Autoblog

Strike at Malibu plant averted for now, Lucerne and DTS production to resume

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 07:02:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, GM, UAW/Unions

GM is still dancing with the UAW over contract issues, now its doing it with local plants regarding items that weren't in the national agreement. However, The General has managed to wring two more days to negotiate before workers at its Fairfax assembly plant in Kansas City, KS, walk out. The 2,600 workers of UAW Local 31 churn out 3,100 Malibus every week.

Local contracts -- as opposed to the national agreement -- concern work-rule, seniority and other non-economic issues. The UAW Local says that GM isn't following the blueprint of the national agreement and is pushing for too much. GM says it is negotiating in good faith.

And Fairfax isn't the only plant affected. Strikes and idling due to rejected contracts have taken place at GM plants in Parma, Ohio, Lansing, Michigan, and Detroit-Hamtramck. Those interruptions have halted production of the Buick Lucerne and Enclave, Cadillac CTS, Saturn Outlook, and GMC Acadia. The Hamtramck plant is calling workers back, which will get the Lucerne and CTS in production again, but now the Malibu is on the block. GM has a 37-day supply of the hot commodity, and it also has another plant that builds Malibus. If GM and UAW Local 31 can't come to an agreement, Malibu production at the Fairfax plant will cease tomorrow.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Strike at Malibu plant averted for now, Lucerne and DTS production to resume originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Apr 2008 07:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevy offering up new Malibu with four-cylinder engine

Chris Shunk — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 09:02:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Chevrolet, GM

When the Chevy Malibu was launched back in the fall, we were promised a four cylinder version mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, and it's finally here. The newest Malibu will achieve 22 mpg in city driving and 32 mpg on the highway, which is a monumental improvement over the 17/26 fuel economy of the 3.6L V6. The four cylinder LTZ will not only save green-backs at the pump, but it'll also cost less at the dealership with a base price that is over $1,000 less than the V6 model. The lone downgrade of note is that the four cylinder LTZ gets 17 inch rims standard, versus 18s for the V6.

Earlier in the year, we reviewed a 2.4L Malibu with a four-speed slush box, and while it wasn't as engaging as the 3.6L model, it still had plenty of get up and go for most driving situations. With a six speed auto, driving characteristics can only improve, and the six-mpg improvement over the V6 model makes the four cylinder LTZ Malibu look like a very good option for folks that want high-end equipment without such a thirst for petrol. Hit the jump to read GM's press release.

[Source: GM]

Continue reading Chevy offering up new Malibu with four-cylinder engine

Chevy offering up new Malibu with four-cylinder engine originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Apr 2008 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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UAW threatens to walk out on Chevy Malibu production

John Neff — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 16:25:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Chevrolet, UAW/Unions

General Motors has been dealing with a lot of strikes lately. The United Auto Worker union's strike against one of its main suppliers, American Axle, has been reducing the General's inventory of trucks and SUVs for about a month now, and also threatened production of the Chevy Malibu before the automaker found more parts to keep production going. Just yesterday the UAW walked out of GM's Lansing Delta Township plant where the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Saturn are built. The latter strike is over what the UAW has only referred to as "local contract issues". Whatever those are, they are important enough to come back today and threaten GM with a walk out at its Fairfax plant, one of the two facilities that builds the hot-selling Chevy Malibu. The union has set a five-day ultimatum, and says it will walk out on Malibu production next Tuesday, April 22 if an agreement isn't reached. The other plant building Malibus is in the Detroit suburb of Orion, but it only builds 2,100 Malibus per week compared to the 3,100 units per week built at the Fairfax plant. Clearly the UAW knows exactly where GM is most vulnerable, and its aiming a strike right at it.

Gallery: First Drive: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu

[Source: Automotive News, subs. req'd]

UAW threatens to walk out on Chevy Malibu production originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Apr 2008 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2010 Buick LaCrosse shows off its insides

Chris Shunk — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 08:26:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Buick, GM

The Buick LaCrosse may not be a real player in the midsize car market, but GM is looking to make big-time improvements for the 2010 model year. The next-gen LaCrosse shares its ~~Epsilon II~~ (the Malibu is an extended Epsilon, not Epsilon II) underpinnings with the critically acclaimed Chevy Malibu, and judging from spy shots from Brenda Priddy & So., the interior will be very similar as well. Close inspection of the pics shows some similar dash characteristics between the two models, though the 'Bu is all about the curves while the Buick is more strait-laced. The two models also appear to share gauge clusters and housing. Seats in the preproduction LaCrosse are two-toned much like that of the up-level Malibu, but the two appear to have a different basic shape.

