Sep

GM extends employee pricing offer, adds ’09 models

Posted by mbattel Published in Auto Industry, Aveo, Chevrolet News, Cobalt, Colorado, Corvette, Credit, Equinox, Gm News, HHR, Hybrid, Impala, Incentives, Jupiter Chevrolet News, Malibu, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe

DETROIT, Sept 3 (Reuters) – General Motors Corp has extended its employee-level pricing discount program by one month through the end of September and increased the number of 2009 model year vehicles carrying the offer to boost sagging sales and clear out inventory.

The program, launched in late August, applies to almost its entire line-up of 2008 model year vehicles and has been expanded to include most 2009 model year vehicles at dealerships, including all Silverado and Sierra pickups, GM spokesman John McDonald said on Wednesday.

GM’s better-selling cars, such as the Chevrolet Malibu, Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac Vibe are also included in the extended offer, the No.1 U.S. automaker said.

(Reporting by Soyoung Kim and David Bailey, editing by Dave Zimmerman)

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2

Aug

General Motors Delivers 17 ’08 Models That Get 30 mpg or Better on the Highway

Posted by mbattel Published in Aveo, Cobalt, Gm News, HHR, Malibu

From nicely equipped entry subcompacts to award-winning midsize sedans and a capable, compact SUV, General Motors offers plenty of choices for consumers who want to wring more miles out of a gallon of gas. Seventeen 2008 GM models — more than any other automaker — achieve EPA fuel economy of 30 miles per gallon or higher.

Chevrolet leads the pack with eight models — including the hot-selling Chevrolet Malibu midsize sedan, the 2008 North American Car of the Year — followed by Saturn with five and Pontiac with four. Topping the mpg performers are the recently released Chevrolet Cobalt XFE (Extended Fuel Economy), equipped with a 2.2L four-cylinder engine and a five- speed manual transmission that deliver 36 mpg and 35 mpg, respectively, on the highway. In fact, Cobalt XFE’s highway fuel economy beats a comparably equipped 2009 Toyota Corolla.

“GM has been and continues to be a leader in delivering a broad range of fuel-efficient vehicles to customers,” said Mark LaNeve, GM North America vice president, Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing. “In addition to the 17 models for 2008 that achieve 30 mpg or better on the highway, many of our vehicles either win or are strong contenders in their segments.

“Our customers want a break from high fuel prices and so do we: That is why we are demonstrating leadership and fully leveraging our global technology resources to address pressing automotive energy needs with biofuels such as E85 ethanol, hybrids, extended-range electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cells.”

Chevrolet: Aveo sedan, Aveo5 (both 32 with automatic transmission, 34 with manual); Cobalt coupe and sedan (30 to 33, depending on engine and transmission selection); Cobalt XFE coupe (36); Malibu 2.4L (30 with four- speed transmission, 32 with six-speed); Malibu Hybrid (32); HHR (30 with 2.2L and automatic or manual transmission) and HHR Panel (30 with 2.2L and automatic or manual transmission).

The Chevrolet Malibu, Malibu Hybrid and Cobalt XFE coupe are new models for 2008. The Cobalt XFE uses revised engine calibration, low rolling- resistance tires, a new, 3.74:1 final drive ratio and other technologies to drive a 9-percent highway fuel economy improvement and outdistance comparably equipped competitors such as the Honda Civic, Ford Focus and 2009 Toyota Corolla.

General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world’s largest automaker, has been the annual global industry sales leader for 77 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 266,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 35 countries. In 2007, nearly 9.37 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally.

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8

Jul

Car Lust–1973-1977 Chevrolet Malibu

Posted by Csavage Published in Classic Cars, Malibu

The mid-1970s Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu lived in a no-man’s land for Malibus, coming as it did after the legendary muscle-car Chevelles and Malibus of the late 1960s, and just before the popular ground-breaking Malibus that debuted in 1978. In that context, it’s difficult to argue that the mid-1970s Malibus were anything other than gutless, tawdry, disappointing (and, to me, stunningly desirable) dinosaurs so typical of the era. In fact, I made that very point a few months ago in excoriating the Malibu’s fancypants sibling, the adorably atrocious Chevelle Laguna Type S-3 454.

It is true that the mid-1970s Malibus were vastly less powerful and purposeful in line than their predecessors, yet bulkier, more wasteful, and more bloated than their successors. Big on the outside, small on the inside, and slow and floaty regardless of trim choice, even a fresh-off-the-showroom-floor 1973 Malibu would be a hopeless anachronism today.

But, as I so often say, cars should be judged within the context of their time. The Malibu was boldly good-looking, with the muscular contours and rounded detailing typical of Chevrolets of the time. While the sedan and wagons were attractive, the look was very potent on the two-door, especially at the rear. The effect was a pleasing (though thoroughly unsubstantiated) 1970s muscle car look that was somewhat reminiscent of the AMC Matador Coupe. That, by the way, was meant as a compliment–I’m probably one of about four people on Earth who would use a Matador as a positive comparison.

