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Chevy Malibu Continues To Win New Customers
DETROIT – It’s been approximately six months since Chevrolet’s redesigned Malibu was launched. In that time, it has received critical acclaim – including being named 2008 North American Car of the Year – and numerous recommendations by consumer groups.

More importantly, the new Malibu is resonating with customers. In only the first quarter of 2008, market share is up 1.3 points over the same period in ’07. Much of that growth is due to retail sales, which increased 110 percent during the first three months of the year, with three large, import-heavy states showing dramatic growth:

* Florida sales are up 91 percent
* New York sales are up 135 percent
* California sales have leaped 186 percent

In fact, some dealers are reporting retail sales increases of nearly 1,000 percent over 2007 Malibu sales.

“The new Malibu is the car Americans have wanted from Chevrolet,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. “Its combination of amenities and value are at the core of Chevrolet’s philosophy, but the Malibu brings them together in a drop-dead gorgeous design that makes it a must-have car.”

Malibu customers are demanding more uplevel models, reflecting buyers with higher household incomes than the previous model. Many of those new customers are bringing in a non-GM vehicle to trade, too: More than 40 percent of trade-ins are non-GM vehicles and among them, the number-one trade-in is a Toyota Camry.

Efficient performer

A variety of efficient powertrain combinations gives Malibu customers choices that all return excellent fuel economy, including a new four-cylinder/six-speed automatic transmission combination that was recently added to the lineup. It uses the powerful 2.4L Ecotec engine paired with a specially calibrated six-speed automatic to deliver EPA-estimated mileage of 22 in the city and 32 on the highway. That’s better highway mileage than Accord or Camry.

Also available is the Malibu Hybrid. It is the most affordable hybrid version of a midsize sedan in the market, delivering 24 mpg city and 32 mpg highway, without having the highest price tag.

Safety performance

When it comes to safety, the Malibu is an impressive performer. It earned the government’s highest possible NCAP crash safety rating: 5 stars. That means the Malibu scored 5-star ratings for driver and front passenger in frontal crash testing; and 5-star ratings for front and rear seating positions in the side-impact crash test.

The Malibu’s roster of standard and available safety features includes:

* Dual-stage frontal air bags with GM Passenger Sensing System
* Head curtain side-impact air bags (front and rear outboard seats)
* Front seat-mounted driver and front thorax air bags for side impact protection
* Front safety belt pretensioners
* LATCH child safety seat anchors
* Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS
* Traction control
* StabiliTrak stability control system with panic brake assistance (LT and LTZ)
* Tire pressure monitoring system

All Malibu models come standard with OnStar 8.0, which features advanced automatic crash notification.

Intangible qualities

Efficient performance and a long list of safety features fulfill important consideration points that customers place on all new cars, but the Malibu also delivers with a package of details and qualities that are difficult to quantify. From an exceptionally quiet driving experience to upscale interior lighting, the Malibu conveys the feeling of a more expensive car. Additionally, details such as standard XM Satellite Radio, remote vehicle starting and even a household-style rear-seat power center are features uncommon in the segment.

“We couldn’t be happier with the Malibu’s enthusiastic reception in the market so far, but we’re hardly resting on our laurels because the competition is fierce,” said Peper. “We will continue to improve the car to strengthen its leadership position and help make Chevrolet the best car brand in the business.” Read Article
Chevy Malibu Continues To Win New Customers



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NItePhireNItePhire - 4/22/2008 4:42:53 PM
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The only problem that I have against the Malibu is that it doesn't offer a nav system like every other car in its class. I am very good at reading maps but I dont like having to have one for every city I goto.

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toolatetoracetoolatetorace - 4/22/2008 10:34:40 PM
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I recently bought a touch screen Garmin nuvi 260and us it in all my vehicles . These things have became very affordable and is linked up to the same satelittes that the automakers units are using plus, you can get these updated for a minimal cost whenmore roads come on line


DW1968DW1968 - 4/25/2008 10:33:45 PM
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Also, GM wants you to rely on their OnStar service, which can provide turn-by-turn directions.