If GM manages to take the well-received Malibu and injects it with a healthy dose of up-level materials and cool technology, Buick could very well have a nice compliment to the hot-selling Enclave. Click on the link below to view a larger pic of the LaCrosse interior.

Gallery: 2010 Buick LaCrosse - spy shots

[Source: The Car Connection]

Spy Shots: 2010 Buick LaCrosse shows off its insides originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Apr 2008 08:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM finds short-term solution to American Axle strike

Chris Shunk — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Chevrolet, GM, UAW/Unions

The five week-old strike at American Axle is finally starting to wear on GM, and the General has decided to move a small but crucial parts contract over to rival supplier Dana to help get its truck plants moving again. The 30,000-unit prop shaft contract for light pickups is considered a small deal, but the fact that GM is beginning to move on shows that the strike, which began on February 26, is beginning to take its toll on the giant automaker. The move is going to anger the striking workers, but it will also likely help get American Axle management back at the bargaining table.

Recent events show that still more GM plants are being hurt by the strike, as the plant that builds the Buick Lucerne and Cadillac DTS was shut down last Friday, and Automotive News reports the Chevy Cobalt plant could idle this week. Perhaps the biggest news of all is that GM is running out of rear suspension knuckles for the hot-selling Chevy Malibu. Since the General is in the middle of a mega-million dollar ad push for the North American Car of the Year, we're guessing a work stoppage at the Orion, MI plant won't be taken lightly. This ever-lengthening strike may have started out as a non-story, but lost production on a grand scale of some of GM's most profitable products will hurt GM, American Axle, and its 3,600 workers in the long run.

[Source: Automotive News - subs. req'd]

GM finds short-term solution to American Axle strike originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Apr 2008 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Interest in Chevy Malibu sets record for domestic mid-sizer

Chris Shunk — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 12:56:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Chevrolet, Honda

The 2008 Chevy Malibu has already taken home some prestigious hardware in the form of the 2008 North American Car of the Year award, and now it seems to be winning over midsize car buyers in an important metric. The Malibu has attracted so many vehicle prospects that, according to compete.com, it has been the most shopped midsize vehicle in the U.S. three months in a row. The Bu's accomplishment is the first time a domestic automaker has ever lead this metric in the hotly contested midsize segment, dusting domestic competition like the Ford Fusion by a 5 to 1 ratio.

Over 236,000 shopped the Malibu in December alone, which is a 247% increase over October, and more than twice the shopping rate than the all new 2008 Honda Accord. The Accord is still winning the actual sales battle at dealerships, and the data shows that nearly 80% of Malibu shoppers are just browsers, as opposed to just over 50% for the Accord. Consider the fact that Chevy's midsize sedan has twice the shopping traffic of the Accord, however, and the Malibu is still attracting a truck load of engaged shoppers. The 2008 Chevy Malibu may be somewhat of an unproven horse in this sales race, but the early data shows that GM has piqued the interest of buyers. Thanks for the tip, Mike!

Gallery: First Drive: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu

[Source: Seekingalpha]

Interest in Chevy Malibu sets record for domestic mid-sizer originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Feb 2008 12:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 Hyundai Sonata gets big bump in price

Chris Shunk — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 16:03:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Hyundai

click above for more high-res images of the 2009 Hyundai Sonata

The new 2009 Hyundai Sonata gets a bump in interior refinement and available power, and the South Korean automaker would like to be paid for all its troubles. The 2009 Sonata Limited saw the largest jump in price, with the new model going for $24,645, up $1,650 from the 2008 model. At the bottom of the Sonata lineup, Hyundai increased the sticker on the entry GLS by a more reasonable $700 to $18,795, or $19,995 with the upgraded five-speed automatic transmission. Oddly enough, however, the base Sonata is now $75 more than a base 2009 Camry, which is an interesting decision on Hyundai's part. With destination and delivery charges included, the base Sonata GLS is now $585 less than the base 2009 Toyota Camry, which starts at $19,380. The base Chevy Malibu LS, meanwhile, now equals the automatic Sonata GLS in price at $19,995 with d&d costs included.

