GM has high hopes for Malibu

Vintalage · 10-08-2003, 08:25 AM

GM has high hopes for redesigned Malibu

Midsize market is the target

By Ed Garsten / The Detroit News

2004 Chevrolet Malibu

DETROIT -- General Motors Corp.'s redesigned Chevrolet Malibu, a $722 million roll of the dice, has begun arriving at dealerships amid hopes the midsize sedan can push GM back to front of the most competitive passenger car segment.

GM is counting on the Malibu to play a major role in convincing consumers its quality problems are in the past, that it's a worthy competitor to market leaders Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. The automaker also aims to create the type of interest in GM passenger cars that already exists for its pickups and SUVs.

"Even if it wasn't a good car, that would make it an important car," said Jim Hall, vice president of the market research firm AutoPacific in Southfield. "It's the first of their cars where they're trying to make a hard push on the car side of the business again. That alone makes it important."

There's added pressure for a flawless launch since the bulk of the vehicles to be evaluated in the annual J.D. Power and Associates initial quality study were built just as production cranked up at GM's Fairfax, Kan., assembly plant last month. The influential study surveys customer quality complaints after 90 days of ownership.

"The launch is going very well," GM spokesman Dan Flores said.

GM sells more than twice as many light trucks -- pickups, minivans and SUV's -- as it does passenger cars. The world's largest automaker has built about 10,000 of the new 2004 Malibu sedans as production volume gradually builds. The pipeline will begin to fill much faster this month in conjunction with a major advertising push kicking off later this month, according to Malibu marketing chief Ed Schoener.

"We'll be firing with all of our guns," Schoener said. "We'd like to get our unfair share of the midsize market."

A station wagon-like model -- the Malibu Maxx -- goes into production later this year.

Schoener said GM hopes to sell 180,000 Malibu sedans and Maxx models in calendar year 2004, which would be almost twice the sales volume of the outgoing model.

To protect the new Malibu's brand value, GM won't dump thousands of models into rental car fleets as it did with the current model. Instead, rental car companies will receive the older model Malibu, renamed the Chevrolet Classic. A "very, very few" units of the revamped Malibu will be placed as rental units in order to create some sampling of the new car, Schoener said.

The tough nut to crack for the Malibu will be so-called conquest customers, customer who currently are driving rival car brands such the Accord and Camry.

Indeed, a Chevy salesman in Southern California, the heart of import country, isn't so sure the Malibu will win converts.

"It will take a little while to prove itself," said Will Synowsky, who works at Anaheim Chevrolet. "I still think Honda and Toyota people will be pretty loyal."

Pricing for the sedan places is competitive with the Accord and Camry. The 2004 Malibu Sedan ranges from $18,995 to $25,575. The Malibu Maxx will sell for $22,225-$27,980.

In comparison, the Honda Accord is listed at $15,900-$28,500 and the price range for the Toyota Camry is $19,045-$25,405.

In the Detroit area, where there is greater loyalty to U.S. brands and a high concentration of company employees and family members entitled to discounts, early reaction to the new Malibu has been enthusiastic.

Scott Montgomery, at Les Stanford Chevrolet in Dearborn, said he sold a new Malibu last week to an import owner on the strength of its styling and attractive lease program.

"The looks attract people," said Mark Pawelski, sales manager at **** Genthe Chevrolet in Southgate. "I sold one right off the truck. I think it will be a very valuable conquest tool."

"Someone came in to pick up an '03 Malibu, saw the '04 and said, No, I'll take that one,'" said Kenn Elliott, sales manager at Holiday Chevrolet in Farmington Hills.

The true strength of the 2004 Malibu won't be known for several months when the Maxx joins the lineup, but Pawelski says he's had one important indication already.

"When the sales staff is that excited about a new product, I knew this car was a hit."

GM is betting the $722 million it took to create the 2004 Malibu, that it is.

You can reach Ed Garsten at (313)223-3217 or egarsten@detnews.com

Vintalage · 10-08-2003, 08:29 AM

The looks attract people??? Not me. That thing is ugly as sin. Saw one at a dealership and my first impression... GOD that thing is fugly!!! Front end is worse than the accord's rear end. New mali looks worse than the camry too. No doubt, i'd take the accord, camry, or altima over this.

