Today, GM announced it will release 25 new vehicles by the end of 2011. Included in that number are current new releases like the Chevy Equinox, Chevy Camaro and Buick LaCrosse. The usually tight-lipped automotive world is loosening at GM headquarters; they revealed that the well-received Chevy Malibu will get a refresh in 2011 for the 2012 model year. And that’s just one of the vehicles they discussed.
Cars.com reviewer Mike Hanley looks at the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid in this video review. A midsize sedan doing battle with the Toyota Camry Hybrid and Ford Fusion Hybrid, the Malibu doesn’t quite match the fuel economy of its rivals. Still, Hanley points out a few advantages of the Malibu Hybrid, even over its more efficient rivals. Chevy won’t be producing the hybrid trim level for 2010, so if you’re in the market you might get a good deal on a 2009. Check out the video to find out why the Malibu Hybrid is worth a look.
GM has suspended production of the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid for the 2010 model year, as elevated inventory levels of the 2009 Malibu Hybrid should meet demand for the vehicle through 2010, the company said.
According to GM spokesman Brian Corbett, the suspension of the Malibu Hybrid is temporary and has no implications for future hybrid products from Chevrolet.
The Saturn Aura Hybrid and Vue Hybrid, which use the same “mild” hybrid technology as the Malibu Hybrid, may also cease production. Corbett said there’s an understanding between GM and Penske Automotive Group, which has a deal to buy Saturn, that will provide Penske with 2010 Saturn vehicles, including the Aura, Vue and Outlook. Details about which trim levels will be made, however, have yet to be determined.
GM built a winner for 2008 when it introduced a redesigned Chevy Malibu to take on the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. Now, just a couple years later, the company is bankrupt and looking to reinvent itself. Cars.com reviewer Mike Hanley takes a look at one of the vehicles that will have to help GM compete in the midsize family sedan segment: the 2009 Malibu Hybrid. How did GM do in comparison with hybrid versions of the Camry and Ford Fusion? Read Hanley’s full review to find out.
Now that it’s operating under bankruptcy protection, GM has ramped up the scheduled plant closures it had previously announced. Four assembly plants will be closed this year, impacting current products.
The least surprising closure is the Wilmington, Del., plant that produces the Saturn Sky and Pontiac Solstice roadsters and coupes. It's also the most immediate, shutting down in July of this year. The 2010 Pontiac Solstice coupe just went into production at the plant, and company officials have said only 1,000 will be produced. One is already sold to GM executive Bob Lutz, meaning there are only 999 available.
The other three assembly plants and what they build are listed below.
GM has issued a wide-ranging recall for several brands and models from the 2009 model year, all affected by a potential malfunction in the transmission shift cable, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Affected models include the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Cobalt, Chevrolet HHR, Chevrolet Malibu, Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, Pontiac G5, Pontiac G6, Saturn Aura and Saturn Outlook.
The problem has to do with a clip to the transmission cable, which may not lock into place. Therefore, the lever on the transmission may seem like it’s in the proper position when in Park, but the car might still roll away.
Dealerships will inspect the cable and replace the clip if necessary, free of charge. Owners can contact Buick at 866-608-8080, Chevrolet at 800-630-2438, GMC at 866-996-9463, Pontiac at 800-620-7668 and Saturn at 800-972-8876. They can also contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236.
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