For yet another week, the Nissan Pathfinder is the top mover in terms of KBB.com traffic. It’s clear that consumers are taking notice of the new CUV platform and new fuel-efficiency numbers, despite it being a large vehicle. As winter approaches, consumers may be looking toward bigger vehicles while still keeping fuel economy in mind, and the Pathfinder fits both sets of criteria…

 

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**

 

GM will focus on plug-ins and EVs, but not hybrids

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20121114/OEM05/121119945/gm-will-focus-on-plug-ins-and-evs-but-not-hybrids

 

GM plans to have 500,000 ‘electrified’ vehicles on road by 2017

http://www.thedetroitbureau.com/2012/11/gm-plans-to-have-500000-electrified-vehicles-on-road-by-2017/

 

Ford sees margins shrinking as buyers shift to small cars

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-11-14/ford-sees-margins-shrinking-as-buyers-shift-to-small-cars.html

 

Exec says Toyota expects U.S. share to recover to 15% in 2013

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20121114/RETAIL01/121119944/exec-says-toyota-expects-u-s-share-to-recover-to-15-in-2013

 

 

**OEM/Vehicle News**

 

Nissan’s Ghosn seeks U.S. government support for alternative power

http://www.thedetroitbureau.com/2012/11/nissans-ghosn-seeks-u-s-government-support-for-alternate-power/

 

Volkswagen undercuts European rivals with cheap loans

http://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/2012/11/14/volkswagen-undercuts-european-rivals-with-cheap-loans/

 

Auto makers criticize Seoul over electric cars

http://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/2012/11/14/auto-makers-criticize-seoul-over-electric-cars/

 

Toyota sends Venzas to South Korea, boosting U.S. exports

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-11-14/toyota-sends-venzas-to-south-korea-boosting-u-s-exports.html

 

Nissan weights Mexico for next North American plant

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-11-15/nissan-weighs-mexico-for-next-north-america-plant.html

 

Automakers boost investing on vehicle factories in Mexico

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-11-14/automakers-boost-investing-on-vehicle-factories-in-mexico.html

 

Toyota hopes Avalon redesign lures younger buyers

http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2012/11/14/2013-toyota-avalon-redesign/1705517/

 

Luxury automakers wine and dine prospective buyers

http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2012/11/14/land-rover-range-rover-dinner-parties/1704715/

 

Toyota recalls Prius and Corolla models

http://www.latimes.com/business/autos/la-fi-autos-prius-recall-20121115,0,1309663.story

 

GM to recall 15,575 cars, including Cadillac XTS, to fix safety flaws

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20121114/OEM11/311149843/gm-to-recall-15-575-cars-including-cadillac-xts-to-fix-safety-flaws

 

Fisker may build tech center in Michigan

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20121115/AUTO01/211150388/1148/Fisker-may-build-tech-center-Michigan

 

 

**Dealer/Industry News**

 

Exclusive: Highline CPO units prove scarce, Lexus & Audi remain elusive

http://www.autoremarketing.com/trends/exclusive-highline-cpo-units-prove-scarce-lexus-audi-remain-elusive

 

Relaxed lending, wider credit can propel U.S. car sales only so far, economists warn

http://www.autonews.com/article/20121114/FINANCE_AND_INSURANCE/311149959/relaxed-lending-wider-credit-can-propel-u-s-car-sales-only-so-far

 

Safety agency wants crash-avoidance gear in every car

http://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/2012/11/15/safety-agency-wants-crash-avoidance-gear-in-every-car/

 

NTSB says feds should require more vehicle safety features

http://www.autonews.com/article/20121114/OEM11/121119952/ntsb-says-feds-should-require-more-vehicle-safety-features

 

Mexico, Argentina in preliminary pact to resume auto free trade
http://www.autonews.com/article/20121114/OEM/121119938/mexico-argentina-in-preliminary-pact-to-resume-auto-free-trade

 

 

**Ad/Media/Marketing News**

 

Kia Motors America launches new Kiamedia.com website

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kia-motors-america-launches-new-kiamediacom-website-179454641.html

 

Dodge takes multichannel approach via app sponsorship

http://www.mobilemarketer.com/cms/news/advertising/14232.html

 

How to safely experiment with social media marketing

http://www.imediaconnection.com/content/33101.asp

 

 

 

 

 

 

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