When fuel prices are relatively stable and there have been no major recent shifts in the economy, what motivates someone to research a vehicle? The answer is simply “new.”   The top-three vehicles of this week’s Hot Car Report are all beneficiaries of “new,” but in different variations. 

 

The leader in KBB.com share growth this week is the BMW Z4. The model’s increased share of shopper activity likely is affected by the recent buzz surrounding the new 2013 Porsche Boxster S. Magazines and blogs have been abuzz with comparing the two roadsters…

 

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**

 

Ford recalls 2013 Escapes for fire risk – warns against driving them

http://money.cnn.com/2012/07/19/autos/ford-escape-recall/index.htm

 

Ford recalls 2013 Escapes for fire danger

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2012/07/ford-recalls-2013-escapes-for-fire-danger/1

 

Mercedes aims to oust BMW as top luxury brand

http://bottomline.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/07/19/12813557-mercedes-aims-to-oust-bmw-as-top-luxury-brand?lite

 

 

**OEM/Vehicle News**

 

Chrysler, Kia lead California car sales

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120719/AUTO01/207190355/1148/auto01/Chrysler-Kia-lead-California-car-sales-rise

 

Ford upset EU wants Japan free-trade talks

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120719/AUTO0102/207190356/1148/auto01/Ford-upset-EU-wants-Japan-free-trade-talks

 

Europe continues deteriorating for Ford

http://www.thedetroitbureau.com/2012/07/europe-continues-deteriorating-for-ford/

 

Sky’s the limit for Detroit’s luxury pickup trucks

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2012/07/skys-the-limit-for-detroits-luxury-pickup-trucks/1

 

Kia to sell Quoris flagship globally – including the U.S.?

http://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/2012/07/18/kia-to-sell-quoris-flagship-globally-including-the-u-s/

 

Is this safe? Fiat offers a jolt of joe to go

http://bottomline.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/07/19/12816439-is-this-safe-fiat-offers-a-jolt-of-joe-to-go?lite

 

Drivers can now profit from using OnStar

http://bottomline.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/07/18/12815196-drivers-can-now-profit-from-using-onstar?lite

 

VW’s Audi plans to complete Ducati purchase later today

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-07-19/vw-s-audi-plans-to-complete-ducati-purchase-later-today.html

 

Honda to hire 300, boost output of Indiana Civic plant

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-07-18/honda-to-hire-300-boost-output-of-indiana-civic-plant.html

 

Nissan will outsource vehicle output to Renault Korea unit, report says

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120719/COPY01/307199918/1193/nissan-will-outsource-vehicle-output-to-renault-korea-unit-report

 

China swoops down on GM pension plan’s assets, report says

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120719/OEM/120719827/1131/china-swoops-down-on-gm-pension-plans-assets-report-says

 

Shake-up continues at GM’s Opel unit

http://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/2012/07/18/shake-up-continues-at-gms-opel-unit/

 

Honda recalls 321,453 CR-V, Acura models for faulty door locks

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120719/OEM11/307199916/1273/honda-recalls-321-453-cr-v-acura-models-for-faulty-door-locks

 

 

**Dealer/Industry News**

 

AutoTrader.com launches redesigned mobile site to improve the online experience for shoppers on the go

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/autotradercom-launches-redesigned-mobile-site-to-improve-the-online-experience-for-shoppers-on-the-go-162884456.html

 

FordDirect will help dealers manage reputations online

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120718/RETAIL07/120719835/1377/forddirect-will-help-dealers-manage-reputations-online

 

Jobless claims in U.S. rise as auto layoff effects ease

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-07-19/jobless-claims-in-u-s-rise-as-auto-plant-layoff-effects-ease.html

 

AutoNation sees vehicle sales boost from homebuilding

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-07-19/autonation-sees-vehicle-sales-boost-from-homebuilding.html

 

China auto financing tripling by 2017 vehicle sales

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-07-18/china-auto-financing-tripling-by-2017-spurs-vehicle-sales-cars.html

 

Gas drops below $3 a gallon at many stations

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2012/07/gas-drops-below-3-a-gallon-at-many-stations/1

 

 

**Ad/Media/Marketing News**

 

In quest for brand immersion, Audi programs a virtual showroom for London

http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/07/19/in-quest-for-brand-immersion-audi-programs-a-virtual-showroom-for-london/

 

Honda plans smartphone-based Web connectivity on new Accord

http://www.autonews.com/article/20120718/OEM06/120719836/1182/honda-plans-smartphone-based-web-connectivity-on-new-accord

 

Mercedes-Benz goes super high end in Miami

http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/179098/mercedes-benz-goes-super-high-end-in-miami.html?edition=49192

 

Who made the better viral video? BMW vs. Mercedes Benz

http://features.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2012/07/13/bmw-mercedes-viral-videos/

 

Facebook marketing advice from Jumpstart Automotive Group

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/facebook-marketing-advice-from-jumpstart-automotive-group-2012-07-18

 

Cadillac launches new ATS ads

http://www.adweek.com/news/advertising-branding/cadillac-launches-new-ats-ads-141967

 

Could Zipcar make a move into the mobile deals biz?

http://adage.com/article/cmo-strategy/zipcar-planning-move-mobile-deals-biz/236093/

 

YouTube video may draw fans to rallying

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120719/OPINION03/207190370/1148/auto01/YouTube-video-may-draw-fans-rallying

 

Mobile search to hit $15B in 2017

http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/179064/mobile-search-to-hit-15b-in-2017.html?edition=49191

 

What are marketers spending on social media?

http://www.emarketer.com/Article.aspx?R=1009201&ecid=a6506033675d47f881651943c21c5ed4

 

Foursquare to let brands talk to users who’ve checked in most

http://adage.com/article/digital/foursquare-brands-talk-users-ve-checked/236097/

 

 

 

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