With prices going up by up by seven percent on certain models, Hyundai may have lost some of its price advantage on the competition. With better quality and improved refinement, it's clear to us that the South Korean automaker is banking on Americans picking the Sonata based on criteria other than price.

UPDATE: Corrections made to pricing of base 2009 Toyota Camry and base 2008 Chevy Malibu. The 2009 Hyundai Sonata still undercuts the Camry and now equals the base Malibue in price

[Source: Hyundai]

Gallery: 2009 Hyundai Sonata

Continue reading 2009 Hyundai Sonata gets big bump in price

2009 Hyundai Sonata gets big bump in price originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Feb 2008 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Consumer Reports (mostly) hearts new Malibu

Chris Tutor — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 13:26:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Chevrolet

click above to view high-res gallery of the 2008 Chevy Malibu

They're not quite done putting it through the paces, but Consumer Reports for the most part is liking Chevy's new Malibu. They've opened up the car's logbook on the magazine's blog, and here are a few of the positive quotes they shared:

"Wow. Impressive to drive, even in the four-cylinder version."
"Best normally-aspirated Ecotec (four-cylinder engine) application out there."
"Distinctive dashboard - definitely not a 'me-too' design."
This is a heavy hitter that competes head-on with Camry, Accord, and Altima."

Luckily for Chevrolet, the positive comments so far are in the lead, and most of the negatives are for relatively minor things like:

"hard to reach seat levers"
"I do not like the interior trim. The dash has a pink tone to it, whereas the other browns are more orange."
"I'm disappointed with the low shoulder belt anchor, poorly placed seat heater switch, and lack of a shifter indicator in the dash."

They promise to have a full review of the car in the magazine's March issue, which we're sure Chevy can't wait to read.

[Source: Consumer Reports]

Gallery: First Drive: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu

Consumer Reports (mostly) hearts new Malibu originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Feb 2008 13:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Malibu and CX-9 win North American Car/Truck of the Year

John Neff — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 09:56:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Chevrolet, Mazda

Click above image for more coverage of the 2008 Detroit Auto Show

Though four out of the six finalists for the North American Car and Truck of the Year Awards were GM vehicles, only the new 2008 Chevy Malibu managed to earn the honor of 2008 North American Car of the Year. On the truck side of things, the Buick Enclave and Chevy Tahoe Hybrid lost out to the Mazda CX-9.

The Malibu was competing for North American COTY honors against the new Honda Accord and 2008 Cadillac CTS. The judges use a point system to determine the winner, and the Malibu achieved the most among the cars at 190, with the CTS fairly close behind at 165 and the Honda firmly in third with 95.

The Mazda CX-9, meanwhile, blew out its truck competitors with 201 points. Surprisingly, the Chevy Tahoe 2-mode Hybrid came in second with 140 and the Buick Enclave, which we believed (and you, too) had a chance to win, only managed 109 points.

What say peanut gallery? Is the Malibu a better choice for this year's honor than the CTS. Was the Accord snubbed? And what happened to the Enclave in this competition?

Gallery: 2008 Chevy Malibu

Gallery: 2008 Mazda CX-9

Malibu and CX-9 win North American Car/Truck of the Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Jan 2008 09:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM admits Malibu in short supply

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 13:26:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Chevrolet, GM

The Chevrolet Malibu continues to do better than GM expected: the General moved 12,172 of the new model in December 2007, a 6.7% improvement over the same month last year. There are two factories currently building the car, and demand for the 2007 North American Car of the Year finalist is such that dealers still can't get enough of them.

It's a long way from the "we only expected to sell 500 Malibus in November" malarkey. The mid-sized segment champions probably aren't worried just yet, but they'll be watching. In December of '07, Toyota sold 38,831 Camrys, Honda sold 31,255 Accords, and Nissan sold 25,171 Altimas. The lack of Malibu inventory makes a good marketing and perception case, but GM won't want it to go on too long. The segment -- represented by what one Autoblog commenter called the "Camcordimabu" -- is highly competitive, and those buyers don't like to be told "Try us back in a month and we'll see if we can get you one."

