DETROIT -- General Motors engineers are hurrying to complete a midcycle refresh of the Chevrolet Malibu for release by late next year, about 18 months after the redesigned sedan's launch, CEO Dan Akerson said.
The move comes amid soft early sales of the car and unflattering media reviews. Some dealers also have questioned whether the Malibu can stand out in the cutthroat mid-sized sedan market.
"We are going to do a midcycle enhancement, not dramatic, by this time next year," Akerson told Automotive News last week. He said the changes would include a new front fascia but declined to elaborate.
Such face-lifts typically come about three years after a car's launch. Akerson acknowledged the unflattering reviews and said that the refresh is taking place sooner than had been planned.
Honda Motor Co. recently pulled ahead a redo of the Civic after critics panned the compact's redesign, which debuted in spring 2011.
Through October, Malibu sales rose 4 percent to 189,094. But for most of the year, dealers were unloading the heavily discounted, outgoing 2012 models. In September and October, when the vast majority of Malibus delivered were 2013 models, sales slipped 3 percent.
Consumer Reports rated the 2013 Malibu Eco, which was launched last spring and has a mild hybrid powertrain, 21st of 28 sedans. In its February issue, the magazine will review the 2013 Malibu with the 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine, which was launched in August and will be the volume model.
"I think it's a good car. It'll do OK," Akerson said. "It is a tough segment and it's one we need to be successful in. We'll see how it plays out."
I'm surprised GM actually is going with this. Not surprised though that the car is going to need it. Yes the 2013 Malibu is better overall as a car than the 2008-2012 version, but against much of the segment it definitely wasn't enough. The Sonata/Optima and Camry are actually much better cars in nearly all key areas that I knew GM blew it. When this Malibu just felt like a big Cruze its bad news since the Cruze isn't exactly new and is only competitive enough in its own segment, not this one.
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1986 MX-73 Cressida 5M-GE 290,000+ kms - SOLD (1986-2013)
2004 GD-67 Impreza EJ25 230,000+ kms - new daily
Maybe the stories of GM heading toward another bankruptcy are true. In the meantime, their Holiday commercials are mostly focusing on the trucks than the car. They don't even have one for the Sonic, oh well.
Maybe the stories of GM heading toward another bankruptcy are true. In the meantime, their Holiday commercials are mostly focusing on the trucks than the car. They don't even have one for the Sonic, oh well.
GM has a positive cash flow and a substantial cash position. They're in no danger of going bankrupt in the near to mid term.
Anything can happen long term.
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Not surprised...Ford has the attention of their would be buyers. I guess customers would rather have their cars look like Aston Martins than 4 door Camaros.
GM has a positive cash flow and a substantial cash position. They're in no danger of going bankrupt in the near to mid term.
Anything can happen long term.
That's pretty much it. Short and mid term, GM isn't in danger or anything. Dan Ackerson's mismanagement with so many senior GM employees either being fired or quitting, that's more likely to affect the long term.
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1986 MX-73 Cressida 5M-GE 290,000+ kms - SOLD (1986-2013)
2004 GD-67 Impreza EJ25 230,000+ kms - new daily
Not surprised...Ford has the attention of their would be buyers. I guess customers would rather have their cars look like Aston Martins than 4 door Camaros.
Maybe the stories I'm making up of GM heading toward another bankruptcy are true. In the meantime, their Holiday commercials are mostly focusing on the trucks than the car. They don't even have one for the Sonic, oh well.
Stop being a troll. That's not going to happen soon.
I wonder if this will be a new "norm." Automakers "rushing" refreshes. Its probably more of a PR stunt than anything. And in some cases they need too. The new Malibu is nice but its certainly not a standout. I think it looks very handsome in person. If there wasn't more cut-throat competition they might would have stand out more. Its one of those they put a good product among great products or very compelling competition.
Also I know its to push that certain hybrid model and they launched it first, I think was a mistake. Not everyone wants that and not everyone wants that "label." Probably one reason of soft sales. I think they should have launched the regular gas base, then hybrid then turbo. Oh wells. Lesson learned.
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Not surprised...Ford has the attention of their would be buyers. I guess customers would rather have their cars look like Aston Martins than 4 door Camaros.
Certainly not a bad thing!!
__________________ America: Divided by ideology, united by tragedy.
The new Malibu is nice but its certainly not a standout. I think it looks very handsome in person.
You probably didn't see it long enough. The proportion are way off - short wheelbase = huge overhangs. I don't even want to get started with the rear and interior styling disaster........
Stop being a troll. That's not going to happen soon.
I wonder if this will be a new "norm." Automakers "rushing" refreshes. Its probably more of a PR stunt than anything. And in some cases they need too. The new Malibu is nice but its certainly not a standout. I think it looks very handsome in person. If there wasn't more cut-throat competition they might would have stand out more. Its one of those they put a good product among great products or very compelling competition.
Also I know its to push that certain hybrid model and they launched it first, I think was a mistake. Not everyone wants that and not everyone wants that "label." Probably one reason of soft sales. I think they should have launched the regular gas base, then hybrid then turbo. Oh wells. Lesson learned.
Not being a troll Good for GM, I have no ill will for them and wish them success in their products. It is only business.
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Ill agree with the fail here. Disproportionate here too especially in the weird center stack and the steering wheel buttons. Misplaced wood, small controls, and weird colors. Plus not a fan of the shifter look.
I bet someone thinks its absolutely perfect.
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