Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com saw a ‘monster gainer’ this week with 212 percent increase in traffic share. The winning title goes to the new Acura ILX, the entry-level luxury sedan with a starting price point around $26,000. This model features three trims: 2.0 liter, 2.4 liter and hybrid trim with an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimated 38 combined mpg. However, it is worth noting that the big brother of the ILX with a slightly higher price point, the TSX, decreased in share this week. Is it a coincidence or a potential sign of intra-brand cannibalization? Time will tell…

 

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**

 

Toyota counting on exporting lean production to ride out strong yen, seek global growth

http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/toyota-counting-on-exporting-lean-production-to-ride-out-strong-yen-seek-global-growth/2012/06/21/gJQA3fblrV_story.html

 

Volvo in talks with potential partners for North America vehicle output

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120621/COPY01/306219857/1329/volvo-in-talks-with-potential-partners-for-north-america-vehicle

 

Next-gen Chevy Malibu priced at $23,150

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120621/OEM04/120629988/1261/next-gen-chevy-malibu-priced-at-23-150

 

 

**OEM/Vehicle News**

 

Tesla ships first $100,000 Model S amid uncertain demand

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-06-21/tesla-delivers-first-100-000-cars-amid-uncertain-demand.html

 

Feds list Tesla Model S at 89 MPGe, 265-mile range

http://www.thedetroitbureau.com/2012/06/feds-list-tesla-model-s-at-89-mpge-265-mile-range/

 

Audi of America promotes Scott Keogh, chief marketing officer, to president

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120620/OEM02/120629987/1295/audi-of-america-promotes-scott-keogh-chief-marketing-officer-to

 

Saab’s new owners seek to secure brand rights

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120621/AUTO0104/206210452/1148/auto01/Saab-s-new-owners-seek-secure-brand-rights

 

Porsche: No plans for model priced below Boxster

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120621/OEM04/306219885/1425/porsche-no-plans-for-model-priced-below-boxster

 

Porsche has no plans to go low-end

http://www.cnbc.com/id/47905053

 

Honda’s ‘toy box’ of technology

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120618/OEM06/306189956/1186/hondas-toy-box-of-technology

 

Toyota’s new Scion is truly something to behold

http://money.cnn.com/2012/06/21/autos/Toyota-Scion-FRS/index.htm

 

Bentley and Aston Martin unveil ultra-fast cars

http://money.cnn.com/2012/06/21/autos/bentley-gt-speed-aston-martin-vanquish/index.htm

 

Acura went ‘overboard’ says new design chief

http://www.thedetroitbureau.com/2012/06/acura-went-overboard-says-new-design-chief/

 

Audi A6: Similar look, but completely new

http://www.thedetroitbureau.com/2012/06/similar-look-but-completely-new/

 

Auto execs didn’t seek lavish pay

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120621/AUTO01/206210356/1148/auto01/Auto-execs-didn-t-seek-lavish-pay

 

 

**Dealer/Industry News**

 

With Canada and Mexico, Pacific-rim trade deal may boost N.A. auto sector

http://www.autonews.com/article/20120620/COPY01/306209795/1117/with-canada-and-mexico-pacific-rim-trade-deal-may-boost-n-a-auto

 

Hydrogen-car booster see hope in new White House comments

http://www.autonews.com/article/20120620/OEM05/306209760/1186/hydrogen-car-boosters-see-hope-in-new-white-house-comments

 

 

**Ad/Media/Marketing News**

 

Volvo drives strong ‘Escape’ sponsorship

http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/177255/volvo-drives-strong-escape-sponsorship.html?edition=48206

 

Cadillac talks tech with new XTS

http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/177202/cadillac-talks-tech-with-new-xts.html?edition=48207

 

Finding a 1980s limo for Tom Cruise film was a stretch

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2012/06/Tom-Cruise-Rock-of-Ages-stretch-limo-786910/1

 

NASCAR takes checkered flag at ABA

http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/177263/nascar-takes-checkered-flag-at-aba.html?edition=48207

 

The new marketing opportunities of mobile email

http://www.imediaconnection.com/content/32073.asp

 

 

 

 

 

 

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