So they will still manufactuer the old malibu and rename it Classic for rental fleets. Interesting.

fschambe · 10-08-2003, 08:34 AM

The Malibu Maxx will sell for $22,225-$27,980. WTF IS THAT SH!T?!?! I'd take a GTP CompG for that price, sheesh!

GreatGraySkwid · 10-08-2003, 08:49 AM

Chevy's designers are totally out of touch, IMO.

Vintalage · 10-08-2003, 08:52 AM

If some of you don't know what it looks like till this day:

Vauxhall Vectra

We should have got the Vectra. Much better looking. The Impala LS and SS looks better than the Malibu. Go figure. GM sucks.

10-08-2003, 09:01 AM

It's another GM import-clone-wannabe.....should go over well with the Grandpa crowd. Not this Grandpa, mind you.

I now weep more for the future of the Grand Am replacement.

While I don't doubt it is nicely appointed on the inside, did they learn nothing from the Aztec?

VTECSiGAH8R · 10-08-2003, 01:37 PM

I dunno, the malibu isn't horrible, but GM seems to have made some ugly mistakes here and there that makes it appear ugly. The entire design would be solid if they hadn't put the wave in the back (by the rear passenger door/rear wheel well), if the "bowtie" grille insert thing doeesn't carry on across to under the headlights, if there wasn't so much wheel gap (expected from GM tho) and if the mirrors were the same color as the car.

I highlighted the areas:

Vintalage · 10-08-2003, 01:45 PM

This looks better:

Now that has an aggressive stance and a sporty look to it. Just a little bit. They should have copied exactly what you see in the cgi drawing into production. But no, Gm has to screw it up. Typical.

cavingman · 10-08-2003, 01:47 PM

yea, but concepts always look cool. remember the G6?

sorry lemme rephrase...
the "G6"

VTECSiGAH8R · 10-08-2003, 02:09 PM

I kinda fixed it rreal quick. It's a little low I'm thinkin maybe, but whatever.

Mike3800 · 10-08-2003, 03:13 PM

I have driven this car at Autoshow in motion when it was in my town. The car was very very nice. GREAT improvment over the old Malibu. ALOT more bottom end grunt, infact it felt like a GA but faster off the line (they had a GA there too), great handling <-- that suprised me, and plenty of room inside <--- that surprised the hell out of me. Hats off to GM. I never did think the Malibu was that great looking and the new one is no different to me in that respect, but I imagine they will make a sister car to this one like they usually do, and I bet it will appeal to different tastes, another smart move for them.

Let me say back to back against the Camry SE V6... the Camry felt like a 90's car in comparison, I could NOT believe the differnece. You hear things like "Japanees cars are more refined etc..." Not true when you actually drive them back to back on the same course. That Camry wallowed like a sailboat in comparison to the Malibu and the ride was still smooth.

and hats off to GM for this one!!

Spoon · 10-08-2003, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mike3800
I have driven this car at Autoshow in motion when it was in my town. The car was very very nice. GREAT improvment over the old Malibu. ALOT more bottom end grunt, infact it felt like a GA but faster off the line (they had a GA there too), great handling <-- that suprised me, and plenty of room inside <--- that surprised the hell out of me. Hats off to GM. I never did think the Malibu was that great looking and the new one is no different to me in that respect, but I imagine they will make a sister car to this one like they usually do, and I bet it will appeal to different tastes, another smart move for them.

Let me say back to back against the Camry SE V6... the Camry felt like a 90's car in comparison, I could NOT believe the differnece. You hear things like "Japanees cars are more refined etc..." Not true when you actually drive them back to back on the same course. That Camry wallowed like a sailboat in comparison to the Malibu and the ride was still smooth.

and hats off to GM for this one!!

Mike, thanks for being objective. Not that I disagree with all of the comments, because I don't. But at least you express your opinion in a mature fashion. If you are ever in Michigan, you let me know, and I will personal give you a tour of the MPG.

iceman · 10-08-2003, 05:52 PM

I think it looks good. Not my kind of car but can't say it doesn't look good.

I'll tell you what - the mule car Spoon had at gap (a maxx) had a huuuuuuge amount of room inside, especially the back seat + trunk. That really impressed me - you could sit in the back seat and stretch your legs all the way out without coming close to the front seats

Gimli · 10-09-2003, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by iceman
I'll tell you what - the mule car Spoon had at gap (a maxx) had a huuuuuuge amount of room inside, especially the back seat + trunk. That really impressed me - you could sit in the back seat and stretch your legs all the way out without coming close to the front seats

No offense Iceman but having met you I must say that this statement from you means a lot. If you can stretch out in the back pretty much anyone could!

