The BMW X1 is moving up in kbb.com traffic, increasing 72.4 percent in share week-over-week. Previously offered in other markets, the X1 is making its way to the United States and is expected to be in showrooms by this fall. BMW hails the X1 as the first sub-compact premium sport activity vehicle (SAV), which in part has sparked curiosity among consumers. Kbb.com predicts that the X1’s release will be similar to the previously released 1 Series, as they are both low-volume models, which slightly cannibalizes BMW’s larger product offerings in terms of sales…

 

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**

 

Volkswagen eyes mid-sized SUV for U.S. market

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120530/COPY01/305309651/1294/volkswagen-eyes-mid-sized-suv-for-u-s-market

 

Volkswagen could build new midsize utility vehicle at Tennessee plant

http://www.freep.com/article/20120530/BUSINESS0104/120530061/Volkswagen-U-S-market-Tennessee-plant-midsize-utility-vehice

 

Ford says it boosted incentives in May after April cut

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120530/RETAIL/120539991/1448/ford-says-it-boosted-incentives-in-may-after-april-cut

 

Ford can’t keep up with auto demand

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120531/AUTO0102/205310389/1148/auto01/Ford-can-t-keep-up-auto-demand

 

 

**OEM/Vehicle News**

 

Ford moves ahead with Escape launch despite hail damage to 3,500 units

http://www.autonews.com/article/20120530/OEM01/120539992/1254/ford-moves-ahead-with-escape-launch-despite-hail-damage-to-3-500-units

 

GM CEO Dan Akerson: ‘We’re dancing as fast as we can’

http://management.fortune.cnn.com/2012/05/31/leadership-gm-akerson/

 

GM to use race data in its cars

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120531/AUTO0103/205310355/1148/auto01/GM-use-race-data-its-cars

 

Mazda CX-5: Are small crossovers eclipsing cars?

http://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/2012/05/30/mazda-cx-5-are-small-crossovers-eclipsing-cars/

 

Mercedes-Benz unveils AMG version of GL crossover

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2012/05/mercedes-benz-unveils-amg-version-of-gl-crossover/1

 

Lexus ES sheds more Camry roots

http://www.autonews.com/article/20120531/OEM04/120539979/1292/lexus-es-sheds-more-camry-roots

 

Chrysler vehicles will be sculpted by the wind, Gilles says

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120530/OEM03/120539989/1427/chrysler-vehicles-will-be-sculpted-by-the-wind-gilles-says

 

Toyota begins financial services operations in India

http://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/2012/05/30/toyota-begins-financial-services-operations-in-india/

 

Tata’s Jaguar Land Rover plant on hold in Brazil

http://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/2012/05/31/tatas-jaguar-land-rover-plant-on-hold-in-brazil/

 

Kia to add stores, weighs luxury model

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120528/RETAIL07/305289961/1277/kia-to-add-stores-weighs-luxury-model-for-u-s

 

20,000 apply for 877 jobs at Hyundai’s Alabama factory

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2012/05/hyundais-877-us-factory-jobs-draw-20000-applicants/1

 

Mercedes car stolen in war belongs to heirs, court says

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-05-30/mercedes-car-stolen-in-war-belongs-to-heirs-court-says.html

 

 

**Dealer/Industry News**

 

CMO close-up with Jeff Perkins, director-customer marketing, AutoTrader.com

http://www.btobonline.com/article/20120530/CMO_NEWSLETTER/305259999/cmo-close-up-with-jeff-perkins-director-customer-marketing

 

VinSolutions takes top creative award from Summit International SCAs

http://www.vinsolutions.com/NewsView.aspx?id=237

 

Auto jobs: Sign of the times

http://www.cnbc.com/id/47614988

 

Safety group: Tougher laws save teen drivers

http://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/2012/05/31/safety-group-tougher-laws-save-teen-drivers/

 

 

**Ad/Media/Marketing News**

 

GM goes from Super Bowl to soccer with Manchester United

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-05-31/gm-goes-from-super-bowl-to-soccer-with-manchester-united.html

 

GM cites audience, impact in deal between Chevrolet, Manchester United

http://www.freep.com/article/20120531/BUSINESS0101/120531012/GM-confirms-agreement-between-Chevrolet-and-Manchester-United

 

BMW’s ultimate Olympic machine

http://features.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2012/05/31/bmw-olympics-training/

 

Butt-buzzing Cadillac is shaking up its image

http://bottomline.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/05/31/11958088-butt-buzzing-cadillac-is-shaking-up-its-image?lite

 

Jay Leno and friends eulogize Carroll Shelby

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2012/05/jay-leno-carroll-shelby-lee-iacocca/1

 

Jaguar seeks to make most of its ‘Mad Men’ coup

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2012/05/jaguar-mad-men/1

 

Jeep brand launches online contest: ‘Power by Design’ entrants can customize and win a 2012 Jeep Wrangler

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jeep-brand-launches-online-contest-power-by-design-entrants-can-customize-and-win-a-2012-jeep-wrangler-155924505.html

 

Chevrolet kicks-starts global commitment to international football

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/chevrolet-kick-starts-global-commitment-to-international-football-155919025.html

 

Volkswagen’s improbable 75-year run

http://bottomline.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/05/29/11879746-volkswagens-improbable-75-year-run?lite

 

CBS halfway to a Super Bowl sellout

http://www.adweek.com/news/television/cbs-halfway-super-bowl-sellout-140844

 

Is Pinterest really leading to product purchases?

http://www.emarketer.com/Article.aspx?R=1009083&ecid=a6506033675d47f881651943c21c5ed4

 

Does your brand’s personality come through in social media?

http://adage.com/article/digitalnext/brand-s-personality-social-media/234988/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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