The historic Chevrolet Malibu nameplate is likely getting the axe, according to a report by Automotive News.
Following a major overhaul in 2016, the ninth-generation model relished a sales boost that climbed up to 227,881 units. Come 2018, however, the numbers fell to 144,542 and went further down by 15% in the first six months of 2019.
This prompted Chevrolet to decide on the discontinuation of the Malibu, one of the only two sedans remaining in the automaker’s lineup.
But before the brand permanently bids goodbye to the Malibu, the model will reportedly undergo a refresh in 2022. By 2024, it will be “indirectly replaced” by one of 23 new electric vehicles General Motors is currently working on.
The Chevrolet Impala, the other sedan in Chevrolet’s lineup, will be axed by the company earlier than the Malibu, with production set to close in January 2020.
The Buick LaCrosse, as well as other modes, including the Sonic hatchback, the Camaro, and Chevrolet Cruze, are also scheduled for discontinuation. This makes the Cadillac possibly the only marque with sedans in the entire GM stable.
It’s not all goodbye for GM, though, as the company is working on several projects concerning its crossover and trucks for the next few years. The Chevrolet Bolt is getting a refresh in 2020, while a Bolt-based crossover is set to arrive in 2021. A subcompact GMC crossover reportedly called Granite is also expected to be introduced in 2023.
For Chevrolet’s existing full-size SUVs, the Tahoe, Suburban, and Yukon are all planned for upgrades in 2020, while its high-selling Silverado will get an updated interior either in 2020 or 2021. Mid-sized pickups Colorado and Canyon, meanwhile, are due for upgrades in 2023 alongside the introduction of an electric pickup under the GM marque.
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