I don't particularly hate or like the design. Until I see some on the roads I don't think I'll have a set opinion on it.

I didn't really like the new GP until I actually saw it around. I'm not crazy for it but I wouldn't avoid buying one because of the looks either.

WOLF · 10-09-2003, 12:43 PM

I was impressed by the new Mali's, and if this car is a watered down version of the next Grand Am "G6" sh*t the G6 will be sweet and all the mags. I've been reading lately are stating that the high end sport model G6 will get over 250hp. Now thats sweet.

I won't buy the Mali, I'm still going to wait till the G6 is here and then wait for the "high end" model to make its way to showrooms.

cavingman · 10-09-2003, 01:15 PM

know what would be totally sweet. if they made the engine/trans mounts the same as the 99+ ga's

WOLF · 10-10-2003, 09:03 AM

I know what you mean.

Spoon · 10-10-2003, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by cavingman
know what would be totally sweet. if they made the engine/trans mounts the same as the 99+ ga's

I am curious, why is that yo want them to be the same as the current GA?
Anyway, they are not the same

Vintalage · 10-10-2003, 03:14 PM

It's obvious, so a swap can occur.

Spoon · 10-10-2003, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Vintalage
It's obvious, so a swap can occur.

Since I must of overlooked all of the obvious side of this, what swaps would that be? The engine control system is completely new and the transmission is the same one you currently have. Oh you must mean some othe obvious parts.

10-08-2003, 08:25 AM	#1
Vintalage Hey paisanos! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Maryland Age: 38 Posts: 5,490 Vehicle: 2002 Grand Am GT1	GM has high hopes for Malibu GM has high hopes for redesigned Malibu Midsize market is the target By Ed Garsten / The Detroit News 2004 Chevrolet Malibu DETROIT -- General Motors Corp.'s redesigned Chevrolet Malibu, a $722 million roll of the dice, has begun arriving at dealerships amid hopes the midsize sedan can push GM back to front of the most competitive passenger car segment. GM is counting on the Malibu to play a major role in convincing consumers its quality problems are in the past, that it's a worthy competitor to market leaders Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. The automaker also aims to create the type of interest in GM passenger cars that already exists for its pickups and SUVs. "Even if it wasn't a good car, that would make it an important car," said Jim Hall, vice president of the market research firm AutoPacific in Southfield. "It's the first of their cars where they're trying to make a hard push on the car side of the business again. That alone makes it important." There's added pressure for a flawless launch since the bulk of the vehicles to be evaluated in the annual J.D. Power and Associates initial quality study were built just as production cranked up at GM's Fairfax, Kan., assembly plant last month. The influential study surveys customer quality complaints after 90 days of ownership. "The launch is going very well," GM spokesman Dan Flores said. GM sells more than twice as many light trucks -- pickups, minivans and SUV's -- as it does passenger cars. The world's largest automaker has built about 10,000 of the new 2004 Malibu sedans as production volume gradually builds. The pipeline will begin to fill much faster this month in conjunction with a major advertising push kicking off later this month, according to Malibu marketing chief Ed Schoener. "We'll be firing with all of our guns," Schoener said. "We'd like to get our unfair share of the midsize market." A station wagon-like model -- the Malibu Maxx -- goes into production later this year. Schoener said GM hopes to sell 180,000 Malibu sedans and Maxx models in calendar year 2004, which would be almost twice the sales volume of the outgoing model. To protect the new Malibu's brand value, GM won't dump thousands of models into rental car fleets as it did with the current model. Instead, rental car companies will receive the older model Malibu, renamed the Chevrolet Classic. A "very, very few" units of the revamped Malibu will be placed as rental units in order to create some sampling of the new car, Schoener said. The tough nut to crack for the Malibu will be so-called conquest customers, customer who currently are driving rival car brands such the Accord and Camry. Indeed, a Chevy salesman in Southern California, the heart of import country, isn't so sure the Malibu will win converts. "It will take a little while to prove itself," said Will Synowsky, who works at Anaheim Chevrolet. "I still think Honda and Toyota people will be pretty loyal." Pricing for the sedan places is competitive with the Accord and Camry. The 2004 Malibu Sedan ranges from $18,995 to $25,575. The Malibu Maxx will sell for $22,225-$27,980. In comparison, the Honda Accord is listed at $15,900-$28,500 and the price range for the Toyota Camry is $19,045-$25,405. In the Detroit area, where there is greater loyalty to U.S. brands and a high concentration of company employees and family members entitled to discounts, early reaction to the new Malibu has been enthusiastic. Scott Montgomery, at Les Stanford Chevrolet in Dearborn, said he sold a new Malibu last week to an import owner on the strength of its styling and attractive lease program. "The looks attract people," said Mark Pawelski, sales manager at **** Genthe Chevrolet in Southgate. "I sold one right off the truck. I think it will be a very valuable conquest tool." "Someone came in to pick up an '03 Malibu, saw the '04 and said, No, I'll take that one,'" said Kenn Elliott, sales manager at Holiday Chevrolet in Farmington Hills. The true strength of the 2004 Malibu won't be known for several months when the Maxx joins the lineup, but Pawelski says he's had one important indication already. "When the sales staff is that excited about a new product, I knew this car was a hit." GM is betting the $722 million it took to create the 2004 Malibu, that it is. You can reach Ed Garsten at (313)223-3217 or egarsten@detnews.com __________________ 2002 Grand Am GT1 Sedan - Black 7000K HID PICS [SOLD to Jscarano]

