The Smart fortwo increased 38.1 percent in share week-over-week, the most of any vehicle this week on KBB.com. Shoppers on the site were drawn to this micro car for a multitude of reasons. The most obvious cause is the flashy ad campaign in which the fortwo is balancing a large sport utility vehicle on its roof, highlighting the vehicle’s safety. Another reason drawing shoppers to increasingly research this model on KBB.com is the release of the 2013 model-year edition. Lastly, more news about the electric version of the fortwo has been released to the general public…

 

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**

 

VW: Some European automakers may go bankrupt without government aid

http://www.autonews.com/article/20120927/OEM/309279798/vw-some-european-automakers-may-go-bankrupt-without-government-aid

 

Volkswagen says carmakers have to live with tough European markets

http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/volkswagen-says-carmakers-have-to-live-with-tough-european-markets/2012/09/27/8c284ec0-088c-11e2-9eea-333857f6a7bd_story.html

 

Lexus bows out of contest for top U.S. luxury brand

http://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/2012/09/27/lexus-bows-out-of-contest-for-top-u-s-luxury-brand/

 

Lexus expects 20% sales jump

http://www.freep.com/article/20120927/BUSINESS01/309270211/Lexus-expects-20-sales-jump

 

 

**Paris Auto Show**

 

KBB Editorial reports 2012 Paris Auto Show

http://www.kbb.com/car-news/all-the-latest/2012-paris-auto-show/

 

Bentley Continental GT3 Concept - 2012 Paris Auto Show

http://www.kbb.com/car-news/all-the-latest/bentley-continental-gt3-concept-_-2012-paris-auto-show/

 

Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo Concept - 2012 Paris Auto Show

http://www.kbb.com/car-news/all-the-latest/porsche-panamera-sport-turismo-concept-_-2012-paris-auto-show/

 

2013 Ford Mondeo - 2012 Paris Auto Show

http://www.kbb.com/car-news/all-the-latest/2013-ford-mondeo-_-2012-paris-auto-show/

 

2014 Jaguar F-Type - 2012 Paris Auto Show

http://www.kbb.com/car-news/all-the-latest/2014-jaguar-f_type-_-2012-paris-auto-show/

 

At Paris show, car makers face market downturn

http://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/2012/09/27/at-paris-show-car-makers-face-market-downturn/

 

Big Three roll out models for Europe market

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120927/AUTO01/209270354/1148/auto01/Big-Three-roll-out-models-Europe-market

 

 

**OEM/Vehicle News**

 

As demand falls, Japan car makers cut production in China

http://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/2012/09/26/as-demand-falls-japan-car-makers-cut-production-in-china/

 

Ford says European dealers selling vehicles to themselves

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-09-27/ford-says-european-dealers-selling-vehicles-to-themselves.html

 

GM-Peugeot discussion said to slow while economy worsens

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-09-26/gm-peugeot-discussion-said-to-slow-while-economy-worsens.html

 

Chrysler adding Ram commercial truck division as pickups debut

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-09-27/chrysler-adding-ram-commercial-truck-division-as-pickups-debut.html

 

Chrysler, Ford battle for pickup muscle bragging rights

http://www.freep.com/article/20120927/BUSINESS01/309270201/Chrysler-Ford-battle-for-pickup-muscle-bragging-rights

 

Jeep seeks European growth boost on introduction of small models

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-09-27/jeep-seeks-european-growth-boost-on-introduction-of-small-models.html

 

Daimler drives German catchup to electric powered Renault

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-09-25/daimler-drives-german-catchup-to-electric-powered-renault.html

 

Zipcar CEO sees loyalty program for heavy-use customers

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-09-27/zipcar-ceo-sees-loyalty-program-for-heavy-use-customers.html

 

Fisker raises $100 million to fund luxury plug-in business

http://www.autonews.com/article/20120926/OEM/309269710/fisker-raises-100-million-to-fund-luxury-plug-in-business

 

German cars good, but priced for the 1%

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120927/OPINION03/209270362/1148/auto01/German-cars-good-priced-1-

 

Tesla has to repay U.S. loan faster as production lags

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2012/09/Tesla-has-to-repay-US-loan-faster-as-production-lags-70001189/tesla-federal-loan-model-s/70001189/1

 

Fiat asks U.S. court to help Chrysler stake price

http://www.autonews.com/article/20120926/OEM/120929904/fiat-asks-u-s-court-to-help-set-chrysler-stake-price

 

Nissan aims to improve communication with Leaf owners

http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/09/26/nissan-aims-to-improve-communication-with-leaf-owners/

 

New Lexus LS safety systems include automatic braking

http://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/2012/09/26/new-lexus-ls-safety-systems-include-automatic-braking/

 

Ford unveils new F-150 King Ranch pickup in Texas

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2012/09/27/ford-150-king-ranch/70001232/1

 

Automakers shush cars with noise cancelation technology

http://www.usatoday.com/money/cars/driveon/story/2012/09/26/automakers-shush-cars-with-noise-cancellation-technology/57844762/1

 

 

**Dealer/Industry News**

 

U.S. auto retreat poised to end with Canadian labor pacts

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-09-27/u-s-auto-retreat-poised-to-end-with-canadian-labor-pacts.html

 

CAW, Chrysler agree on deal

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120927/AUTO0101/209270347/1148/auto01/CAW-Chrysler-agree-deal

 

A European fuel-saving trick is about to catch on in the U.S.

http://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/2012/09/26/a-european-fuel-saving-trick-is-about-to-catch-on-in-the-u-s/

 

5 major rental car companies agree on recall plan

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120927/AUTO01/209270446/1148/auto01/5-major-rental-car-companies-agree-recall-plan

 

 

**Ad/Media/Marketing News**

 

Fiat plays Monopoly with McDonalds’

http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/183863/fiat-plays-monopoly-with-mcdonalds.html?edition=51702

 

Toyota Scion headbangs its way to the bank

http://www.adweek.com/news/advertising-branding/toyota-scion-headbangs-its-way-bank-143999

 

Lexus creates social buzz for ES via tech startup campaign

http://www.luxurydaily.com/lexus-creates-social-buzz-for-es-via-tech-start-up-campaign/

 

BMW crowdsources the future

http://www.brand-e.biz/bmw-launch-urban-driving-experience-challenge-crowdsourcing-contest_23686.html

 

Report: Brands with large followings aren’t necessarily sociable

http://www.ragan.com/Main/Articles/45579.aspx

 

10 reasons to hire YouTube stars for your brand

http://www.marketingprofs.com/articles/2012/9000/10-reasons-to-hire-youtube-stars-for-your-brand?adref=nlt092712

 

 

 

 

 

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