It was also comfortable and doggedly reliable. As I pointed out when discussing the Malibu’s cousin, the mechanically similar Oldsmobile Cutlass, in the mid-1970s America still knew how to make quality cars that ran forever–so long as they were simple, front-engine, rear-wheel-drive leviathans without any shred of electronic assistance. The Malibu was among the best of those, and for doggedly dependable transportation I’d take a Malibu long before one of the later and more advanced Citations.

And, of course, the Malibu shares the true genius of all large American cars of the time–a wonderful cruising experience. I know I’ve written about this before, but it bears repeating. There are very, very few things I find more compelling than the idea of cruising along the freeway in a Malibu at night, the V-8 burbling contentedly as it inhales the mileage, the suspension undulating softly, the steering hunting mildly at speed, the instruments glowing in a dim yellow light, and the radio crooning with tinny country songs. I’m probably alone in this, but for me that’s a Car Lust moment equal to a rapid blast through the gears in a sports car.

The first image is from Jim’s Classic Corner.com, and the second and third are from How Stuff Works.

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9

Jun

Chevy Malibu Fuel Economy

Posted by Csavage Published in Malibu

The Chevrolet Malibu is one of the most fuel efficient sedans available in America. With the price of gas reaching more than $4.00 per gallon in much of the United States, the Chevy Malibu (especially the Malibu Hybrid) has become a great option as a family vehicle.

2008 Chevy Malibu (2.4 liter, 4 cylinder) Fuel Economy Stats
Highway: 30 mpg
City: 22 mpg

2008 Chevy Malibu Hybrid (2.4 liter, 4 cylinder) Fuel Economy Stats
Highway: 32 mpg
City: 24 mpg

2008 Chevy Malibu V6 (3.6 liter, 6 cylinder) Fuel Economy Stats
Highway: 26 mpg
City: 17 mpg

If you drive 10,000 miles a year (half city, half highway) your estimated yearly gasoline cost is: $1540 – the average yearly estimate for a similar car is $2000 per year – so you save approximately $460 in gasoline each year by driving a Chevrolet Malibu!

Click here to get no obligation quote on a 2008 Malibu

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23

Apr

2008 Chevrolet Malibu will get new powertrain

Posted by Csavage Published in Gm News, Malibu

Introduced to the North American market only in November 2007, the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu is about to receive a major upgrade to its list of available powertrains.

Click here for more on this story

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21

Apr

2008 Malibu Hybrid sedan has the making of a prize-winner

Posted by Csavage Published in Car Preview/Review, Malibu

Chevrolet Malibu keeps getting better. The all-new 2008 sedan is a “Car of the Year.” With gasoline topping $3.50, there’s no better time to drive the Malibu Hybrid.

The EPA fuel economy rating for the Chevrolet hybrid engine is 24 city and 32 highway. Contrast this with the 3.6-liter V-6 Malibu sedan, with a price of $26,345, and gas mileage ratings of 17 city and 26 highway.

The 2008 Malibu Hybrid works with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and has a base price of $22,140. As best as I could determine, the smaller hybrid engine provides just as excellent acceleration as when I drove the Malibu sedan three months ago.

For more on this story click here.

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1

Apr

GM’s Chevrolet Malibu Investment Paying Off

Posted by Csavage Published in Car Preview/Review, Malibu

For years domestic automakers defended their lackluster sedans by complaining that union labor and healthcare costs put them at a disadvantage. They claimed Americans didn’t want cars in the first place, It has been argued that domestic makers can’t even as Camrys and Accords sold in record numbers. Yet now, after investing heavily in its new Malibu family sedan, GM has started to prove that if a U.S. maker builds a desirable car , the buyers will come.

From January through February, Malibu sales were up 29.1 percent over the same period in 2007. GM claims its statistics show more customers are starting to cross-shop the Malibu with its Japanese competition online, and the car is selling better on West Coast, where domestic family sedans have fared poorly in the past. In addition, Toyota and Nissan have entered the top ten list of brands that Malibu buyers are most likely to trade in.

However, beyond the increased sales, the Malibu is also bringing a greater profit margin than previous versions of the car. Through March 25 the average sale price for a new Malibu was $22,358, compared with only $17,577 in 2007. And the buyers aren’t just bargain hunters: the Malibu’s most expensive package (the LTZ @ approximately $26,795) accounted for nearly 21 percent of total sales, up from a mere five percent for the ’07 version.