10-08-2003, 08:29 AM	#2
Vintalage Hey paisanos! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Maryland Age: 38 Posts: 5,490 Vehicle: 2002 Grand Am GT1	The looks attract people??? Not me. That thing is ugly as sin. Saw one at a dealership and my first impression... GOD that thing is fugly!!! Front end is worse than the accord's rear end. New mali looks worse than the camry too. No doubt, i'd take the accord, camry, or altima over this. So they will still manufactuer the old malibu and rename it Classic for rental fleets. Interesting. __________________ 2002 Grand Am GT1 Sedan - Black 7000K HID PICS [SOLD to Jscarano] Last edited by Vintalage; 10-08-2003 at 08:31 AM.

10-08-2003, 08:49 AM	#4
GreatGraySkwid The Humblest AKA: Evan Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: The Big D Age: 45 Posts: 230 Vehicle: 04 GA GT Coupe	Chevy's designers are totally out of touch, IMO. __________________ Evan "Skwid" Langlinais The Humblest Mollusk on the Net 2004 Black GAGT Coupe w/ Ram Air Hood (R.I.P. Carla)

10-08-2003, 08:52 AM	#5
Vintalage Hey paisanos! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Maryland Age: 38 Posts: 5,490 Vehicle: 2002 Grand Am GT1	If some of you don't know what it looks like till this day: Vauxhall Vectra We should have got the Vectra. Much better looking. The Impala LS and SS looks better than the Malibu. Go figure. GM sucks. __________________ 2002 Grand Am GT1 Sedan - Black 7000K HID PICS [SOLD to Jscarano] Last edited by Vintalage; 10-08-2003 at 08:54 AM.

10-08-2003, 01:45 PM	#8
Vintalage Hey paisanos! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Maryland Age: 38 Posts: 5,490 Vehicle: 2002 Grand Am GT1	This looks better: Now that has an aggressive stance and a sporty look to it. Just a little bit. They should have copied exactly what you see in the cgi drawing into production. But no, Gm has to screw it up. Typical. __________________ 2002 Grand Am GT1 Sedan - Black 7000K HID PICS [SOLD to Jscarano] Last edited by Vintalage; 10-08-2003 at 01:48 PM.

10-08-2003, 08:34 AM	#3
fschambe **** every day! AKA: Fred Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: E Patchogue, NY Age: 39 Posts: 346 Vehicle: 05 Dodge Magnum RT AWD	The Malibu Maxx will sell for $22,225-$27,980. WTF IS THAT SH!T?!?! I'd take a GTP CompG for that price, sheesh!

10-08-2003, 09:01 AM	#6
Not2Old Guest Posts: n/a	It's another GM import-clone-wannabe.....should go over well with the Grandpa crowd. Not this Grandpa, mind you. I now weep more for the future of the Grand Am replacement. While I don't doubt it is nicely appointed on the inside, did they learn nothing from the Aztec?

