The unique Smart Fortwo is gaining attention from the buzz surrounding the recent news of the automaker’s next iteration, the Electric Drive. An attractive selling point for the new electric Smart will be its price point, starting around $25,000 before tax credits. The new model is set to arrive stateside during spring 2013, and consumer interest likely will only ramp up from here as the launch date for the Fortwo Electric Drive approaches…

 

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**

 

Honda, Suzuki cars perform best, Toyota falters in IIHS cash testing

http://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/2012/12/20/honda-suzuki-cars-perform-best-toyota-falters-in-iihs-crash-testing/

 

Toyota Camry gets slammed in new crash test

http://money.cnn.com/2012/12/20/autos/toyota-camry-iihs-crash-test/index.html

 

Toyota's Camry, Prius v beaten up in crash test [slow-mo video]

http://www.latimes.com/business/autos/la-fi-hy-crash-test-fail-camry-prius-v-20121219,0,7407803.story

 

Cheaper midsize cars rated safer than luxury models

http://www.cnbc.com/id/100329195

 

Muscle car comes home: GM to shift Camaro production to the U.S.

http://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/2012/12/20/muscle-car-comes-home-gm-to-shift-camaro-production-to-u-s/

 

Camaro production returning to the United States

http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/12/19/camaro-production-returning-to-the-united-states/

 

 

**OEM/Vehicle News**

 

Akerson vows never again as new GM awaits final U.S. sale

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-12-20/akerson-vows-never-again-as-new-gm-awaits-final-u-s-sale.html

 

GM: Farewell, government ownership, hello corporate jets

http://blogs.wsj.com/corporate-intelligence/2012/12/19/gm-might-be-in-the-market-for-some-jets-soon/

 

GM sheds some 'Government Motors' stigma with $5.5 billion stock purchase

http://www.autonews.com/article/20121219/OEM/121219869/gm-sheds-some-government-motors-stigma-with-5-5-billion-stock

 

Fiat to spend $1.33 billion on SUVs to boost capacity use

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-12-20/fiat-to-spend-1-33-billion-on-suvs-to-boost-capacity-use.html

 

Tesla will need more loans to stay afloat in 2013

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/tesla-will-need-more-loans-to-stay-afloat-in-2013-2012-12-20

 

Tesla begins Europe sales push with higher-end Model S

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-12-20/tesla-begins-europe-push-with-higher-end-model-s-to-turn-profit.html

 

Tesla names new Daimler exec to board

http://www.autonews.com/article/20121219/OEM05/312199820/tesla-names-new-daimler-exec-to-board

 

Peugeot reaches EU11.5 billion refinance deal with banks

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-12-20/gm-peugeot-plan-models-as-joint-parts-limited-to-europe.html

 

GM cuts Sonic, Verano output to trim stockpiles

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20121219/OEM01/121219855/gm-cuts-sonic-verano-output-to-trim-stockpiles

 

GM recalls 145,628 mid-sized pickups for hood latch issue

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20121220/OEM11/121229997/gm-recalls-145-628-mid-sized-pickups-for-hood-latch-issue

 

Toyota puts wireless phone charging in Avalons

http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2012/12/19/inductive-charging-toyota/1779941/

 

 

**Dealer/Industry News**

 

AutoTraderClassics.com ‘Ride or Restore’ contest winner hopes to recapture first love

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/autotraderclassicscom-ride-or-restore-contest-winner-hopes-to-recapture-first-love-184272671.html

 

Manheim moves Cadigan to new VP post

http://www.autoremarketing.com/wholesale/manheim-moves-cadigan-new-vp-post

 

CarMax climbs to record on strength of used car market

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-12-20/carmax-climbs-to-record-on-strength-of-used-car-market.html

 

Warnings not to use ‘E15’ gas in your car

http://video.foxbusiness.com/v/2000862202001/

 

 

**Ad/Media/Marketing News**

 

Ford accelerates engagement via mobile

http://www.mobilemarketer.com/cms/news/content/14445.html

 

GM moves Chevy Silverado ad duties to Publicis’ Leo Burnett

http://adage.com/article/agency-news/gm-moves-chevy-silverado-ad-duties-publicis-leo-burnett/238849/

 

 

 

 

 

***Want even more news from Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com?  Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/kelleybluebook