Autoblog

2013 Chevy Mailbu Eco will start at $25,995* and offer 38 highway mpg

Sebastian Blanco — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 10:30:00 EST

Who will want to buy a brand-new, nicely equipped 2013 Chevy Malibu Eco for $25,995? If you peruse General Motors' press release, then you may think it's people who are cross-shopping a Volkswagen Passat TDI or a Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, a Toyota Camry Hybrid or a Ford Fusion Hybrid. These are the vehicles that GM helpfully points out cost more than the new Malibu, and the green competition is completely intentional. The Eco trim level, coming in the first quarter of 2012, will be the first 2013 Malibu released and gets 26 miles per gallon in the city and 38 mpg on the highway (GM estimates). The other trim levels for the 2013 model year - LS, LT and LTZ - are not coming until the summer. Until then, the 2012 model will still be produced.

As it was getting the new Malibu Eco ready, GM looked at who buys green cars, and they found are people who tend to like a little bit of fancy technology inside. That's why, Russ Clark, GM's Director of Marketing, Midsize and Performance cars, told AutoblogGreen, the main marketing message will be that the Malibu Eco offers a compete technological package, combining good fuel economy (thanks to eAssist) and an infotainment system that is more commonly found in higher-end models. "It really is an outstanding package of fuel economy and price," Clark said.

Nonetheless, even with the Eco label, the 2013 Malibu Eco certainly doesn't have the same green cred that a car with the hybrid label does. Clark said that "Someone who is dead-set in their mind that they have to have a hybrid," will be difficult to persuade, but that, "this kind of technology [eAssist] will continue to grow over time. It's something that people will become more familiar with."

This is similar to how the Chevrolet Volt is being received. People don't necessarily know everything about the Volt's powertrain, but they may come into the dealership to find out. Once there, they may purchase a Volt or a Cruze or, soon, a Malibu Eco. "With new technology, you will attract people to your products," Clark said.

*Pricing includes a $760 destination charge.

Continue reading 2013 Chevy Mailbu Eco will start at $25,995* and offer 38 highway mpg

2013 Chevy Mailbu Eco will start at $25,995* and offer 38 highway mpg originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Nov 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM is be-Holden to Australian unit for global Malibu development

Noah Joseph — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 14:07:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Chevrolet, GM, Holden, Australia

Holden Malibu - Click above for high-res image gallery

While GM's once-vast array of worldwide brands operated as separate units in the past, in today's global economy they've all got intertwining roles. Case in point: the new Chevy Malibu.

The new mid-sized sedan is being prepared for its global rollout, but before it is, GM needs to prepare it for the wide variety of different road surfaces encountered in overseas markets. So it's turned to its Australian subsidiary, Holden, to help fine-tune the chassis.

The work is being undertaken at Holden's Lang Land Proving Ground in Victoria, Australia, and along public roads in places like the coastal resort town of Phillip Island, where the car is pictured above.

Of course this won't be the first time Holden has been called upon to help with global products; its chassis have been exported on such products as the Pontiac G8 and GTO, Vauxhall VXR8 and Chevrolet Camaro. But lest you think it's all give and no take for the Australian marque, the Malibu will be sold Down Under as a Holden, as opposed to the Chevrolet bow-tie it will wear in North America and other markets. The press release is posted after the jump.

Continue reading GM is be-Holden to Australian unit for global Malibu development

GM is be-Holden to Australian unit for global Malibu development originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 12 Jun 2011 14:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM releases another shot of the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu

Chris Shunk — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 11:02:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Chevrolet, GM, Shanghai Motor Show

2013 Chevrolet Malibu - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu will be unveiled on Monday at the Shanghai Motor Show. General Motors is expectedly making a big deal of the event, and started dropping teasers a couple weeks back. Those were followed by a full-on, high-resolution pic of the Malibu in red on Thursday. And now? Another picture of the China-spec car in blue. Since it's static, we get a clean look at the new Malibu's wheels and a better idea of the car's profile

If you feel like you're already overstuffed on the 2013 Malibu, try to save some room for the main course, which comes in the form of the sedan's official debut in Shanghai. The live reveal will be streamed via webcast on Chevy's Facebook page on Monday, April 18 at 8:30 p.m. EDT.