10-08-2003, 01:37 PM	#7
VTECSiGAH8R GAGT - Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Miami, FL Age: 36 Posts: 1,346 Vehicle: 97 Honda Civic DX	I dunno, the malibu isn't horrible, but GM seems to have made some ugly mistakes here and there that makes it appear ugly. The entire design would be solid if they hadn't put the wave in the back (by the rear passenger door/rear wheel well), if the "bowtie" grille insert thing doeesn't carry on across to under the headlights, if there wasn't so much wheel gap (expected from GM tho) and if the mirrors were the same color as the car. I highlighted the areas:

10-08-2003, 01:47 PM	#9
cavingman Moderator AKA: Brendan Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Philadelphia, PA Age: 40 Posts: 3,772 Vehicle: 04 Saturn Ion Redline	yea, but concepts always look cool. remember the G6? sorry lemme rephrase... the "G6" __________________ bleeehh....

10-08-2003, 02:09 PM	#10
VTECSiGAH8R GAGT - Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Miami, FL Age: 36 Posts: 1,346 Vehicle: 97 Honda Civic DX	I kinda fixed it rreal quick. It's a little low I'm thinkin maybe, but whatever.

10-08-2003, 03:13 PM	#11
Mike3800 GAGT - Junkie AKA: Michael Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Northglenn, CO USA Age: 49 Posts: 3,394 Vehicle: 2015 Chrysler 200S AWD	I have driven this car at Autoshow in motion when it was in my town. The car was very very nice. GREAT improvment over the old Malibu. ALOT more bottom end grunt, infact it felt like a GA but faster off the line (they had a GA there too), great handling <-- that suprised me, and plenty of room inside <--- that surprised the hell out of me. Hats off to GM. I never did think the Malibu was that great looking and the new one is no different to me in that respect, but I imagine they will make a sister car to this one like they usually do, and I bet it will appeal to different tastes, another smart move for them. Let me say back to back against the Camry SE V6... the Camry felt like a 90's car in comparison, I could NOT believe the differnece. You hear things like "Japanees cars are more refined etc..." Not true when you actually drive them back to back on the same course. That Camry wallowed like a sailboat in comparison to the Malibu and the ride was still smooth. and hats off to GM for this one!! Last edited by Mike3800; 10-08-2003 at 03:16 PM.

10-08-2003, 05:52 PM	#13
iceman woop woop AKA: Seth Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Cherry Hill, NJ Age: 41 Posts: 10,528 Vehicle: 97 Blazer - 84 Fiero	I think it looks good. Not my kind of car but can't say it doesn't look good. I'll tell you what - the mule car Spoon had at gap (a maxx) had a huuuuuuge amount of room inside, especially the back seat + trunk. That really impressed me - you could sit in the back seat and stretch your legs all the way out without coming close to the front seats __________________ --Seth Support GrandAmGT.com sponsors! My Picture Gallery \| GoneDragRacing.com Drag Racing Photos & Videos

10-09-2003, 12:43 PM	#15
WOLF GAGT - Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: San Antonio Texas Age: 40 Posts: 321	For those of us. I was impressed by the new Mali's, and if this car is a watered down version of the next Grand Am "G6" sh*t the G6 will be sweet and all the mags. I've been reading lately are stating that the high end sport model G6 will get over 250hp. Now thats sweet. I won't buy the Mali, I'm still going to wait till the G6 is here and then wait for the "high end" model to make its way to showrooms.

10-09-2003, 01:15 PM	#16
cavingman Moderator AKA: Brendan Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Philadelphia, PA Age: 40 Posts: 3,772 Vehicle: 04 Saturn Ion Redline	know what would be totally sweet. if they made the engine/trans mounts the same as the 99+ ga's __________________ bleeehh....

10-10-2003, 09:03 AM	#17
WOLF GAGT - Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: San Antonio Texas Age: 40 Posts: 321	Wink wink. I know what you mean.

10-10-2003, 03:14 PM	#19
Vintalage Hey paisanos! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Maryland Age: 38 Posts: 5,490 Vehicle: 2002 Grand Am GT1	It's obvious, so a swap can occur. __________________ 2002 Grand Am GT1 Sedan - Black 7000K HID PICS [SOLD to Jscarano]

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