Ford Sees US Car Prices Falling 5% This Year as Rebates Rise

Ford Motor Co. predicted new US car prices will fall about 5% as automakers dial up the discounts, giving consumers a break from last year’s sticker shock.

Parts shortages emptied dealer lots of inventory over the past three years and drove up average sale prices on new cars to a record $49,507 in December, according to Kelley Blue Book. But Ford sees that easing this year, and as the supply of cars grows, carmakers will face pressure to make deals.