Analysts say that what happens over the next few months will tell the tale. But really, this is about the next few years; the Camry and Accord have been doing around a thousand units a day, each, every single day for years. The Malibu will need to show it has that kind of endurance, and this is a good way to start. Still, GM better have a plan B in place to build as many Malibus as the market demands if it has any aspirations at all of swiping the Camry's title of Best-Selling Car in the U.S.

[Source: Seattle Times]

Gallery: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu LT

GM admits Malibu in short supply originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Jan 2008 13:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM exceeds Malibu sales expections in the first month by, oh, 2,500 cars

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 09:33:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Chevrolet, GM

GM spent $150 million on the ad campaign for the new Malibu. Intriguingly, though -- and after all the work that went into the car, all the hype, all the ads (we dig the one with the jogger running into the car, even though it's not a new Malibu), and all the great reviews -- GM only expected to sell 500 of them in November, the car's first full retail month. That's right: GM sent 3,500 of them to dealers. And they only expected 500 of them to get off the lot, down the road burning gas.

Well, as George W. Bush said, GM "misunderestimated." GM's on track to sell nearly the entire allotment, with 3,000 cars looking to be on the move. Lutz said dealers don't have any because they keep selling out of them. The same phenomenon is being reported for the Buick Enclave. which is not only exceeding sales expectations, but swiping the expected younger buyers from the Saturn Outlook. Hey Mr. Lutz: that's because the Enclave looks curvy and cool, and the Saturn, uh, doesn't.

In a Wall Street Journal article about the perception gap between American cars and imports, GM chief Rick Wagoner said "Building a better car and assuming people will buy it doesn't work." To you, Mr. Wagoner, we would like to present the Malibu and Enclave as Exhibits A and B, and retort: wanna bet? If they prove to be as reliable as we know you can make them, then you shouldn't have any problem selling them. Now, get us a Camaro that looks like the concept, a CTS Coupe, a hot Solstice coupe, and a Volt by 2010, and you might be able to shift your concerns to building inventory as opposed to moving it.

[Source: Reuters]

GM exceeds Malibu sales expections in the first month by, oh, 2,500 cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 25 Nov 2007 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Who needs a Lexus LS? I want a Malibu!

Chris Shunk — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 11:02:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Etc., Chevrolet, GM

click above image for more high-res pics of the 2008 Chevy Malibu

The media is giving the new Chevy Malibu more love than any midsize product donning the bow tie has gotten in years. As it turns out, there are a few people in the market for a new car that are just as excited. Maximum Bob Lutz was nice enough to share on his FastLane Blog a story about how much one man likes the new Malibu, and he's going through great lengths to get one in his garage. The guy in question hadn't given a GM product the time of day since 1979, but the new Malibu looked so good to him that he was willing to purchase one from a dealer friend in California. Since he lives in Michigan, he plans on flying out to pick up his new ride and then driving it nearly 3,000 miles back to his home.The part of the story that undoubtedly has Mr. Lutz the most giddy is the fact that the gentleman in question is currently driving a Lexus LS and had been driving several Mercedes prior to his that. We certainly liked the Malibu during our short time with the vehicle, but if we were to purchase one for ourselves, we'd likely wait until one was available a little closer to home.

[Source: FastLane Blog]

Gallery: First Drive: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu

Who needs a Lexus LS? I want a Malibu! originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Nov 2007 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu

Chris Tutor — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Sedan, Chevrolet, First Drive

click above image to view a new high-res gallery of the 2008 Chevy Malibu

Autoblog gets numerous comments saying that the domestic automakers could easily sell more products if only they would make them good enough to buy. We agree. With the introduction of the 2008 Chevy Malibu, it could very well be time for us all to put up or shut up.

GM knows the midsize sedan segment is dominated by the Toyota Camry and has taken direct aim at that very car with the new Malibu. The car's measurements come close to the Camry in almost every category, including length, interior space, trunk size and engine displacement. Where they differ is in design. The Camry provides the automotive appliance for those who don't really want a car, but need to go places. The Malibu brings style to the game at a competitive price.

