motor

Ford Motor Co. spokesman Todd Nissen said that its car prices were raised by an average of $124, or 0.4%, per vehicle this month due to higher commodity costs. Ford has also increased prices last January and April. Nissen said that this year, Ford raised prices by an average of 1.3%, or $375 per vehicle. He said that the average price increase for all U.S. automakers is about 1%.

Last April, GM’s prices increased by an average of 0.4%, or $123.

In addition, Toyota Motor Corp. increased prices on 2011 car and light truck models in the past few months.

Automakers are affected by the increasing prices for steel, rubber and other materials. Analysts say that the carmakers have been better able to pass along the higher costs due to smaller new car and light inventories. Ford's U.S. sales have increased by 12% this year while the market increased by 20% through April. [via - 4wheelsnews]