AUTOSPIES EXCLUSIVE: Chevrolet To Make Major Malibu Strategy Announcement To Combat Assault From Hyundai Sonata

Have we got some intriguing news for you and quite possibly the hottest rumor -- so far -- in 2011. According to a VERY reliable source, a HUGE announcement will be coming out of Detroit around 7:30 a.m. ET.

General Motors' Chevrolet division has decided that it is going to move up production of its all-new Malibu six months. That's a huge change! But here's the kicker:

Chevrolet is making this move due to the success of the Hyundai Sonata, which is eating everyone's lunch in the segment. You may remember the Sonata as one of the finalists for the North American Car of the Year.

According to our tipster these are the details:

1) Chevrolet will move the NEW Malibu's start of production forward six months to June 2011 starting with low trim levels and a mild hybrid version

2) The OLD Malibu will continue production through June 2012, however, it will be known as the "Classic." Production will ramp down from June 2011 into December for fleet sales.


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uaw_lax - 1/27/2011 3:37:49 AM

+1 Boost

I can easily confirm this in a few days my sources are 100% reliable.

uaw_lax - 1/27/2011 3:39:45 AM

+1 Boost

Im hoping I can provide true pictures as a bonus!

detfan - 1/27/2011 9:01:10 AM

+3 Boost

Well, it's 9:00am, and I haven't seen this "rumor' confirmed yet.

Chark - 1/27/2011 9:10:56 AM

+1 Boost

If that's a rendering of the new Malibu, the Sonata doesn't have much to worry about. Yawn, what a boring design. And what the heck is a "mild hybrid"? It sounds even MORE boring.

uaw_lax - 1/27/2011 10:39:05 AM

+2 Boost

Thats the old car BTW when it was first released it was car of the year.

tattedtwice - 1/27/2011 2:43:30 PM

-4 Boost

The Malibu is still pretty competitive; good looking inside and out and drives well, something you cant say for the big two from japan.

kjg48359 - 1/27/2011 5:57:35 PM

+4 Boost

I fell asleep in a Malibu at a dealership once (yawn).

mini22 - 1/27/2011 6:29:33 PM

-1 Boost

And I'd take a Dodge Charger V6 over all Hyundai,Honda and Malibu.

tango - 1/27/2011 9:12:42 PM

+1 Boost

I'm thinking a bit deeper into this than just moving the unveil time forward. What abotu that diesel engine that is supposedly to be offered in a "mid-sized sedan"? UAW...ask your sources about that too!