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Producer Price Indexes

Quality Changes for 2026 Model Vehicles 

Most new-model-year passenger cars and light motor trucks were introduced into the Producer Price Index (PPI) with data for October and November 2025.

Passenger Cars

The value of quality changes for a sample of 2026-model-year domestically produced passenger cars included in the PPI for October and November averaged $25.20, according to estimates by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This change represents 4.9 percent of the average $512.55 increase in manufacturer invoice prices for 2026 models as compared with models from the prior year.

The retail equivalent value of these quality changes averaged $27.58, representing 5.0 percent of the average $552.63 over-the-year increase in manufacturer suggested list prices.

Light Trucks

The value of quality changes for a sample of 2026-model-year domestically produced light trucks included in the PPI for October and November averaged $187.93. This change represents 19.9 percent of the average $942.91 increase in manufacturer invoice prices for 2026 models as compared with models from the prior year.

The retail equivalent value of these quality changes averaged $201.93, representing 20.1 percent of the average $1,004.41 over-the-year increase in manufacturer suggested list prices.

The $201.93 estimated retail value of quality change breaks down as follows:

  • $12.98 for improvements to safety equipment.

  • $33.03 for improvements to infotainment systems.

  • $155.92 for other changes, such as improvements to powertrains and changes in levels of standard or optional equipment.

For additional information, contact the PPI Section of Index Analysis and Public Information, at ppi-info@bls.gov or (202) 691-7705.

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Estimates of the value of quality change are based on a review by the BLS of data supplied by producers for similarly equipped 2025 and 2026 models priced for the Producer Price Index. Most of the estimates of quality changes in this release are derived from information supplied for the Producer Price Index for October and November.

Last Modified Date:  January 14, 2026