With recent buzz about the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and the rumored SLC variant, the SLS Class tops this week’s Hot Car Report. Longtime rumors have potentially come to a close as Mercedes-Benz green-lighted the high-end SLS Class, priced near $200,000, which would compete with vehicles such as the Porsche 911. If the speculation holds true, this will add another vehicle to the Mercedes-Benz arsenal spanning even more price points and driving styles…

 

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

 

- Akshay Anand, Market Intelligence Web Analyst, Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com

 

 

**Top News**

 

Auto sales rise puts U.S. on pace to best year since 2007

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-05-10/auto-sales-rise-puts-u-s-on-pace-to-best-year-since-2007.html

 

Tesla losses widen but EV maker lifts 2012 revenue target by $10M

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120509/OEM05/120509845/1424/tesla-losses-widen-but-ev-maker-lifts-2012-revenue-target-by-10m

 

Tesla loss widens as Roadster ends; Model S due in June

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-05-09/tesla-loss-widens-as-roadster-ends-model-s-due-in-june.html

 

Judge overturns Honda hybrid owner’s win for low mpg

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2012/05/honda-hybrid-owners-gas-mileage-claim-win-overturned/1

 

Honda wins appeal in Civic hybrid mileage lawsuit

http://www.latimes.com/business/autos/la-fi-autos-honda-claim-20120510,0,5677531.story

 

 

**OEM/Vehicle News**

 

Toyota rises on carmaker’s earnings recovery forecast

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-05-10/toyota-rises-on-carmaker-s-earnings-recovery-forecast.html

 

In China, Volkswagen outsources product plan to the people

http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/05/09/in-china-volkswagen-outsources-product-plan-to-the-people/?gwh=750EE4E5853A5E7FEAC3A84719F3532A

 

Porsche plans sedan below Panamera to compete with Mercedes E class, report says

http://www.autonews.com/article/20120510/COPY01/305109818/1428/porsche-plans-sedan-below-panamera-to-compete-with-mercedes-e-class

 

Ford to triple European output of EcoBoost-equipped vehicles to 480,000

http://www.autonews.com/article/20120509/OEM/120509843/1193/ford-to-triple-european-output-of-ecoboost-equipped-vehicles-to-480

 

Ford CEO Mulally says he has no timetable for retirement

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-05-10/ford-ceo-mulally-says-he-has-no-timetable-for-retirement.html

 

New Chrysler battling old defects

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303630404577393044257833510.html?mod=WSJ_Autos_LS_Autos_2

Return of the Riviera?

http://www.thedetroitbureau.com/2012/05/return-of-the-riviera/

 

Why Google’s self-driving car may save lives

http://money.cnn.com/2012/05/10/autos/google-driverless-cars-safety/index.htm

 

Ford recalls more minivans to fix rusty axles

http://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/2012/05/10/ford-recalls-more-minivans-to-fix-rusty-axles/

 

 

**Dealer/Industry News**

 

AutoTrader.com enhances display advertising solutions for dealers

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/autotradercom-enhances-display-advertising-solutions-for-dealers-150920055.html

 

Romney takes credit for auto rebound and critics howl

http://www.autonews.com/article/20120508/BLOG06/120509872/1503/romney-takes-credit-for-auto-rebound-and-critics-howl

 

Bob Lutz defends bashing Rush Limbaugh, Bill O’Reilly

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2012/05/bob-lutz-defends-bashing-rush-limbaugh-bill-oreilly/1

 

 

**Ad/Media/Marketing News**

 

Cadillac CUE to make console iPad-like

http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/174290/cadillac-cue-to-make-console-ipad-like.html?edition=46658

 

Porsche’s new baby crossover uncovered, targets younger buyers

http://www.autonews.com/article/20120509/BLOG06/120509862/1499/porsches-new-baby-crossover-uncovered-targets-younger-buyers

 

Nissan targets ‘pragmatists’ to buy its electric Leaf

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2012/05/sales-target-for-nissan-leaf-electrics-pragmatists/1

 

Chevy Corvette ZR1 to pace Indy 500

http://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/2012/05/09/chevy-corvette-zr1-to-pace-indy-500/

 

Ad of the day: Volkswagen

http://www.adweek.com/news/advertising-branding/ad-day-volkswagen-140185

 

China’s lower tiers offer vast potential for auto market

http://adage.com/article/global-news/china-s-lower-tiers-offer-vast-potential-auto-market/234662/

 

Watch Ferrari desecrate an ancient Chinese monument

http://jalopnik.com/5909004/watch-a-ferrari-desecrate-an-ancient-chinese-monument?utm_source=Jalopnik+Newsletter&utm_campaign=58346a7168-UA-142218-9&utm_medium=email

 

20 ways to use QR codes correctly

http://www.imediaconnection.com/content/31742.asp

 

 

 

 

 

 

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