But, personally, I would just buy a GPS device or a mobile phone with GPS functionality.


M35MTM35MT - 4/22/2008 5:30:23 PMView My AgentSpace
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“Its combination of amenities and value are at the core of Chevrolet’s philosophy, but the Malibu brings them together in a drop-dead gorgeous design that makes it a must-have car.”

Core of Chevrolet's philosophy?! Since when, six months ago?!

Glad to see they finally got it right.

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sholemonsholemon - 4/22/2008 5:34:31 PMView My AgentSpace
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haha, agreed.


AgentOrangeAgentOrange - 4/22/2008 5:36:52 PMView My AgentSpace
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Kudos to the General....

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GTR35GTR35 - 4/22/2008 6:34:18 PMView My AgentSpace
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Up 1000% ??? Of course, when you only sell 4 or 5 the previous year it shouldn't be hard to reach those numbers.

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bmwdrvrbmwdrvr - 4/22/2008 7:19:28 PM
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and thats the point if so few people would even buy one, or even step on a chevy lot to take a look, this many people buying is a good thing...this isnt a brand new car here, its in its third generation


91z4me91z4me - 4/23/2008 4:02:37 PM
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Actually the Malibu sold over 100k units easily last year. The new Malibu is likely not selling to rental units nearly as much, if at all.


Htay7500Htay7500 - 4/22/2008 7:35:35 PM
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GM finally brings something worthy with FWD (aside the aura).

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BigShow50BigShow50 - 4/22/2008 8:42:14 PM
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Good job GM, but on another note they are killing their own kind, called the Saturn Aura. Con't that great streak of cannibalization!!!

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0to600to60 - 4/22/2008 9:47:09 PM
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Surprised none of you idiot BMW fans didnt reiterate the statement "More than 40 percent of trade-ins are non-GM vehicles and among them, the number-one trade-in is a Toyota Camry."

Im shocked this wasnt the first thing mentioned without taking into acct that the camry is the best selling midsize car thus these results would be expected.

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toolatetoracetoolatetorace - 4/22/2008 10:37:35 PM
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Well, when you keep stamping out the same thing year after year, the novelty wears off


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 4/23/2008 12:48:56 AMView My AgentSpace
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I would actually buy this over both the Accord and the Camry. The Toyota is a bit stale, while the Accord is just too big and gets odder to look at each time I see it.

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DW1968DW1968 - 4/25/2008 10:37:35 PM
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Yeah, what is up with the Accord's styling? The sedan is such a mishmash of design ideas that it looks like 5 cars smashed together, and the coupe has a butt that only Sir Mix-A-Lot would love.


lexusrox123lexusrox123 - 4/23/2008 8:59:50 AM
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the usual stupid comments by evilm, El34's sidekick ;)

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gryphongryphon - 4/23/2008 9:24:46 AM
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Congratulations, GM! If I were in the market for a four-door family sedan, the Malibu would top my list. Now, come on and prove that you're not a one-hit-wonder and replicate the success with the Malibu across your WHOLE line-up. And give Saab some new products, and not just something that's been badge-engineered!

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WhelanWhelan - 4/23/2008 10:23:58 AM
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One thing to note here is that Saturn is being worked over by GM slowly. In the years to come they want to be comparable to Acura, while Buick goes for Lexus and Infiniti, and Cadillac can go after BMW, MB, and Audi. They are being very smart with their offerings and little by little gaining back that attention. The spread of the cars is good and if they keep the brands aimed at those particular clients they can make a lot happen.

It's nice to see the Malibu doing well, I would totally consider one as they are very nice looking cars.

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SteveLSteveL - 4/24/2008 3:18:22 PM
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Its great to see a business doing well. Especialy an American one who has been around forever. It's just a good feeling knowing that people are still out there that can step up. To bad there are not people like this in our government.

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