Chevrolet has made a definitive announcement regarding the discontinuation of the Chevy Malibu production by November 2024. This decision marks the conclusion of an era for the gasoline-powered Malibu, which stood as Chevrolet's final sedan offering in the U.S. market.

Chevy Malibu to End Production

Th e Chevrolet Malibu is bidding farewell. General Motors announced on Wednesday its decision to stop the production of the gasoline-powered Chevrolet Malibu. GM made this move to make way for new electric vehicles.

As reported by CarScoops, this strategic shift enables GM to focus its efforts on the second-generation, all-electric Bolt, a significant asset in their future plans. While the production of the Chevrolet Malibu is slated to conclude, it will not cease immediately.

The Malibu will still be produced alongside the Cadillac XT4 at GM's Fairfax Assembly Plant in Kansas City until November 4th. Subsequently, production at the plant will be temporarily suspended to facilitate retooling and modifications for upcoming vehicles, as confirmed by a Chevrolet spokesperson to Carscoops.

Chevrolet's Kevin Kelly informed that when production recommences in late 2025, both the Bolt EV and XT4 will be manufactured at the Fairfax plant on a single assembly line. This setup provides GM with the flexibility to adapt to shifts in customer preferences.

As per Reuters, General Motors has globally sold over 10 million units of the Malibu since 1964 and is set to stop production in November. To manufacture the next-generation Chevrolet Bolt EVs, the Detroit-based automaker is investing $390 million in its Kansas assembly plant. Production of the previous generation Bolt was ceased by GM in December.

In recent years, GM has been transitioning towards producing a higher proportion of crossover and sport utility vehicles over traditional cars. Apart from the Corvette, the Malibu stands as the final Chevrolet car available in the U.S. market. Last year, GM concluded the production of the Chevrolet Camaro as part of this strategic shift.

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About Chevy Malibu

The New York Times reported that the Malibu first hit the market in 1964, positioned as an upscale family sedan. By 1968, General Motors introduced a sportier variant known as the Malibu SS. However, production of the Malibu ceased in 1983 due to increased competition from foreign automakers during a period of downsizing for the company. It made a comeback in 1997, but has consistently lagged behind best-sellers like the Camry and Accord in terms of sales.

Since its inception, over 10 million Malibus have been sold by GM, yet sales have declined in recent years. In 2023, GM sold 130,000 Malibus, marking a 47% drop in deliveries during the last quarter of the year. A decade earlier, GM typically moved around 200,000 Malibus annually.

Moreover, as per The New York Times, there is the possibility that the Malibu might make a comeback in the future, potentially in the form of an electric vehicle. Car manufacturers frequently revive and reimagine old model names, particularly those that hold nostalgic value for consumers.

According to Car and Driver, the Chevy Malibu boasts one of the lengthiest and most prosperous histories among vehicles. Chevrolet has now officially informed Car and Driver that it will discontinue the Malibu for the second time in the car's existence.

Even though the Malibu has shown resilience in the past, the decision comes as somewhat unexpected, especially considering GM's recent challenges in rolling out its new Ultium platform.

GM did not meet its target of selling 400,000 EVs from 2022 through mid-2024 and announced in February its plans to reintroduce plug-in hybrid vehicles to the North American market.

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