In January 2013, Mazda has not only released the new Mazda6, but also took it racing. Along with offering the basic features that shoppers in the mid-size sedan segment expect, Mazda also is making headway into the diesel-powered sedan segment by re-inventing perceptions of oil burners in North America by participating in motorsport…

 

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, Sr. Market Intelligence Web Analyst, Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com

 

 

**Top News**

 

Chrysler’s profit grows, but not all the news is good

http://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/2013/01/31/chryslers-profit-grows-but-not-all-the-news-is-good/

 

Chrysler bolsters plan for Fiat, Alfa in U.S.

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130130/OEM04/130139993/chrysler-bolsters-plan-for-fiat-alfa-in-u-s#axzz2JZfEm0FJ

 

Chrysler Q4 profits jump 68% to $378 million

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130130/OEM/130139996/chrysler-q4-profits-jump-68-to-378-million#axzz2JZfVnVtP

 

Fiat and Alfa brands grow in new Chrysler product plan

http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/01/30/fiat-and-alfa-brands-grow-in-new-chrysler-product-plan/?ref=automobiles

 

Fiat suspends dividend

http://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/2013/01/30/fiat-suspends-dividend/

 

 

**OEM/Vehicle News**

 

Honda trims full-year profit forecast on weak Europe, China

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130131/COPY01/301319887/honda-trims-full-year-profit-forecast-on-weak-europe-china#axzz2JZfMtwzD

 

Honda earning rise – but maker issues warning

http://www.thedetroitbureau.com/2013/01/honda-earnings-rise-but-maker-issues-warning/

 

GM to invest $200 million at its powertrain headquarters

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130130/OEM/130139985/gm-to-invest-200-million-at-its-powertrain-headquarters#axzz2JZg4qlxj

 

GM consolidating powertrain operations

http://www.thedetroitbureau.com/2013/01/gm-consolidating-powertrain-operations/

 

GM’s Opel appoints former VW manager Neumann as new chief

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-01-31/gm-s-opel-appoints-former-vw-manager-neumann-as-new-chief.html

 

GM names former joint chiefs chairman Michael Mullen to board

http://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/2013/01/31/gm-names-former-joint-chiefs-chairman-michael-mullen-to-board/

 

Fiat Industrial sets third quarter for U.S. stock listing

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-01-31/fiat-industrial-profit-misses-estimates-on-iveco-trucks.html

 

GM recalls vehicles for airbag, suspension flaws

http://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/2013/01/31/gm-recalls-vehicles-for-airbag-suspension-flaws/

 

 

**Dealer/Industry News**

 

AutoNation to rename most dealerships to build on profit

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-01-31/autonation-to-rename-most-dealerships-to-build-on-record-profit.html

 

New tailpipe emission regulations mulled by White House

http://www.autonews.com/article/20130130/OEM11/130139987/new-tailpipe-emission-regulations-mulled-by-white-house#axzz2JZgWL8cK

 

 

**Ad/Media/Marketing News**

 

GM’s marketing changes continue: Cadillac gets new ad director

http://adage.com/article/news/gm-s-marketing-continue-cadillac-ad-director/239499/

 

Mercedes revs up high-octane Super Bowl appearance

http://www.adweek.com/news/advertising-branding/mercedes-revs-high-octane-super-bowl-appearance-146892

 

Mercedes-Benz exec: Customers expect to continue their digital lifestyle in the car

http://www.mobilemarketer.com/cms/news/content/14691.html

 

Volkswagen Super Bowl ad equating happiness with Jamaican accent spurs controversy

http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/volkswagen-superbowl-ad-equating-happiness-with-jamaican-accent-spurs-controversy/2013/01/29/7d966b7e-6a54-11e2-9a0b-db931670f35d_story.html

 

Hyundai leverages mobile, social to engage Super Bowl XLVII viewers

http://www.mobilemarketer.com/cms/news/advertising/14693.html

 

Cadillac CTS-V course rolls into Vegas

http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/192349/cadillac-cts-v-course-rolls-into-vegas.html?edition=56075#axzz2JZVYtGYK

 

Nissan taps TBWA for Datsun

http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/192351/nissan-taps-tbwa-for-datsun.html?edition=56075

 

Harley-Davidson partners with Kid Rock

http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/192255/harley-davidson-partners-with-kid-rock.html?edition=56075#axzz2JZVYtGYK

 

5 ways brands overshare on social media

http://www.ragan.com/Main/Articles/46143.aspx#

 

 

 

 

 

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