U.S. Car Incentives Dropped 5% in 2012

Automakers spent an average $2,210 in incentives per light vehicle sold in America last year compared with $2,320 in 2011, according to Edmunds.com.

The online auto data provider reports that Nissan was the only major automaker to boost U.S. incentives in 2012, with a 7% year-over-year jump to $2,500.

General Motors was the biggest spender among major automakers in the U.S. over the past 12 months, with a 1% dip from 2011 to $3,250. Ford trimmed incentives 1% to $2,760 and Chrysler cut spending 5% to $2,640.

Year over year, Toyota and Honda slashed incentives by 12% to $1,600 and 11% to $1,290, respectively.

In December carmakers spent an average $2,290 per vehicle on incentives, down 1% from both November and December 2011, according to Edmunds. The research firm says many carmakers began offering year-end discounts, rebates and sweetened lease deals in November.

Ford's December incentives soared 15% from November to $3,230. Spending also rose month over month at GM (+5% to $3,230) and Toyota (+4% to $1,900). Incentives dropped at Nissan (-14% to $2,500), Honda (-6% to $1,140) and Chrysler (-3% to $2,700).