Chevrolet's longest-running midsize nameplate to come to Europe

11.10.2011

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ZURICH – From hot rod to police cruiser to convertible to America's main street midsize sedan, few midsize cars have appealed to so many, for so long, as the Chevrolet Malibu.

The eighth generation Malibu is Chevrolet's first global midsize and the first ever edition of the nameplate to be launched in Europe. Having made its European debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2011, the all-new Malibu will go on sale on the continent next year and be the brand's new flagship.

The Malibu is the auto industry's longest-running midsize nameplate, spanning 35 years, six decades, and eight generations. Chevrolet has produced more than 8.5 million Malibus in the United States since its debut in 1964.

Introduced as the top model of the Chevrolet Chevelle midsize car line, Malibu's combination of sporty design, enhanced trim and high level of standard equipment quickly established the vehicle with 200,000 total sales in its first year. From 1964 to 1967, Malibu was available in a full range of body styles including two-door hardtops, two-door convertibles, four-door sedans and station wagons.

In its debut year, the Malibu lineup included the now legendary 300-horsepower 5,359 cubic-centimeter (327 cubic-inch) V8 Malibu SS coupe and convertible; the following year introduced a more powerful 350-horsepower 5,359 cubic-centimeter (327 cubic-inch) small block. The Malibu SS Z16 package – available only in the hardtop model – featured Malibu's first big block engine – a 6,489 cubic-centimeter (396 cubic-inch) 375 horsepower powerplant.

For the 1966 model year, the Malibu SS was replaced by the SS396. This model came with a heavy-duty suspension and other performance upgrades. The 396 V8 was available in 325, 360 and 375 horsepower versions.

The Malibu was significantly redesigned for the 1968 model year as fastback styling overtook the industry. This second generation of Malibus continued with the front engine and rear-wheel-drive layout, but used different wheelbases for two-door and four-door models.

Chevrolet introduced a third generation of Chevelles, including a Malibu, in 1973 that would continue through 1977. The Malibu was available in coupe, sedan and wagon configurations. The Malibu SS package was available on all body styles including the wagon. In 1974, the Malibu became the entry-level Chevelle model.

The third-generation Malibu also was successful in NASCAR. The 1973-1977 body was aerodynamic and amassed 25 winner's circle appearances for Chevrolet drivers Cale Yarborough, Bobby Allison, Darrell Waltrip and Benny Parsons.

A smaller Malibu debuted in 1978, responding to a rise in fuel economy demands, yet retained contemporary styling and features. The Malibu's first era of rear-wheel-drive cars ended after the 1983 model year when an all-new generation of front-wheel-drive midsize cars was introduced in 1997 following a 14-year production hiatus.

Malibu was reborn as a four-door sedan with a four-cylinder 150 horsepower and a V6 with 155 horsepower. Malibu quickly earned a reputation as a well-built, value-driven sedan designed to take on established midsize leaders. It also earned Motor Trend magazine's Car-of-the-Year award for 1997.

A sixth-generation Malibu debuted for the 2004 model year in four-door sedan and extended sedan versions with Ecotec 4-cylinder and V6 engines. It again garnered awards and recommendations from automotive media, independent research groups and safety advocates. The Malibu topped its segment in the 2005 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study. In 2006, the Malibu SS model was reintroduced with a 240-horsepower V6 with more aggressive front and rear clips, 18" wheels, and sport bucket seats.

In 2007, Chevrolet launched a seventh-generation for the 2008 model year. It became one of the division's most highly decorated vehicles, earning more than 40 automotive industry honors, including the 2008 North American Car of the Year.

The Malibu was Chevrolet's – and General Motors – best-selling passenger car in 2010, with nearly 200,000 cars (198,770) sold. The Malibu is the industry's only midsize car to win the Consumers Digest Automotive "Best Buy" award the past three years – 2011, 2010 and 2009. It has also been named a "Top Safety Pick" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety the past two years (2010 and 2011). Malibu helped Chevrolet increase market share by 2 percentage points within the mid-car segment from just under 7 percent in 2008 to nearly 9 percent in 2010.

Chevrolet's eighth generation Malibu – the first global midsize for customers in nearly 100 markets on six continents – will serve as the brand's flagship vehicle in many parts of the world including China, Korea, Europe, Australia. In Europe, the Malibu will be equipped with powerful 4-cylinder 2.0-liter diesel or 2.4-liter gasoline engines delivering an output of 164 hp and 169 hp, respectively. The Malibu is designed to stand out around the world with a roomy, quiet and upscale interior, and refined ride and handling characteristics. The new Malibu will be built in China, Korea and two locations in the United States. It is scheduled to start production in Fairfax, Kan., U.S., in early 2012 and at Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly (Michigan, U.S.) next summer.

Highlights in Malibu history: (model years)

• 1964 – Introduced as the top model of Chevrolet's new midsize lineup, it sold more than 200,000 in its first year.
• 1968 – Significant redesign delivered a smoother, more rounded Malibu; sales increased to more than 260,000 units.
• 1973 – All-new Malibu introduced, with a "Colonnade" hardtop design developed to support increased safety requirements.
• 1978 – Smaller, trimmer Malibu with significant advances in component weight reduction is introduced.
• 1983 – Last year for rear-wheel-drive configuration.
• 1997 – Malibu reborn as a midsize, front-wheel-drive sedan, attracting accolades for value, safety and quality.
• 2004 – Redesigned on new vehicle platform, Malibu enhanced its reputation as a high-quality, safe and value-driven competitor in the midsize segment.
• 2008 – Seventh generation Malibu is launched with distinctive design, longer wheelbase and exclusive features such as a fuel-saving, four-cylinder/six-speed automatic powertrain. This current generation Malibu has sold more than 700,000 units since 2008.
• 2012 – All-new Malibu designed to deliver high levels of content and features, interior craftsmanship and set to launch in early 2012. The new Malibu is Chevrolet's most aerodynamic midsize ever.

Editor's note: For additional Centennial-related media materials, please visit the Chevrolet Europe Centennial media site.

About Chevrolet

Chevrolet is General Motors' largest global brand with annual sales of about 4 million vehicles in more than 130 countries. It is the fourth biggest global car brand in terms of sales and also one of the fastest growing brands in the world. Chevrolet cars combine passion, bold design and practicality. They provide outstanding value for money. After re-launching the brand in Europe in 2005, Chevrolet more than doubled its sales to over 500,000 in 2008. In 2010, Chevrolet grew its market share in Europe to 2.5 percent, selling 477,194 cars. Chevrolet has a network of more than 2,700 dealers and service points in Europe. The Chevrolet line-up includes the Spark city car, the small Aveo, the compact four-door Cruze, the Captiva SUV and the legendary Corvette sports car. In 2011, Chevrolet is launching seven new cars: the all-new Orlando family van, the new Captiva SUV, the Corvette Grand Sport Coupé, the all-new five-door and four-door Aveo, the five-door Cruze, the Camaro coupé and convertible and the award-winning extended-range Volt electric car. Chevrolet's biggest markets in Europe are Russia, Italy, Germany, Spain, France and Turkey. Established in the U.S. by Swiss émigré Louis Chevrolet in 1911, the brand is celebrating its centenary in 2011. More information on Chevrolet can be found at www.chevroleteurope.com or media.chevroleteurope.com.