tends to wax or wane toward either small or large vehicles. Today, consumers are gravitating toward smaller vehicles due to soaring gas prices and the concern for fuel economy. It is rumored that Land Rover will produce a smaller version of the popular Range Rover Evoque, and KBB.com shoppers are researching the vehicle in preparation for the potential announcement…

 

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**

 

Chrysler’s Jefferson North plant idled after fatal stabbing

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120920/OEM01/120929993/chryslers-jefferson-north-plant-idled-after-fatal-stabbing

 

Person fatally stabbed at Chrysler’s Jefferson North as suspect found dead on Belle Isle

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120920/METRO01/209200415/1148/AUTO01/Person-fatally-stabbed-Chrysler-s-Jefferson-North-suspect-found-dead-Belle-Isle-

 

GM seeks top spot in U.S. customer loyalty

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120919/RETAIL01/309199740/gm-seeks-top-spot-in-u-s-customer-loyalty

 

What’s customer loyalty worth? GM has a number

http://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/2012/09/19/whats-customer-loyalty-worth-gm-has-a-number/

 

GM to target product loyalty

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120920/AUTO0103/209200354/1148/AUTO01/GM-target-product-loyalty

 

 

**OEM/Vehicle News**

 

VW says it’s sold more Passat midsize cars this year than in any other year; beats 2011 record

http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/vw-says-its-sold-more-passat-midsize-cars-this-year-than-in-any-other-year-beats-2001-record/2012/09/19/d19d7fb6-028d-11e2-9132-f2750cd65f97_story.html

 

Dodge Dart sales gaining momentum

http://www.thedetroitbureau.com/2012/09/dodge-dart-sales-gaining-momentum/

 

Detroit 3 said to be closing hourly cost gap with Toyota

http://www.freep.com/article/20120920/BUSINESS01/120920025/Detroit-3-Toyota-hourly-cost-gap

 

Daimler forecasts drop in second-half car division earnings

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-09-20/daimler-forecasts-drop-in-second-half-car-division-earnings.html

 

What’s happening to GM’s pensions?

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/whats-happening-with-gms-pensions-2012-09-19

 

Sell GM shares, ex-CEO urges U.S.

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120920/AUTO0103/209200383/1148/AUTO01/Sell-GM-shares-ex-CEO-urges-U-S-

 

GM said to plan bid for Ally’s Europe, Latin operations

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-09-19/gm-said-to-plan-bid-for-ally-s-europe-latin-america-operations.html

 

Fiat’s Marchionne ‘not giving up’ on Italy

http://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/2012/09/19/fiats-marchionne-not-giving-up-on-italy/

 

Audi asked China dealership to remove anti-Japan banner

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-09-20/audi-says-it-regrets-anti-japan-photo-at-china-dealership.html

 

Fiat said to trim 20% of management positions in Europe

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-09-20/fiat-said-to-trim-20-of-management-positions-in-europe.html

 

Peugeot heirs invest in nursing homes as automaker slides

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-09-19/peugeot-heirs-invest-in-nursing-homes-as-automaker-slides.html

 

Suzuki dealer, district manager indicted for fraud

http://www.autonews.com/article/20120919/RETAIL07/120919838/suzuki-dealer-district-manager-indicted-for-fraud

 

 

**Dealer/Industry News**

 

Survey from AutoTrader.com shows major inconsistency between distracted driving attitudes and behaviors

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/survey-from-autotradercom-shows-major-inconsistency-between-distracted-driving-attitudes-and-behaviors-170362236.html

 

CAW chief Lewenza puts fresh, tough stamp on classic role

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120919/OEM01/120919840/caw-chief-lewenza-puts-fresh-tough-stamp-on-classic-role

 

Electric cars: Where’s the nearest charging station?

http://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/2012/09/19/electric-cars-wheres-the-nearest-charging-station/

 

 

**Ad/Media/Marketing News**

 

Honda exclusive auto sponsor of Hispanic award show

http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/183327/honda-exclusive-auto-sponsor-of-hispanic-award-sho.html?edition=51382

 

Ad of the day: Honda

http://www.adweek.com/news/advertising-branding/ad-day-honda-143838

 

Five questions with Ford’s marketing chief

http://adage.com/article/cmo-interviews/questions-ford-s-marketing-chief/237276/

 

U.S. digital ad spending to top $37 billion in 2012 as market consolidates

http://www.emarketer.com/Article.aspx?R=1009362&ecid=a6506033675d47f881651943c21c5ed4

 

 

 

 

 

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