The Audi Allroad made its debut on kbb.com and consumers are taking notice. According to Audi’s official website, the goal of creating the Allroad is to “marry the all-wheel drive capability and cargo capacity of a crossover with the agility and refinement of an executive sedan.” The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the Allroad starts in the low $40,000s and works its way up to a higher price tag depending on options. We will have to wait and see how Allroad sales perform when the model is released later this year…

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**

Ford sticks with Facebook, takes Twitter shot at GM

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2012/05/ford-sticks-with-facebook-takes-twitter-shot-at-gm/1

GM still likes its no-Facebook ad strategy

http://www.cnbc.com/id/47446779

Ford to spend more this year on Facebook ads

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120517/AUTO0102/205170350/1148/AUTO01/Ford-spend-more-year-Facebook-ads

Acura recalls over 56,000 sedans in North America

http://bottomline.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/05/17/11744558-acura-recalls-over-56000-sedans-in-north-america?lite

GM stock boosted by ‘Buffett Bounce’

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120517/AUTO0103/205170343/1148/AUTO01/GM-stock-boosted-by-Buffett-Bounce-

**OEM/Vehicle News**

Ford to replace U.S. models fastest through 2016, report says

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120516/OEM04/305169755/1428/ford-to-replace-u-s-models-fastest-through-2016-report-says

Subaru to expand Indiana plant, boost Outback, Legacy output

http://www.autonews.com/article/20120516/OEM01/120519894/1424/subaru-to-expand-indiana-plant-boost-outback-legacy-output

Toyota rolls out redesigned Corolla

http://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/2012/05/16/toyota-rolls-out-redesigned-corolla/

Chevy Trax compact SUV will debut in Paris, skip U.S.

http://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/2012/05/17/chevy-trax-compact-suv-will-debut-in-paris-skip-u-s/

After awkward debut, Volkswagen Passat finds its stride

http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/05/16/after-awkward-debut-volkswagen-passat-finds-its-stride/?gwh=DEAFCEFEEFD09BBFA92AFC0C26F018B4

Fisker delaying Atlantic plug-in launch by full year

http://www.thedetroitbureau.com/2012/05/fisker-delaying-atlantic-plug-in-launch-by-full-year/

Fiat Strada could find niche in U.S.

http://www.autonews.com/article/20120516/BLOG06/120519896/1499/fiat-strada-could-find-a-niche-in-u-s

Fiat pulls a fast one on VW

http://www.thedetroitbureau.com/2012/05/fiat-pulls-a-fast-one-on-vw/

GM’s Opel may scale back Astra factories, labor head says

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-05-17/gm-s-opel-may-scale-back-astra-factories-labor-head-says.html

Aston Martin $158,000 Vantage is dream car for innocents

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-05-16/aston-martin-158-000-vantage-is-dream-car-for-innocents.html

**Dealer/Industry News**

AutoTrader.com mobile app downloads surpass one million

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/autotradercom-mobile-app-downloads-surpass-one-million-151731595.html

Crude oil prices continue to fall as supplies grow

http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/energy/story/2012-05-16/crude-oil-prices-fall/55019016/1

E15 alcohol fuel can wreck engines, auto groups’ data say

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2012/05/e15-alcohol-wreck-engines-tests-dispute-epa-growth-energy/1

Auto sales buoy economy

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120517/AUTO01/205170347/1148/AUTO01/Auto-sales-buoy-economy

Industrial output rebounds strongly in April

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/industrial-output-rebounds-strongly-in-april-2012-05-16?link=MW_pulse

**Ad/Media/Marketing News**

Buick airs ‘smart and sexy’ Marisa Miller Enclave ad

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2012/05/buick-airs-smart-and-sexy-marisa-miller-enclave-ad/1

Nissan is back in black (spandex)

http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/174847/nissan-is-back-in-black-spandex.html?edition=46961

Chevrolet SS to be the name of brand’s performance sedan, NASCAR entry

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120517/OEM04/120519883/1261/chevrolet-ss-to-be-the-name-of-brands-performance-sedan-nascar-entry

Garfinkel talks classic ads, timeless strategy

http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/174846/garfinkel-talks-classic-ads-timeless-strategy.html?edition=46961

Perspective: Join the crowd

http://www.adweek.com/news/advertising-branding/perspective-join-crowd-140364\

Olympics campaigns go big on the viral video chart

http://adage.com/article/the-viral-video-chart/olympics-campaigns-big-viral-video-chart/234790/

Followers are audiences: Targeting the biggest audiences on Twitter

http://blogs.imediaconnection.com/blog/2012/05/16/followers-are-audiences/?ref=IMEDIANEWS

Facebook IPO could raise $16 billion

http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/174904/facebook-ipo-could-raise-16-bil.html?edition=46958

Are marketers missing multichannel opportunities?

http://www.emarketer.com/Article.aspx?R=1009053&ecid=a6506033675d47f881651943c21c5ed4

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