GM invited us to spend some time with the new Malibu in Memphis, Tenn. this past weekend, and we put the car down some of the roughest streets of the city and the twistiest back roads we could find in northwest Mississippi.

To start the day, we chose a top-of-the-line LTZ model with the 3.6L V6 and 6-speed transmission from a lineup of about a dozen Malibus parked in front of the Gibson Guitar factory in downtown Memphis. A couple of passersby stopped to ask what was going on, commenting on how good the new model looked. Apparently, it really is hard to ignore.

Continued after the jump.

Gallery: First Drive: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu

General Motors provided the vehicles for testing. Autoblog does not accept travel or lodging from automakers when attending media events.

Live Photos Copyright (C)2007 Chris Tutor / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading First Drive: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu

First Drive: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Nov 2007 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alpha RWD platform set to invade GM lineup

John Neff — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 15:04:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Pontiac

Citing suppliers and loose-lipped employees of General Motors as its source, Inside Line has learned that the rear-wheel drive Alpha platform will be making a big splash in the automaker's product portfolio soon. The Alpha will reportedly underpin a successor to the Pontiac G6 set to arrive in late 2010. Such a vehicle would do much to enhance Pontiac's unsubstaniated claim to build excitement, and would also augment the upcoming Zeta-based, rear-wheel-drive G8 sedan nicely. After that, the Alpha will take up residence beneath the next-generation Cadillac BLS sedan that's currently sold only in Europe. Once it makes the switch, IL expects the BLS to cross the Atlantic and slot in below the CTS in Cadillac's North American lineup. Next up would be a new rear-wheel-drive Alpha-based sedan for Saturn that would be positioned below the front-wheel drive Aura and above the Astra.

The Alpha infusion would occur in GM's lineup just as the aged front-wheel-drive W-body platform is phased out and replaced by the Epsilon II platform. The W-based Buick LaCrosse will make way for an Epsilon II successor that revives the Regal name, while the next-gen Malibu and Aura will move over to the new platform, as well. The Malibu may also be offered in a long-wheelbase version to appease current Impala customers who will still need a large, front-wheel-drive sedan once that car jumps to the rear-wheel-drive Zeta platform.

Regardless of whether any of these plans actually happen (nothing's written in stone in this business), it's clear that GM's push to globalize its platforms is on track.

[Source: Inside Line]

Alpha RWD platform set to invade GM lineup originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Jun 2007 15:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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UAW contract dispute may delay introduction of new Chevy Malibu

John Neff — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 15:12:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Chevrolet, GM

UPDATE: We've learned that the UAW contract disputes aren't likely to affect the introduction of the 2008 Malibu, since it will be built on the Epsilon I platform, which is still on track. The negotiations, however, may affect the debut of the next-generation Malibu and Aura, both of which will move to the Epsilon II platform.
Eps

The turnaround at General Motors is in full swing thanks to a bevy of new models on the horizon. One of those promising products is the new Chevy Malibu, which we're looking forward to reviewing as soon as possible. It turns out we may have to wait longer than expected to get behind the wheel of the new Epsilon 2-based Malibu. Apparently contract negotiations with the local UAW at GM's Lordstown, Ohio and Fairfax, Kansas plants have hit a snag. The Lordstown plant builds many of GM's Delta-based models, including the Chevy Cobalt and Pontiac G5, and is earmarked to build the next generation of Delta-based models, as well. The Fairfax plant, meanwhile, builds the current Malibu and Pontiac G6, but is being renovated to handle the new Malibu and Saturn Aura.

GM had asked for some big concessions from the local unions at both plants that included 10-hour shifts with no overtime and the ability to hire some non-union workers to do janitorial work, unload trucks and even do assembly in some cases. The local unions were very close to closing the deal with GM until the national UAW stepped in and stopped the talks.

The unions are reportedly seeking a guarantee that the next generation Delta and Epsilon 2 models will be built at these plants, which has come under question since GM has halted development of new assembly-line tooling for these vehicles. GM, on the other hand, claims to have halted the development of new tooling in response to these talks breaking down. Clearly there's some tit-for-tat going on here, and both sides hope things can be ironed out after UAW international reps meet with GM next week in Detroit.

