The Chevrolet Malibu, the last sedan still sold by General Motors’ Chevrolet brand, will end production in November as the Fairfax Assembly Plant in Kansas City, Kansas, is reconfigured to build the new generation of the Chevrolet Bolt EV. With the Malibu’s demise, Chevrolet will only sell trucks, SUVs, and the Corvette in the United States. This move follows a trend in the industry as traditional cars make up less than 20% of US auto sales, with Ford also discontinuing sedans like the Taurus and Fusion, leaving only the Mustang in its line-up.
The Malibu, which was first introduced in the 1960s as a more luxurious version of the Chevrolet Chevelle, has seen various iterations over the years. It became its own distinct model by the 1970s and was temporarily discontinued in 1983 before being brought back in 1997. Despite its age compared to competitors like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, GM sold more than 130,000 Malibus last year, marking a 13% increase from the year before.
Chevrolet’s decision to discontinue the Malibu reflects the changing preferences in the market, as consumers increasingly favor SUVs and trucks over traditional sedans. The Malibu’s exit leaves Chevrolet’s line-up in the United States with only trucks, SUVs, and the Corvette. General Motors’ mainstream brand is following in the footsteps of Ford, which also streamlined its line-up by discontinuing sedans like the Taurus and Fusion, leaving only the Mustang as its traditional car option.
The shift away from traditional cars is evident in the declining sales of sedans compared to SUVs and trucks. According to Cox Automotive, traditional cars make up less than 20% of US auto sales. Despite its age, the last generation of the Malibu, introduced in 2016, still saw relatively strong sales compared to its competitors. The decision to discontinue the Malibu comes as Chevrolet focuses on electric vehicles, with the Fairfax Assembly Plant transitioning to produce the new generation of the Chevrolet Bolt EV.
The Malibu’s history as a model line that has been reintroduced multiple times over the years highlights its enduring legacy within Chevrolet’s line-up. From its origins as a more luxurious version of the Chevelle to its distinct model status in the 1970s, the Malibu has remained a fixture in Chevrolet’s offerings. While the Malibu will no longer be produced after November, its legacy as a Chevrolet sedan with a long history of production will continue to be remembered by fans of the brand.
