“The Winter Olympics coverage and advertisements continue to drive viewers to shop the BMW i3, BMW i8 and Cadillac ELR,” said Arthur Henry, senior manager for Kelley Blue Book market intelligence.  “The increased research into these alternative-fuel vehicles has created interest in the Nissan LEAF.  However, the Nissan LEAF also had additional news and media coverage that has been catching the attention of shoppers.”

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)

Top News

Tesla earns $46 million in Q4 amid rosy outlook

Tesla Q4 net loss narrows to $16 million

Tesla profit beats estimates in electric car maker’s best sales year

Tesla projects big increase in production

Tesla to boost production 55 percent

Bear Clawed: How Tesla keeps crushing the naysayers

Five Tesla takeaways from Elon Musk’s call with car industry analysts

Porsche warning: 911 GT3s can catch fire

Porsche tells GT3 customers to stop driving for engine inspection

Porsche recalls high-performance 911 GT3 after fires

OEM/Vehicle News

Ford sued over use of company’s hybrid vehicle inventions

GM picks up on Ford example for en-lighten-ment

Lawyer asks feds to force GM to explain recall timing

BMW tosses salesmen for ‘geniuses’

Industry/Dealer News

4 Manheim operations generate funds & give time to local Ronald McDonald House charities

Bitauto to report fourth quarter and fiscal year 2013 unaudited financial results on Thursday, March 6, 2014

Losing Volkswagen was nothing compared with next UAW fear

Lithia reports 38% rise in Q4 net income on better cost controls

Sonic posts 8% drop in Q4 profit, but expects new pricing strategy to prevail

South Carolina governor says Ford, GM, Chrysler union jobs not welcome in state

Repairing today’s cars is a costly business

Automotive News from China

Why tumbling sales may be a good sign for Geely

China may ease caps on foreign stakes in JVs

Ad/Media/Marketing News

Ford splits with longtime TV pitchman Mike Rowe

Fiat’s 2014 Abarth hits the track in major markets