[Source: Automotive News]

Gallery: 2008 Chevy Malibu

UAW contract dispute may delay introduction of new Chevy Malibu originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Apr 2007 15:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago Auto Show: Chevy dealers go to Xtremes

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 14:26:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Chicago Auto Show, Concept Cars, Chevrolet

High-res gallery available by clicking image

The Chevy dealers of Chicagoland decided to add a little extra pizzazz to the Chicago Auto Show this year by toting out some of their best accessorized concept vehicles from the past few years -- cars and trucks that help customers see what they can do with their own Bowtied babies. Love it or hate it, the HHR is like Chrysler's PT Cruiser in more ways than one. It's also a blank canvas for customizers. While there were a few modded wagons on display, our favorite was the neo-Nomad white HHR two-door. Lowered and sporting a 270-horse 4-cylinder, this is one stylish, relatively understated ride. The rest of the display was a bit more Xtreme.

Continues after the jump

[Source: Chevy]

Gallery: Chevy Xtreme Concepts

Continue reading Chicago Auto Show: Chevy dealers go to Xtremes

Chicago Auto Show: Chevy dealers go to Xtremes originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Feb 2007 14:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cover Blown: Say hello to the 2008 Chevy Malibu

Alex Nunez — Thu, 28 Dec 2006 22:59:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Sedan, Chevrolet

UPDATE: Gallery expanded. 24 photos now available.

Click image for photo gallery

The folks over at Inside Line appear to have an itchy trigger finger, and as such, the embargo on the 2008 Chevy Malibu is toast. (Note: It appears that Motor Trend was actually first, as the Malibu is in the Feb issue hitting newsstands now.) Given the spate of vaporized embargoes we've seen over the last week or so, this is about as surprising as the sun rising in the morning. That said, we're more than happy to bring you all the skinny on GM's new midsize sedan now that the cat's out of the bag.

Like the Saturn Aura, the all-new Malibu rides on the 112-inch wheelbase Epsilon platform. Given that we've driven the Aura and liked it very much, this bodes well for the new Chevy. We'd been wondering how GM would differentiate the two cars, and now we can tell you more about that. While the Saturn currently comes in two trim levels with V6 power only (3.5 or 3.6), the Malibu will be offered with three trim levels -- LS, LT, and LTZ -- with power coming from either a 164-horse 2.4L Ecotec or the very capable 252 HP 3.6L V6 with VVT.

If you think that the top-level Malibu LTZ is a V6-only car, you're wrong. The 2.4L four cylinder is available for all three trim levels, and when selected for the LTZ, it's mated to GM's Hydra-Matic 6T40 6-speed automatic with wheel-mounted shift paddles. (On LS and LT models, the four-banger is hooked up to a four-speed auto.) As with the Aura, the 3.6L is connected to the Hydra-Matic 6T70 6-speed with paddle shifters.

Follow the jump for more analysis, and be sure to check out more shots of Chevy's new 'Bu in our photo gallery.

[Source: GM]

Continue reading Cover Blown: Say hello to the 2008 Chevy Malibu

Cover Blown: Say hello to the 2008 Chevy Malibu originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Dec 2006 22:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM plans to axe $1 billion out of mid-size car budget

Erin Mays — Wed, 09 Aug 2006 07:01:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Chevrolet, GM, Saab, Earnings/Financials

General Motors says it will eliminate $1 billion from its spending on mid-size cars by sharing more parts, designs and factories to get 'er done. If this involves a little process called "badge engineering," we urge GM to beware of the inevitable onslaught of negative comments following this post.

Ahem. The platform used for the Chevrolet Malibu, for example, will be shared with Saab convertibles among the plants in North America, Europe and elsewhere. The idea is part of a larger plan to get the General, which lost buku bucks last year (try $10.6 billion), back to profitability as competitors such as Toyota Motor Company suck market share away from them. GM Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner plans to reduce annualized spending by a total of $9 billion by the end of this year.

[Source: Bloomberg]

GM plans to axe $1 billion out of mid-size car budget originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Aug 2006 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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