariat to XLT in an effort to reduce overall costs. Additionally, Blue Oval customers are beginning to extend their loans as borrowing costs rise and make cars less affordable.
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Comment
Where the heck do all of these people get “cash” for all of their purchases?!? It’s costing me MORE to live, in turn reducing my cash availability. Yet we have people who seem to have SO much cash that they can not only afford an overly priced vehicle, but also pay OVER MSRP?!? I guess I’m lower class now compared to the rest. Must be nice! I’ll continue to struggle and I guess be a broke person during trying times. Until people stop buying everything in cash and paying to much for goods and services, inflation will continue to rise.