End of an era as GM discontinues iconic gas-powered sedan to 'make room' for EVs – 27 years after coming back from dead | 39D0J3C | 2024-05-11 12:08:01
AS automakers make room on the production line for all-electric variants, one American automaker axes a 60-year-old legacy.
This time around, the automaker says the discontinuation is permanent.
The Chevrolet Malibu was first introduced in 1964 as a subseries to the esteemed Chevelle muscle car to appeal to those who like the style and culture of the Chevelle but wanted a more family-friendly approach.
It came in several variations, like the four-door sedan, a two-door hardtop, a two-door convertible, and a station wagon.
The Malibu took on a sportier look for the second generation debuting in 1968 before it was changed again to be a family car in the 1970s thanks to the gas crisis.
It was discontinued in 1983 despite its popularity to put a heavier focus on the automaker's growing truck market and prioritize producing the Blazer and Silverado.
Then it was revived in 1997 as gas-saving sedans became popular to compete against strong Japanese cars like the Toyota Camry or Honda Accord.
This year, the Malibu is on the chopping block once again – for good, this time – to make room for EVs on the production line.
The Malibu stands as the automaker's only gas-powered sedan sold in the United States, as Chevy's lineup is generally comprised of SUVs and trucks.
It was also the automaker's last gas-powered car in production since they quickly shifted to EVs.
The only hybrid made by Chevy is the hybridized Corvette.
Cadillac is the only brand under General Motors to make gas-powered cars with two sedans.
<!-- End of Brightcove Player --> "To facilitate the installation of tooling and other plant modifications, after nine generations and over 10 million global sales, GM will end production of the Chevrolet Malibu in November 2024," wrote a GM spokesperson in an email to Detroit News, quoted by Newser.
The Cadillac XT4 SUV will also end in January, the spokesperson said.
Ending production on the Malibu will allow the automaker to focus its efforts on the refreshed Chevy Bolt and electric Silverado.
According to the New York Times, Chevy wasn't happy with the sales figures compared to its Camry or Honda competitors.
Without a hybrid version to bat against the Malibu didn't stand a chance.
The outlet reported that Chevy sold just 130,000 units last year, while 10 years ago, the average figure was 200,000 cars per year.
Chevy isn't the only brand to stop producing sedans to prioritize larger vehicles.
<p class="article__content--intro"> Major automakers that discontinued their flagship sedans in favor of producing EVs for 2024: </p> </div> </div> Ford no longer produces the Ford Taurus or the Fusion despite hybrid versions of both, for instance.
Stellantis, the parent company of Jeep, Dodge, Ram, Fiat, and Chrysler, no longer produces sedans, either.
Subaru recently announced that their Legacy all-wheel drive sedan will no longer be produced after 2025.
Staying ahead of the competition, Hyundai, Kia, Toyota, Lexus, Mazda, Acura, Nissan, and Honda have not announced any plans to end production of their flagship sedans.
Other European brands, like BMW, Mercedez, Alfa Romeo, Audi, Bentley, Jaguar, Maserati, Porsche, Volkswagen, and Volvo continue to produce their popular sedans alongside upcoming EVs and hybrids.