Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Chevy Malibu to get early refresh to combat slow sales, poor reviews

We don't have to look much further than the 2013 Ford Fusion as proof that family cars should no longer be boring to look at, and after apparently taking some heat for the redesign of the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, Chevrolet is reportedly preparing an emergency redesign of its midsize sedan in a similar fashion that we just saw happen to the 2013 Honda Civic. Automotive News is reporting that Chevy is working on refreshing the Malibu by the end of 2013, which is about 18 months after the new car went on sale earlier this year.

General Motors CEO Dan Akerson was quoted as saying that an enhanced, but "not dramatic," design update is being planned for the Malibu by this time next year, and it will at least include a new front fascia. Based on the styling direction at Chevrolet as seen on the new Impala and Traverse, we expect the updated 'Bu to get more of an angular look especially in regards to the grille and headlights.

The sooner-than-expected design change is apparently a result of criticisms from dealers and the media as well as unimpressive sales figures. AN says that Malibu sales were up four percent earlier in the year due to increased incentives to move the 2012 models, but once the full model year changeover took place (in September and October), sales dropped by three percent.

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/07/c...ales-poor-rev/

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

heck it worked for the Civic

mmarshall

For one thing, the last-generation Malibu and its Saturn Aura twin, IMO, was such a nice design (one of the best sedans we've seen from GM in decades) that, short of the rather poor rear-seat headroom, I didn't really see that much that GM needed to do to improve on it. There's an old saying.........."If it ain't broke, don't fix it " .

SC400slide

iTrader: (11)

Malibu=basic transportation IMO. GM does have a lot of "basic transportation" cars I've noticed.

mmarshall

That's what made the last Malibu/Aura so nice. Though, yes, a typical family-sedan, it was more than just basic transportation, especially in interior and trim. That's one reason it sold well....the Malibu more so than the Aura.