Gallery: 2013 Chevrolet Malibu

[Source: GM via EGM Car Tech]

GM releases another shot of the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 16 Apr 2011 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Chevrolet Malibu gives us a glimpse of its interior

Chris Shunk — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Chevrolet, GM, Shanghai Motor Show

2013 Chevrolet Malibu interior teaser - Click above to enlarge

General Motors piqued our interest last week with a video glimpse of the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu (albeit in highly stylized rendered form), as well as a teaser image of its taillights. In the video, GM tells us the new Malibu will be wider than the outgoing Malibu with a more rakish exterior design. The teaser image goes a step further, showing us that the 2013 model's taillights are strikingly similar to those at the butt of the Camaro.

Fast forward one week and The General is ready to give us another peek at the interior. As you can see from the photo above, the new Malibu will feature a more fluid cabin design than the current model with fewer buttons and GM's new touch-friendly MyLink infotainment system prominently displayed.

It's difficult to judge the new Malibu's interior by looking at one intentionally poor-lit teaser images, but we see some serious potential. Here's hoping the materials can match up to the LCD screen.

The Malibu will be unveiled on April 18 at the Shanghai Motor Show, and you'll be able to watch the reveal live from Chevy's Facebook page.

Gallery: 2013 Chevrolet Malibu teaser

[Source: Chevrolet]

2013 Chevrolet Malibu gives us a glimpse of its interior originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Chevrolet sweeps HGTV Car Hunters Challenge

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 08:57:00 EST

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

Car Hunters Challenge - Click above to watch the video after the jump

One of HGTV's most popular shows is called House Hunters, where your average Joe and Jane Public take a look at two or three homes and ultimately end up purchasing their dream abode. Chevrolet wanted to get in on this game and its teamed up with the network to develop the Car Hunters Challenge. You see where this is going, right?

Cameras are everywhere and the supposedly unbiased reactions of the car shoppers are recorded. How are they able to get to the real opinions regarding the Chevy-supplied cars? Independent research company GfK is asking the questions, and the car buyers also look at equivalent models from Honda and Toyota. In the mid-size segment, the Chevy Malibu took on the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. A Chevrolet Equinox lined up next to a Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V for the compact crossover shoppers. In the mid-size crossover group, a Chevy Traverse duked it out with the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot.

The Car Hunters Challenge ultimately ended up speaking with 70 people, but how did the Bow-Tie brand fair? It took a gamble on the entire project but walked away happy after 43 new-car shoppers gave Chevrolet vehicles the thumbs up. By our grade-school math, that equates to a D-. However, it's entirely possible they grade on the nursing school curve. Regardless, it's interesting to see an automaker take a risk like this and the see the results play in its favor.

You can catch the Car Hunters Challenge spots in commercial form during episodes of House Hunters or watch episodes on the web courtesy of the HGTV website. Take a gander at the trailer, available for viewing after the jump.

Continue reading Video: Chevrolet sweeps HGTV Car Hunters Challenge

Video: Chevrolet sweeps HGTV Car Hunters Challenge originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Sep 2010 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Chevrolet Malibu design completely revealed in patent filings?

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:56:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Chevrolet

2010 Chevrolet Malibu patent drawings - Click above for high-res image gallery

Over the past nine months, we've seen the next-generation Chevrolet Malibu twice at General Motors media events that were closed to the public. On neither occasion were we allowed to take any photographs of the styling buck, but now we can finally show you what the next Malibu looks like. A General Motors filing with the United States Patent and Trademark Office shows what is obviously an unidentified Chevrolet four-door sedan.

It retains all of the standard Chevrolet design features including the dual-port grille and four individual tail lights. Compared to the current and very well reviewed Malibu, the new car has more sculpted surfaces, especially around the corners. The chopped off tail of the current generation car is generally considered to be the weakest part of that design, and the new model addresses that area with what looks to be a much more attractive posterior.

The new Malibu will ride on the same Epsilon II platform that underpins the Buick LaCrosse and Regal. The new model will have a shorter wheelbase than the 112.3-inch span of today's car, but it's not clear if it will be as short as the 107.8-inch wheelbase of the new Buick Regal. The new Malibu will, however, be both wider and taller than the current model. The interior is also significantly upgraded with higher quality materials as GM tries to keep up with the advances of new models from Ford.

The next Malibu will probably debut in late in 2011 as a 2012 model, and we may see it in public at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show. The timing of the Malibu should line up nicely with the Ford Fusion/Mondeo replacement and make for a very interesting battle in the mid-size sedan market.

