Gas prices have spiked nearly 50 cents a gallon during the last couple months, and consumers are feeling the effects once again. Between refinery fires in California, a pipeline shutdown in the Midwest, Hurricane Isaac shutting down some gulf production and rumblings about conflict with the Middle East, things are looking grim for now. With that said, three of the five top risers this week are fuel-efficient vehicles: the Ford C-Max Hybrid, Chevrolet Volt and Toyota Prius V…

 

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 will sell two new SUVs, Mustang in Europe; new Transit vans coming to U.S.

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120906/COPY01/309069837/ford-will-sell-two-new-suvs-mustang-in-europe-new-transit-vans

 

Ford Mustang finally going to Europe

http://money.cnn.com/2012/09/06/autos/ford-mustang-europe/index.html

 

Ford revamping European lineup, adding Mustang

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120906/AUTO0102/209060422/1148/auto01/Ford-revamping-European-lineup-adding-Mustang

 

Ford recalls new Escape again, citing fire risk

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120905/OEM11/120909944/ford-recalls-new-escape-again-citing-fire-risk

 

Engine coolant leak prompts third recall of 2013 Ford Escape

http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/09/05/engine-coolant-leak-prompts-3rd-recall-of-2013-ford-escape/

 

 

**OEM/Vehicle News**

 

Nissan executive says China sales hurt by Japan tensions

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-09-06/nissan-executive-says-china-sales-hurt-by-japan-tensions.html

 

A second chance to buy Ford stock

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/a-second-chance-to-buy-ford-stock-2012-09-05

 

Big deal: Ford reveals replacement for E-Series van

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2012/09/big-deal-ford-reveals-replacement-for-e-series-van/1

 

Ford sees Mondeo Men comeback with help from Aston Martin

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-09-05/ford-sees-mondeo-men-comeback-with-help-from-aston-martin-cars.html

 

Suzuki says Manesar factory output to recover to 800 units a day

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-09-06/suzuki-says-manesar-factory-output-to-recover-to-800-units-a-day.html

 

Ford’s European Fiesta to get award-winning small engine

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120905/OEM04/120909963/fords-european-fiesta-to-get-award-winning-small-engine

 

Can redesigned 2013 Golf lead Volkswagen past Toyota?

http://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/2012/09/05/can-redesigned-2013-golf-lead-volkswagen-past-toyota/

 

A Cadillac XTS for all occasions

http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/09/05/a-cadillac-xts-for-all-occasions/

 

Renault, Ghosn give Pope a new green ride

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120906/OEM02/120909935/renault-ghosn-give-pope-a-new-green-ride

 

 

**Dealer/Industry News**

 

Hertz and Penske enter franchise agreement

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hertz-and-penske-enter-franchise-agreement-168750126.html

 

Avis delivers answer for Hertz deal: New Zealand

http://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/2012/09/06/avis-delivers-answer-for-hertz-deal-new-zealand/

 

Millennials hesitant to jump into auto market

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120906/AUTO03/209060360/1148/auto01/Millennials-hesitant-jump-into-auto-market

 

 

**Ad/Media/Marketing News**

 

New ad campaign for Dodge Dart shifts into 6^th gear

http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/182211/new-ad-campaign-for-dodge-dart-shifts-into-6th-gea.html?edition=50763

 

Audi back in the game to tout S

http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/182247/audi-back-in-the-game-to-tout-s.html?edition=50763

 

Audi revs up the action in a ‘heist film’ via Venables Bells & Partners

http://adage.com/article/creativity-pick-of-the-day/audi-revs-action-a-heist-film-venables-bell-partners/237024/

 

BMW reaches out to PGA golfers where they sleep

http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/182373/bmw-reaches-out-to-pga-golfers-where-they-sleep.html?edition=50763

 

New Kia Soul hamster campaign continues with launch of ‘In My Mind’ music video challenge; ‘Bringing Down the House’ makes TV debut tonight during MTV video music awards

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-kia-soul-hamster-campaign-continues-with-launch-of-in-my-mind-music-video-challenge-bringing-down-the-house-makes-tv-debut-tonight-during-mtv-video-music-awards-168739456.html

 

VW’s Golf launch attracts Greenpeace pickets

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120905/COPY01/309059727/vws-golf-launch-attracts-greenpeace-pickets

 

Twitter beats Facebook in U.S. mobile ad revenues

http://www.emarketer.com/Article.aspx?R=1009324&ecid=a6506033675d47f881651943c21c5ed4

 

LinkedIn looks to get more Facebooky

http://www.adweek.com/news/technology/linkedin-looks-get-more-facebooky-143359

 

Your guide to mobile tracking with Google Analytics

http://www.imediaconnection.com/content/32589.asp

 

10 ways to write the most effective Facebook posts

http://www.ragan.com/Main/Articles/45465.aspx

 

 

 

 

 

 

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