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NEWS
Early facelift for Malibu
Holden's upcoming Malibu mid-sizer to score a facelift in the US next yearGeneral Motors has confirmed it will release a facelifted version of the Chevrolet Malibu within 12 months following slow sales of the all-new mid-size sedan in North America.
The Malibu is still up to six months away from release in Australia via GM Holden, which has confirmed a local introduction in the second quarter of next year.
Holden has already revealed what its version of the Malibu will look like and it’s unclear if the changes will apply in the Australian market.
However, GM CEO Dan Akerson recently told Automotive News that the Chevrolet Malibu will receive a new front fascia (meaning a different grille and, possibly, front bumper), within 12 months.
“We are going to do a mid-cycle enhancement, not dramatic, by this time next year,” he said.
The news follows slower than expected sales and less than positive media reviews in the US, where the Malibu was launched about 18 months ago.
Malibu sales were up by four per cent to October to 189,094 units following heavy discounting of 2012-plated vehicles, said Automotive News, which added that sales slipped by three per cent in September and October, following the release of the MY13 model.
Consumer Reports rated the 2013 Malibu Eco mild hybrid, which is yet to be confirmed for Australian release, 21st of 28 sedans, but is yet to publish its review of the volume-selling 2.5-litre four-cylinder 2013 Malibu.
Mr Akerson acknowledged the unflattering reports and admitted that the refresh is being undertaken sooner than planned.
In the US, the Malibu sells in a massive and highly competitive mid-size segment against newer rivals like the Ford Fusion and Honda Accord.
“I think it's a good car. It'll do OK,” he said. “It is a tough segment and it's one we need to be successful in. We'll see how it plays out.”
Honda also introduced an early facelift – the type of which is normally seen about three years after an all-new model’s launch – for its new Civic sedan just 18 months after its US launch, following slow sales there. Australia’s Civic is produced in Thailand and is unaffected.
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Written byMarton Pettendy
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