Kelley Blue Book Hot Car Report Analysis – December 22, 2011:

 

The end of the year has spelled opportunity for many car shoppers. For example, large cash incentives have driven up interest for the Ram substantially from previous weeks, allowing it to garner two spots within the top 5 movers list. In addition, Fiat’s recent promotional pushes for the Fiat 500 (special Gucci and Pink Ribbon editions, a recent appearance in Jay Leno’s garage and advertisements featuring Jennifer Lopez) have worked to increase interest for the vehicle... 

 

For the full report and commentary, please visit: http://mediaroom.kbb.com/hot-car-report/
(Please note: Past Hot Car Reports are available by clicking the ‘Archives’ link)

 

- Joe Lu, Market Intelligence Web Analyst, Analytic Insights Division, Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com

 

 

**Top News**

 

Toyota says 2012 vehicle sales may rise 20% on recovery from disasters

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-12-22/toyota-says-2012-vehicle-sales-may-rise-20-on-recovery-from-quake-floods.html

 

Toyota’s credit outlook cut to negative by Moody’s citing yen

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20111222/OEM01/312229867/1117

 

Toyota set to cede No. 1 status in 2011

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204552304577113640825025980.html?mod=WSJ_auto_IndustryCollection

 

GM hires consulting firms to find white-collar jobs it can cut

http://www.freep.com/article/20111222/BUSINESS01/112220393/GM-hires-consulting-firms-find-white-collar-jobs-can-cut?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|Auto%20news

 

Automakers brace for possible meltdown of euro zone

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20111221/OEM/111229964/1193

 

 

**OEM/Vehicle News**

 

Saab North America to be run by outside administrator

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20111221/OEM/111229970/1422

 

Saab USA still looking for ways to honor warranties

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/21/saab-usa-still-looking-for-ways-to-honor-warranties/

 

Ranger pickup isn’t only model to drive off into sunset in 2012

http://www.freep.com/article/20111222/BUSINESS01/112220391/Ranger-pickup-isn-t-only-model-drive-off-into-sunset-after-2012?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|Auto%20news

 

Tesla confirms delivery of first Model S sedans for mid-2012

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-12-21/tesla-says-it-will-deliver-first-model-s-sedans-as-scheduled-in-mid-2012.html

 

Mercedes and BMW turn it on in final weeks

http://www.cnbc.com/id/45752578

 

Audi designer to head VW’s design center

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20111221/COPY01/312219834/1295

 

Honda imports China-built Fit to Canada

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20111221/OEM/111229972/1131

 

GM recalls about 20,000 Cadillac SRX models to inspect transmission cable

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20111221/RETAIL05/312219794/1131

 

Briefs: Ford sells 100k trucks with EcoBoost in 2011

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20111222/AUTO01/112220346/1148/AUTO01/Briefs-Ford-sells-100K-trucks-EcoBoost-2011

 

After dropping “Accord” from Crosstour, Honda adds four-cylinder engine for 2012

http://www.leftlanenews.com/honda-crosstour.html

 

Lexus to unveil stunning 2-plue-2 concept in Detroit

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2011/12/lexus-to-unveil-stunning-2-plus-2-concept-in-detroit/1

 

Kia debuts its first electric car – but not for the U.S.

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2011/12/kia-debuts-its-first-electric-car----but-not-for-the-us/1

 

 

**Dealer/Industry News**

 

LaHood opposes ban on hands-free calls behind wheel

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20111222/AUTO01/112220344/1148/LaHood-opposes-ban-hands-free-calls-behind-wheel

 

 

**Ad/Media/Marketing News**

 

Honda Interactive 360 degree film lets viewers explore ice caves, underwater museum

http://mashable.com/2011/12/21/honda-interactive-360%C2%BA-film/

 

Hyundai launches Times Square racing game

http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/164657/hyundai-launches-times-square-racing-game.html?edition=41538

 

Chevy offers $10k for you to share Super Bowl ad contender

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2011/12/chevy-offers-10k-for-you-to-share-super-bowl-ad-contender/1

 

Q&A: Nick Pudar on OnStar’s opps, apps

http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/164650/qa-nick-pudar-on-onstars-opps-apps.html?edition=41538

 

RelayRides’ Shelby Clark: Why GM became our ride-sharing partner

http://www.clickz.com/clickz/news/2134051/relayrides-shelby-clark-gm-ride-sharing-partner

 

Five mobile predictions for 2012

http://www.mobilemarketer.com/cms/news/strategy/11746.html

 

Five must-haves for your 2012 campaigns

http://www.clickz.com/clickz/column/2133234/-haves-2012-campaigns

 

 

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