Kelley Blue Book Hot Car Report Analysis – February 23, 2012:

This week’s Hot Car Report is a mixed bag with an unexpected surprise topping the list. As is the case whenever fuel prices increase (here we go, again), interest in alternative-fuel vehicles invariably follows shortly thereafter. With many alternative-fuel vehicle options available to consumers today, the Mitsubishi i recently differentiated itself from competitors…

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)

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

**Top News**

Mazda shares decline after carmaker plans record share sale: Tokyo mover

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-02-22/mazda-plans-record-2b-share-sale.html

Mazda stock dives nearly 7 percent after announcing plan to raise $2 billion from share sale

http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/mazda-shares-dive-nearly-7-percent-after-announcing-plan-to-raise-2-billion-from-share-sale/2012/02/22/gIQAsn6LUR_story.html

Honda putting No. 2 executive in U.S. in localization drive

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-02-22/honda-putting-no-2-global-manager-in-u-s-in-localization-drive.html

Honda elevates top U.S. exec to bolster North America

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120222/OEM02/120229963/1424/honda-elevates-top-u-s-exec-to-bolster-north-america

**OEM/Vehicle News**

GM-Peugeot alliance seen as European money-losers still losing money

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-02-22/gm-peugeot-seen-as-europe-money-losers-still-losing-money-cars.html

GM tries to solve European riddle

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203960804577238614113772208.html?mod=WSJ_Autos_LS_Autos_4

From unlikely sources, car-sharing start-up gets $13.7 million vote of confidence

http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/02/22/from-an-unlikely-source-a-car-sharing-start-up-gets-a-13-7-million-vote-of-confidence/?ref=automobiles

Bill Ford Jr. putting students on Wheelz

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120223/AUTO0102/202230343/1148/auto01/Bill-Ford-Jr-putting-students-Wheelz

Honda recalls on the rise

http://www.thedetroitbureau.com/2012/02/honda-recalls-on-the-rise/

Tesla Motors’ devastating design problem

http://jalopnik.com/5887265/tesla-motors-devastating-design-problem

Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles join the Army

http://money.cnn.com/2012/02/23/autos/army_hydrogen_fuel_cell/index.htm

Fiat 500 America won’t be coming to America

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2012/02/fiat-500-america-wont-be-coming-to-america/1

Roadwire further civilizes Jeep Wrangler

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120223/AUTO03/202230366/1148/auto01/Roadwire-further-civilizes-Jeep-Wrangler

Bentley sports up Mulsanne, adds back-seat bubbly

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2012/02/bentley-sports-up-mulsanne-adds-back-seat-bubbly/1

Audi A3 images leaked

http://www.thedetroitbureau.com/2012/02/audi-a3-images-leaked/

Recall for air bags may grow

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120223/AUTO01/202230356/1148/auto01/Recall-air-bags-may-grow

Car names don’t come out of thin air

http://www.freep.com/article/20120223/BUSINESS01/202230458/Car-names-don-t-come-out-thin-air?odyssey=tab  

**Dealer/Industry News**

Obama campaign releases Michigan ad hailing auto bailout success

http://www.freep.com/article/20120223/NEWS15/120223015/1205/business01/Obama-campaign-releases-Michigan-ad-hailing-auto-bailout-success

Romney gets no Snyder support in run dogged by auto bailout

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120223/OEM02/120229957/1178/romney-gets-no-snyder-support-in-run-dogged-by-auto-bailout

Public still opposes auto bailout

http://www.thedetroitbureau.com/2012/02/public-still-opposes-auto-bailout/

Website: UAW behind protests

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120223/AUTO01/202230348/1148/auto01/Website-UAW-behind-protests

**Ad/Media/Marketing News**

Jeep is the first domestic automotive brand to garner 2 million Facebook fans

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jeep-is-the-first-domestic-automotive-brand-to-garner-2-million-facebook-fans-140136823.html

Q&A: Buick focuses on new vehicles, buyers

http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/168317/qa-buick-focuses-on-new-vehicles-buyers.html?edition=43766

Hyundai hits Oscars with Wes Anderson

http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/168318/hyundai-hits-oscars-with-wes-anderson.html?edition=43766

Maserati takes customization to mobile through QR placement

http://www.luxurydaily.com/maserati-takes-customization-to-mobile-through-qr-placement/

Oreo launching 100^th birthday campaign with Nascar

http://www.adweek.com/news/advertising-branding/oreo-launching-100th-birthday-campaign-nascar-138441

Obama administration moves forward with Privacy Bill of Rights

http://adage.com/article/digital/obama-administration-moves-forward-privacy-bill-rights/232888/

Are brands missing the mark with Pinterest on mobile?

http://www.mobilemarketer.com/cms/news/social-networks/12174.html

Facebook’s worldwide ad revenues will pass $5 billion this year

http://www.emarketer.com/Article.aspx?R=1008858&ecid=a6506033675d47f881651943c21c5ed4

Google allows ‘do-not-track’ button in browser

http://adage.com/article/news/google-track-button-browser/232891/

Google moves into traditional TV, files for cable franchise

http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/168359/google-moves-into-traditional-tv-files-for-cable.html?edition=43767

Why your online videos are failing

http://www.imediaconnection.com/content/31018.asp

***Want even more news from Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com?  Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/kelleybluebook