Kelley Blue Book Hot Car Report Analysis – April 19, 2012:

Four out of five vehicles in the top-gainers list are SUVs and crossovers. Coincidentally, gas prices have started to decline within the past week. The vehicle gaining the largest growth in popularity is the Kia Sorento. As pump price anxiety eases and coupled with an effective ad campaign, Kia is expanding its shopper consideration with the Sorento... 

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)

- Arthur Henry, Market Intelligence Manager and Market Analyst, Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com

**Top News**

Quick solution unlikely in resin shortage, research firm says

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120418/OEM10/304189811/1182/quick-solution-unlikely-in-resin-shortage-research-firm-says

Auto group looks for ways to work around resin shortage

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120419/AUTO01/204190374/1148/auto01/Auto-group-looks-ways-work-around-resin-shortage

Ford to build plant in China to bolster global sales

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/20/business/global/ford-to-build-new-plant-in-china-to-catch-up-with-gm.html?_r=1&ref=automobiles

Ford to build $760 million plant in China

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120419/OEM01/120419878/1131/ford-to-build-760-million-plant-in-china

**OEM/Vehicle News**

Volkswagen Group to add Ducati to production portfolio

http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/04/18/volkswagen-group-adds-ducati-to-product-portfolio/?ref=automobiles

Piech risks overreaching with Audi’s Ducati purchase

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120419/COPY01/304199816/1295/piech-risks-overreaching-with-audis-ducati-purchase

Why Audi just bought Ducati

http://jalopnik.com/5903083/why-audi-just-bought-ducati?utm_source=Jalopnik+Newsletter&utm_campaign=1b4707c625-UA-142218-9&utm_medium=email

Audi to make Q5 SUV in Mexico in global challenge to BMW

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-04-19/audi-to-make-q5-suv-in-mexico-in-global-challenge-to-bmw.html

Hyundai gives Santa Fe an upscale makeover to boost global sales

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120419/COPY01/304199822/1276/hyundai-gives-santa-fe-an-upscale-makeover-to-boost-global-sales

Ford narrows sale pitch for Focus Electric

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2012/04/ford-focus-electric-sales/1

Howes: GM stuck as political football until November election

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120419/OPINION03/204190356/1148/auto01/GM-stuck-political-football-until-November-election

GM recalls 50,000 crossovers

http://www.autoremarketing.com/retail/gm-recalls-50000-crossovers

Abu Dhabi set to quit Daimler, report says

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120419/COPY01/304199802/1424/abu-dhabi-set-to-quit-daimler-report-says

**Dealer/Industry News**

Honda rolls out ‘Green Dealer’ program for U.S. stores, encourages energy conservation

http://www.autoremarketing.com/retail/honda-rolls-out-%E2%80%98green-dealer%E2%80%99-program-us-stores-encourages-energy-conservation

Obama targets oil speculators

http://www.thedetroitbureau.com/2012/04/obama-targets-oil-speculators/

**Ad/Media/Marketing News**

Acura apologizes for ‘not too dark’ casting call

http://www.thedetroitbureau.com/2012/04/acura-apologizes-for-not-too-dark-casting-call/

Ford has spotty history remaking the Mustang

http://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/2012/04/18/ford-has-spotty-history-remaking-the-mustang/

Honda wants you to stop using that damn Pinterest already

http://www.adweek.com/adfreak/honda-wants-you-stop-using-damn-pinterest-already-139674

Ram drives A&E ‘Longmire’ sponsorship, integration

http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/172812/ram-drives-ae-longmire-sponsorship-integration.html?edition=45887

Nissan’s little taxi contract has star power

http://www.autonews.com/article/20120418/BLOG06/120419885/1179/nissans-little-taxi-contract-has-star-power

BMW preps 2012 Olympics campaign

http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/172767/bmw-preps-2012-olympics-campaign.html?edition=45890

Ford Web series focuses on eco education

http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/172794/ford-web-series-focuses-on-eco-education.html?edition=45890

Aurasma brings Fiat 500 Abarth ad to life

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aurasma-brings-fiat-500-abarth-ad-to-life-148080605.html

Facebook beefs up ad analytics

http://www.adweek.com/news/technology/facebook-beefs-ad-analytics-139677

Why brands on a budget need bloggers

http://www.imediaconnection.com/content/31517.asp

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