Auto Incentives Dip in U.S.

Carmakers paid an average of $2,230 in incentives per vehicle sold last month, down 3% from August and 9% lower than in September 2011, according to Edmunds.com.

The online auto data provider says automakers are relying less on discounts because fresh 2013 models are arriving in showrooms.

Honda was the main exception to the trend with an 11% hike in spending from August to September to an average $1,770 per vehicle. Chrysler and Toyota increased incentives by 5% to $2,890 and 4% to $1,760, respectively.

The other major carmakers reduced per-vehicle spending month over month, including General Motors (-8% to $3,010), Nissan (-5% to $2,470) and Ford (-3% to $2,750).

Separately, TrueCar.com reports that the average transaction price for a new car or light truck last month was $30,280, 1% higher than in September 2011 but only $8 more than in August.