Despite the improvements, the Malibu still has a long way to go before it’s truly viewed as on the same level as its foreign competition. Toyota and Nissan may be in the top ten, but the brands only account for four and three percent of total trade-ins, respectively — tiny numbers compared to the 42.3 percent of trades coming from current Chevy owners. Yet considering many import shoppers probably didn’t know the last generation Malibu even existed, any increase is a big deal. After making the effort to build a competitive family sedan and a $300 million marketing campaign to put it on the map, GM is beginning to reap the benefits. Let’s hope the other U.S. makers see the Malibu’s success and decide to follow GM’s lead.

Source: Automotive News and The Detroit News

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26

Mar

One Man’s Malibu Opinion

Posted by Csavage Published in Car Preview/Review, Malibu

Driving up onto Chevrolet’s lot left me with a lot to wonder. What will I be expecting? I’ve never bought Chevrolet, or for that matter anything domestic in over ten years. The lack of quality product had diverted my interests into our local Japanese economy. But in any event, I was ready and prepared for the worst…or maybe not.

My first impression on the new Chevrolet Malibu was of complete surprise. It’s a handsome and striking automobile from a hundred yards away, but I’m still skeptical until I can really get up close and inspect it’s minute details. It’s because of this, I buy an automobile for functionality, style (looking different from the crowd), and reliability. I’ve seen so many tv pitch ads, and even listened to a wide array of radio sponsorships from local area businesses praising America’s comeback kid. So okay great, the car even looks wonderful from up close. So how does this automobile perform?

I’m not one to judge so closely. From the front of the car, there’s fabulous details. Fantastic fit and finish all around, no unsightly body panel gaps that plagued the previous two generations before. I looked at the LT2 model. Nice chrome appliqués in just the right places, not overdone or overstated. Pull out door handle feel solid and do a lot in easing ergonomics. In addition, the deleted, unsightly window trim disappeared, evoked clean and aerodynamic design. The taillights were a change, very retro but at the same time elegant. Chevrolet nabbed a couple design cues from it’s reverberated 2008 Cadillac CTS Sedan. I just pointed out to the sales consultant, did Toyota help design and engineer this?? With a grin ear to ear, he proclaimed an emphatic no!!

So now, I realize looks are only 50% of the total experience. I still had to be sold on how well it performs out on the freeway. Commuting fifty miles round trip was the norm, so comfort and passing power were my big high points. I get behind the wheel, adjust everything necessary to help assist my mental ownership and gazed about the cabin trying to figure out all the gadgetry. The one thing that did pop out, was the further attention to details on the materials of the dash panel and seating surfaces, very comfortable and not too harsh. What would happen next left me speechless, I cranked the ignition, no sound whatsoever. A definite high point in my book, very quiet, no engine noise whatsoever from inside. I geared it into drive and accelerated, still mute without the high hum of a four banger Ford Festiva…unbelievable!

So in conclusion, the car was meticulous in detail, I hounded the four cylinder up and down narrow canyons in Napa Valley, not a peep. Needless to say, my expectations were exceeded ten fold. Surprise would not have been the word to describe the test drive. We have all heard the great praise the Malibu has had, and I can ultimately attest to the grand amount of advertising and rave reviews, that it has to seen to be believed. As you have read this review, I have gone through the song and dance. A proud new owner of a revitalized icon from yesteryear, I’m still in elation.

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25

Feb

Chevrolet Showcases the all new 2008 Malibu

Posted by Csavage Published in Chevrolet News, Gm News, Malibu

Chevrolet today announced its exclusive automotive sponsorship of this year’s 20^th anniversary celebration of Premio Lo Nuestro a la Música Latina (Lo Nuestro Latin Music Awards). For over eight years, Chevrolet and Univision Network’s Premio lo Nuestro have celebrated Latin music, bringing the hottest talent to people’s homes.

As part of this year’s 20^th anniversary celebration, Chevrolet has joined forces with Univision to showcase the all-new Chevy Malibu by integrating the Malibu into the broadcast of this premiere awards show. Malibu will provide millions of viewers with exclusive “back stage” access throughout the broadcast. In addition, as part of their official automotive sponsorship of Premio Lo Nuestro, Chevrolet will play a key role in recognizing a singular achievement by one of the evening’s special performers and will also make sure all of the evening’s celebrities and VIP’s arrive in style to the Red Carpet in a fleet comprised of Tahoes, Suburbans, and a Corvette.

Celebrating this star-studded event, Chevy will also bring two of its most famous “stars”. The acclaimed Chevy Malibu, recently named “2008 North American Car of the Year “at the North American International Auto Show, will be on display along with the star from this past summer’s action movie hit “Transformers,” the beautiful Camaro “Bumblebee”.

“Music and entertainment are a strong part of Chevy’s tradition, and we are thrilled to be a part of this great celebration that pays tribute to Latino talent,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet General Manager. “Chevy is committed to bringing the music to the fans, and having Latin music fans interact with our vehicles is invaluable.”