The NFL^® season is officially upon us. Last Wednesday, Audi debuted its commercial touting the S8 during the opening game. The spot focuses on the thrill of driving a car like the S8, ending with the catch phrase “heighten every moment,” which also helped heighten its traffic share on KBB.com by 192.6 percent in the last week. Audi also announced plans to advertise during the 2013 Super Bowl after seeing success in 2012 with its vampire-based commercial…

 

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 faces decisions on Europe, Asia

http://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/2012/09/13/ford-faces-decisions-on-europe-asia/

 

Nissan sees mediocre years in Europe, rules out ‘Armageddon’

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-09-13/nissan-ceo-sees-mediocre-years-in-europe-rules-out-armageddon-.html

 

Hyundai struggles to keep up with demand

http://www.thedetroitbureau.com/2012/09/hyundai-struggles-to-keep-up-with-demand/

 

 

**OEM/Vehicle News**

 

At Ford, questions remain about leadership after CEO Alan Mulally retires

http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/technology/at-ford-questions-remain-about-leadership-after-ceo-alan-mulally-retires/2012/09/12/e4ec5e00-fd26-11e1-98c6-ec0a0a93f8eb_story.htmlb

 

Ford hopes new small Lincoln will help revive musty brand

http://bottomline.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/09/13/13730062-ford-hopes-new-small-lincoln-will-help-revive-musty-brand?lite

 

Coda cranks up battery-car sales after ‘soft’ launch

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-09-12/coda-cranks-up-battery-car-sales-after-soft-start.html

 

Daimler pins Smart recovery on electric at lowest price

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-09-12/daimler-pins-smart-recovery-on-electric-at-lowest-price.html

 

Fiat unveils first China-made compact car in expansion push

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-09-13/fiat-unveils-first-china-made-compact-car-in-expansion-push.html

 

GM, Chrysler bailouts draw ire of former AIG chairman

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120912/OEM/309129860/gm-chrysler-bailouts-draw-ire-of-former-aig-chairman

 

Nissan to move Murano production to Tenn., report says

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120913/OEM01/120919936/nissan-to-move-murano-production-to-tenn-report-says

 

GM to resume visits to small dealers after 25-year absence

http://www.autonews.com/article/20120911/RETAIL07/120919963/gm-to-resume-visits-to-small-dealers-after-25-year-absence

 

RAM’s plushest pickup offers new locking feature

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2012/09/13/ram-laramie-limited-lock/70000241/1

 

Ford-backed survey finds more willing to pay for fuel-saving vehicles

http://www.freep.com/article/20120913/BUSINESS0102/309130205/Ford-backed-survey-finds-more-willing-to-pay-extra-for-fuel-saving-vehicles

 

GM sets price for 2013 Buick Enclave

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120913/AUTO0103/209130440/1148/auto01/GM-sets-price-2013-Buick-Enclave

 

GM’s Opel to cut 1,000 German administrative jobs, report says

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120912/OEM01/120919946/gms-opel-to-cut-1-000-german-administrative-jobs-report-says

 

Former Tower CEO, Ford exec Kathleen Ligocki joins Lear board

http://www.autonews.com/article/20120912/OEM02/120919948/former-tower-ceo-ford-exec-kathleen-ligocki-joins-lear-board

 

 

**Dealer/Industry News**

 

Used pickups remain scarce throughout U.S., certain luxury units prove hard to find

http://www.autoremarketing.com/trends/exclusive-used-pickups-remain-scarce-throughout-us-certain-luxury-units-prove-hard-find

 

CAW says Detroit 3 labor talks accelerate but with few results

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120912/OEM01/309129864/caw-says-detroit-3-labor-talks-accelerate-but-with-few-results

 

CAW strike would halt key vehicle production

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120913/AUTO01/209130396/1148/auto01/CAW-strike-would-halt-key-vehicle-production

 

 

**Ad/Media/Marketing News**

 

Toyota going places with new tag

http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/182876/toyota-going-places-with-new-tag.html?edition=51029

 

Toyota takes new designs to Las Vegas

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120913/AUTO0104/209130357/1148/auto01/Toyota-takes-new-designs-Las-Vegas

 

Toyota expands National Teen Safe Driving program with dealership and high school outreach

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/toyota-expands-national-teen-safe-driving-program-with-dealership-and-high-school-outreach-169609866.html

 

Toyota pickup will tow space shuttle to museum

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2012/09/12/space-shuttle-endeavour-toyota/70000223/1

 

Lexus taps mobile game for ES push

http://www.luxurydaily.com/lexus-taps-mobile-game-for-es-push/

 

Aston Martin pushes Vanquish pre-orders in British tour

http://www.luxurydaily.com/aston-martin-pushes-vanquish-pre-orders-in-british-tour/

 

How social media is changing the English language (and why it matters to marketers)

http://www.marketingprofs.com/articles/2012/8889/how-social-media-is-changing-the-english-language-and-why-it-matters-to-marketers?adref=nlt091212

 

4 tips to make your social media ads count

http://blogs.imediaconnection.com/blog/2012/09/12/4-tips-to-make-your-social-media-ads-count/

 

Pinterest users spend more money than Facebook, Twitter users

http://www.ragan.com/Main/Articles/45513.aspx

 

10 stats that prove the value of SEO

http://www.ragan.com/Main/Articles/45516.aspx

 

 

 

 

 

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