This week’s Hot Car Report features two models slated to go on sale soon. The Cadillac ATS is GM’s foray into the entry-level luxury market, designed to compete head-to-head with stalwarts such as the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4. The ATS should arrive at dealer lots within a few months, and GM aggressively has been marketing the model in hopes that this will translate into sales…

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**

GM says Girsky replaces Stracke as chief of Europe unit

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-07-12/gm-says-girsky-replaces-stracke-as-chief-of-europe-unit.html

Hyundai Motor faces looming strike imperiling momentum

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-07-11/hyundai-motor-faces-looming-strike-imperiling-momentum.html

Hyundai, Kia unions to stage 8-hour strikes demanding higher wages and fewer working hours

http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/hyundai-kia-unions-to-stage-8-hour-strikes-demanding-higher-wages-and-fewer-working-hours/2012/07/12/gJQAvbQweW_story.html

Hyundai and Kia unions vote to strike

http://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/2012/07/11/hyundai-and-kia-unions-vote-to-strike/

**OEM/Vehicle News**

GM unlikely to share Volt’s green tech with Peugeot

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120712/OEM05/307129767/1193/gm-unlikely-to-share-volts-green-tech-with-peugeot

BMW, Peugeot joint hybrid research team to end

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120712/AUTO0104/207120350/1148/auto01/BMW-Peugeot-joint-hybrid-research-team-end

Toyota’s new Avalon hybrid sedan will hit 40 mpg

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2012/07/toyotas-new-avalon-hybrid-sedan-will-hit-40-mpg/1

Mercedes vs. BMW: Big fight over small cars

http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2012/autos/1207/gallery.bmw-mercedes-rivalry.fortune/

Audi bets on upscale image over affordability in 2013 Allroad

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120712/OPINION03/207120356/1148/auto01/Audi-bets-upscale-image-over-affordability-2013-Allroad

Family cars: Not sexy, but selling

http://features.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2012/07/12/family-cars-not-sexy-but-selling/

Aston Martin’s topless V12 Vantage arrives for summer

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2012/07/aston-martins-topless-v12-vantage-arrives-for-summer-/1

Tesla opening stores in places car buyers wouldn’t think to shop

http://articles.latimes.com/2012/jun/30/business/la-fi-autos-tesla-20120630

GM to bring thousands of IT jobs in-house

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120712/AUTO0103/207120437/1148/auto01/GM-bring-thousands-jobs-house

Peugeot to shut plant to raise job cuts to 14,000 posts

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-07-12/peugeot-to-close-plant-as-reorganization-cuts-9-600-jobs.html

**Dealer/Industry News**

China auto sales rose 16% in June, but slowdown looms

http://adage.com/article/global-news/china-auto-sales-rose-16-june-slowdown-looms/235977/

**Ad/Media/Marketing News**

Chrysler named 2012 Detroit Jazz Festival presenting sponsor

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/chrysler-named-2012-detroit-jazz-festival-presenting-sponsor-162210345.html

Bill Gates-backed EcoMotors to use funding to build more-efficient diesel engine

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120711/OEM05/120719944/1135/bill-gates-backed-ecomotors-to-use-funding-to-build-more-efficient

Twitter loosens up its paid ad requirements

http://www.adweek.com/news/technology/twitter-loosens-its-paid-ad-requirements-141812

How to capitalize on the power of social recommendations

http://www.imediaconnection.com/content/32216.asp

Women more likely to go mobile-only for social activities

http://www.emarketer.com/Article.aspx?R=1009183&ecid=a6506033675d47f881651943c21c5ed4

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