Gallery: 2012 Chevrolet Malibu patent drawings

[Source: Carscoop]

2012 Chevrolet Malibu design completely revealed in patent filings? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: GM to show Chevy Orlando-based GMC Granite and hi-po Buick Regal in Detroit

Frank Filipponio — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 18:25:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Convertible, Coupe, Budget, Sedan, Performance, Etc., Crossover, Hatchback, Buick, Chevrolet, GM, Rumormill, Luxury, Off-Road

GMC Granite will share a platform with the 2011 Chevrolet Orlando shown above

It seems as though it's just about impossible to keep an embargo in place these days. A Canadian outlet just spilled the beans on a couple of GM reveals set for Detroit next month. They say they were invited to a sneak preview Wednesday evening and although they couldn't take pics, they felt free to tell us about the whole array of models. Some have been loosely-guarded secrets, but a couple are unknowns, so we'll quote CanadianDriver on those until we get confirmation from GM.

Apparently, The General will have a slew of new model introductions in the D next month, including the much-anticipated Camaro Convertible, the new, upsized Aveo, a substantially-revised Malibu, production versions of the Spark and Orlando, and two models we hadn't heard about until now: A GMC version of the Orlando dubbed the Granite, and a "sport version of the Buick Regal" that should get "many of its performance parts from the 325-hp Opel Insignia OPC." Hot dog, the Regal GS is apparently more than a wet dream. Bring on the Stage 1 and GNX.

The Regal was just introduced in Los Angeles a couple of weeks ago, so the announcement of a performance model so soon thereafter seems a little strange -- not that we're complaining, mind you. The Granite is described as an "urban utility vehicle" and will be the smallest model in GMC's history. A Denali edition can only be around the corner. We'll get you more details as they are released and we'll be sure to have the whole field covered when the Big Top opens at Cobo in January.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Chevrolet Orlando Concept

Gallery: 2010 Chevy Spark

Gallery: 2011 Buick Regal Live Unveiling

[Source: CandianDriver]

REPORT: GM to show Chevy Orlando-based GMC Granite and hi-po Buick Regal in Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 19 Dec 2009 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: GM to speed up development of vehicles delayed by bankruptcy

Chris Shunk — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 18:31:00 EST

Filed under: Chevrolet, GM, Earnings/Financials

Prior to declaring bankruptcy, General Motors began delaying new products in an effort to conserve cash. The news was disappointing to enthusiasts and brand loyalists, but with its cash piles dwindling, the General didn't have many alternatives. Post-bankruptcy, GM finds itself with $40 billion in cash and a lot less overhead, so where is the money being spent? Automotive News reports that Vice Chairman Bob Lutz confirms that many of the products that were delayed are now being accelerated, adding "Once we got out of the bankruptcy and started having money available, we were able to pull a lot of our programs forward."

One example of the pull-forward is the next-generation Chevrolet Malibu. Early this Fall, GM told us that the next Malibu would arrive in 2012, but Lutz says that time frame has been pulled up to 2011. The next Malibu will reportedly be all-new with a platform based off of the Buick LaCrosse and 2011 Buick Regal. The new 'Bu will apparently have a shorter wheelbase than the current model while still managing more interior room.

Lutz told AN that the uplevel Malibu will have chrome appliques lining the side windows, a trait he says is associated with German and Japanese luxury vehicles. Lutz apparently added that $50 worth of chrome translates into an additional $500 to $600 in perceived value to customers. Beyond the Malibu, Lutz noted that there are "a bunch" of other vehicles being pulled forward to pre-bankruptcy production cadences, though he didn't offer any specific examples.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

REPORT: GM to speed up development of vehicles delayed by bankruptcy originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Chevrolet Malibu to join Volt in Detroit-Hamtramck plant

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 09:02:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Chevrolet

2011 Chevrolet Volt - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's long been presumed that the Chevrolet Volt (and its Opel/Vauxhall Ampera twin) would not be the only car rolling out of General Motors' Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant after late 2010. After all, Volt volumes are unlikely to be sufficient in the first several years to justify an entire plant. However, when a future product plant was leaked out after the 2007 UAW contract was signed, it was assumed the new Chevy Orlando would join the Volt. After all, the Orlando shares the Delta platform with the Volt and Cruze.

Following the announcement Monday of the investment in the Detroit factory to build the Volt, The Detroit News believes it has learned that the next-generation Malibu will also be built in Detroit. The new Malibu is slated to debut in 2011 as a 2012 model. Current Malibu assembly takes place in Fairfax, Kansas. The General's Orion, Michigan plant had also been building the mid-sized sedan, but it is now being re-tooled build the next generation Aveo. With Fairfax now also building the Buick LaCrosse, a second plant may be needed to meet demand if the new model is successful.

Gallery: Quick Spin: 2011 Chevrolet Volt

[Source: The Detroit News]
Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

REPORT: Chevrolet Malibu to join Volt in Detroit-Hamtramck plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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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