Two of the top five vehicles in terms of growth in share on kbb.com this week hail from Lexus. The Lexus RX is gaining interest due to its impending redesign, and it is expected to garner more buzz as additional information is released. Shopper interest in the Lexus LS also is gaining steam. Toyota Motor Sales, Lexus’ parent company, announced the discontinuation of the Lexus HS model, and this indirectly shed light toward the LS because it is one of Lexus’ hybrid variants…

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**

BMW quadrupling China capacity risks Audi-like dependence

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-05-23/bmw-tripling-china-output-risks-audi-like-asian-dependence-cars.html

BMW fined $163 million by Swiss Competition regulator

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-05-24/bmw-fined-163-million-by-swiss-competition-regulator.html

Ford adds almost $1,000 to next Fusion sedan’s price

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2012/05/ford-adds-almost-2000-to-next-fusion-sedans-price/1

The 102 mpg Honda Civic

http://www.autonews.com/article/20120524/BLOG06/120529955/1503/the-102-mpg-honda-civic

**OEM/Vehicle News**

With Mazda, Alfa may have the right partner for a Spider revival

http://www.autonews.com/article/20120523/BLOG06/305239884/1499/with-mazda-alfa-may-have-the-right-partner-for-a-spider-revival

Will Mazda-Fiat deal hurt Miata’s pedigree?

http://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/2012/05/23/will-mazda-fiat-deal-hurt-miatas-pedigree/

Fiat announces alliance with Mazda for new roadsters

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120524/AUTO0101/205240336/1148/auto01/Fiat-announces-alliance-Mazda-new-roadsters

Cadillac’s Hail Mary, dressed in a tux

http://features.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2012/05/23/cadillac-xts/

Cadillac XTS’ seat shakes to warn drivers of hazards

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2012/05/cadillac-xts-seat-shakes-to-warn-drivers-of-hazards/1

BMW has big(ger) plans for its high-performance M brand

http://www.thedetroitbureau.com/2012/05/bmw-has-bigger-plans-for-its-high-performance-m-brand/

Kim Custer dies at 62; was spokesman for Mitsubishi, import-brand trade group

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120523/OEM02/120529959/1277/kim-custer-dies-at-62-was-spokesman-for-mitsubishi-import-brand

GM appoints vice president for global quality

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120524/AUTO0103/205240422/1148/auto01/GM-appoints-vice-president-global-quality

GM Korea won’t shift Chevrolet production to Europe, CEO says

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120524/COPY01/305249870/1198/gm-korea-says-it-wont-shift-chevrolet-production-to-europe

Mazda winds down at Ford’s Flat Rock plant

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120524/AUTO0102/205240342/1148/auto01/Mazda-winds-down-Ford-s-Flat-Rock-plant

GM plans expansion of design studio

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120524/AUTO0103/205240410/1148/auto01/GM-plans-expansion-design-studio-Korea

U.S. safety regulators add 2012 model year to probe of Chevrolet Cruze fires

http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/industries/us-safety-regulators-add-2012-model-year-to-probe-of-chevrolet-cruze-fires/2012/05/23/gJQANf9DlU_story.html

New Chevrolet Malibus, older Acura TLs recalled

http://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/2012/05/24/new-chevrolet-malibus-older-acura-tls-recalled/

**Dealer/Industry News**

Defunct auto supplier latest focus of Obama-Romney battle

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120523/OEM10/120529957/1424/defunct-auto-supplier-latest-focus-of-obama-romney-battle

Higher ethanol concentrations could hurt vehicles, study says

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120523/OEM05/120529958/1429/higher-ethanol-concentrations-could-hurt-vehicles-study-says

Formula One said to seek $450 million for itself in Asia IPO

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-05-24/formula-one-said-to-plan-raising-450-million-for-itself-in-ipo.html

**Ad/Media/Marketing News**

Ford and Yahoo home in on Electric Focus

http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/175426/ford-and-yahoo-home-in-on-electric-focus.html?edition=47249

Chevy Volt twin, Ampera, going into Hertz fleet

http://www.thedetroitbureau.com/2012/05/chevy-volt-twin-ampera-going-into-hertz-fleet/

Chrysler’s ‘Imported from Detroit’ campaign wins Grand Effie award

http://www.freep.com/article/20120523/BUSINESS0103/120524001/Chrysler-s-Imported-from-Detroit-campaign-wins-Grand-Effie-award

Facebook ownership structure should scare investors more than botched IPO

http://www.forbes.com/sites/danbigman/2012/05/23/facebook-ownership-structure-should-scare-investors-more-than-botched-ipo/

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