General Motors announced on Wednesday that it will be discontinuing the Chevrolet Malibu, marking the end of an era for the affordable sedan that has been a staple in the company’s U.S. model lineup since the 1960s. The decision comes as American drivers continue to shift towards sport utility vehicles and away from sedans, compacts, and hatchbacks.
The Chevrolet Malibu, first introduced in 1964 as an upscale family sedan, has seen various iterations over the years, including a sporty muscle-car version known as the Malibu SS. Despite its long history and popularity, sales of the Malibu have been on the decline in recent years, with only 130,000 units sold in 2023.
General Motors plans to retool the plant in Fairfax, Kan., where the Malibu is currently produced, to manufacture a new version of the Chevrolet Bolt, an electric car, and the Cadillac XT4, a luxury S.U.V. This move reflects the broader trend in the automotive industry, with automakers focusing more on larger vehicles like S.U.V.s and pickup trucks that yield higher profits.
While the Malibu may be discontinued for now, there is always the possibility of its return in the future, potentially as an electric vehicle. Automakers have a history of resurrecting old model names to cater to changing consumer preferences and technological advancements.
The discontinuation of the Chevrolet Malibu follows similar moves by G.M.’s Detroit rivals, Stellantis and Ford Motor, who have also phased out most of their car models in the United States. With the automotive landscape evolving rapidly, it will be interesting to see how General Motors and other manufacturers adapt to meet the shifting demands of consumers.
