The Ford C-MAX Energi entered the market at the right time. Gas prices are elevated and more shoppers are in the market for their next vehicle. Couple the present situation with the resurgence of Ford’s brand image during the last few years, and it’s no wonder the C-MAX Energi had consecutive chart-topping gains in KBB.com traffic share. Consumer research on this model is being fueled by news articles in a variety of endemic automotive and top-tier media outlets. If this trend continues, the Toyota Prius may have a credible contender for the top alternative-fuel vehicle shopped on KBB.com…

 

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**

 

BMW diverts new cars from Europe to U.S.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/driveon/2012/10/17/bmw-america-sales/1640431/

 

BMW shifts thousands of cars to U.S. from battered Europe

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20121017/RETAIL01/310179736/bmw-shifts-thousands-of-cars-to-u-s-from-battered-europe

 

GM will shut Corvette plant for 6 months to prepare for new model

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20121018/RETAIL07/121019859/gm-will-shut-corvette-plant-for-6-months-to-prepare-for-new-model

 

GM teases details of new Corvette, unveils logo

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20121018/AUTO0103/210180463/1148/AUTO01/GM-teases-details-new-Corvette-unveils-logo

 

 

**OEM/Vehicle News**

 

Toyota adds second battery-electric vehicle

http://www.thedetroitbureau.com/2012/10/toyota-adds-2nd-battery-electric-vehicle/

 

2013 Scion iQ EV to join car-sharing programs

http://www.autonews.com/article/20121017/RETAIL/121019863/2013-scion-iq-ev-to-join-car-sharing-programs

 

Toyota powers-up first of its kind stationary fuel cell

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/toyota-powers-up-first-of-its-kind-stationary-fuel-cell-174602851.html

 

Hyundai promotes non-Korean as VP in charge of public relations

http://www.autonews.com/article/20121017/OEM02/121019870/hyundai-promotes-non-korean-as-vp-in-charge-of-public-relations

 

Daimler said to target $1.3 billion in cost reductions

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-10-18/daimler-said-to-target-cost-cuts-of-at-least-1-billion-euros.html

 

Opel's Cascada convertible signals a possible Buick in North America

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20121017/OEM04/121019867/opels-cascada-convertible-signals-a-possible-buick-in-north-america

 

Ford prices Focus ST to beat performance car rivals

http://www.usatoday.com/story/driveon/2012/10/17/ford-focus-st-price/1640025/

 

13 apps and counting for Ford

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20121018/AUTO0102/210180350/1148/AUTO01/13-apps-counting-Ford

 

Maserati recalls sports cars and sedans for tire trouble

http://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/2012/10/18/maserati-recalls-sports-cars-and-sedans-for-tire-trouble/

 

 

**Dealer/Industry News**

 

Hertz extends timing agreement with the FTC until November 16, 2012

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hertz-extends-timing-agreement-with-the-ftc-until-november-16-2012-174749231.html

 

Autoworkers earning less in U.S. happy to compete again

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-10-18/mbdlhh0yhq0x.html

 

A123 shows risks as battery science meets government cash

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-10-17/a123-shows-risks-as-battery-science-meets-government-cash.html

 

Feds seek human controls for driverless cars

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20121017/OEM06/121019869/feds-seek-human-controls-for-driverless-cars

 

 

**Ad/Media/Marketing News**

 

Mizrahi makes Malibu mod with auto-inspired line

http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/185415/mizrahi-makes-malibu-mod-with-auto-inspired-line.html?edition=52542

 

SEMA: The biggest show you don’t know

http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/185390/sema-the-biggest-show-you-dont-know.html?edition=52542

 

RAM truck sponsors Jack Link’s Major League Fishing

http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/185416/ram-truck-sponsors-jack-links-major-league-fishin.html?edition=52542

 

Cadillac hits 30,000 activations for mobile, OOH program

http://www.luxurydaily.com/cadillac-hits-30000-activations-for-mobile-ooh-program/

 

How to turn your social media strategy into results

http://www.ragan.com/Main/Articles/45685.aspx

 

 

 

 

 

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