Carmakers Hold U.S. Incentives Steady

Automakers spent an average of $2,270 per vehicle in incentives last month, up 2% from July but 5% lower than August 2011, according to online auto data provider Edmunds.com.

Honda boosted incentives 27% from July to August to an average of $1,550 per vehicle. Much of the increase was spent on the 2012 Accord midsize car, which is being replaced by the next-generation model, Edmunds says. Honda's average incentive remains the lowest among major carmakers.

Spending last month rose 3% to $1,680 per vehicle at Toyota and fell 9% to $2,620 at Nissan.

Incentives eased 1% to $2,760 at Chrysler and 2% to $3,150 at General Motors. Spending grew 3% to $2,840 at Ford.