Chevrolet Malibu sales decreased in the United States and in Canada in December 2017.
Chevrolet Malibu Sales - December 2017 - United States
In the United States, Chevrolet Malibu deliveries totaled 16,628 units in December 2017, a decrease of about 27 percent compared to 22,764 units sold in December 2016.During the complete 2017 calendar year, Malibu sales decreased about 18 percent to 185,857 units.
| MODEL | DEC 2017 / DEC 2016 | DECEMBER 2017 | DECEMBER 2016 | YTD 2017 / YTD 2016 | YTD 2017 | YTD 2016 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MALIBU | -26.95% | 16,628 | 22,764 | -18.44% | 185,857 | 227,881 |
Chevrolet Malibu Sales - December 2017 - Canada
In Canada, Chevrolet Malibu deliveries totaled 557 units in December 2017, a decrease of about 12 percent compared to 635 units sold in December 2016.During the complete 2017 calendar year, Malibu sales decreased about 29 percent to 8,152 units.
| MODEL | DEC 2017 / DEC 2016 | DECEMBER 2017 | DECEMBER 2016 | YTD 2017 / YTD 2016 | YTD 2017 | YTD 2016 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MALIBU | -12.28% | 557 | 635 | -29.13% | 8,152 | 11,503 |
The GM Authority Take
Malibu sales continued the unfavorable trend in December. In fact, the Malibu’s 27 percent drop was higher than the 20 percent contraction of the segment.
The performance keeps it in fifth place in its segment behind the Toyota Camry, which has stolen the sales lead by a long shot during the month, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima and Ford Fusion (see Ford Fusion sales), but ahead of all other segment contenders, including the Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Subaru Legacy, Volkswagen Passat (see VW Passat sales), Mazda6, GM’s own Buick Regal (see Buick Regal sales), and the now-discontinued Chrysler 200 (see Chrysler 200 sales).
We attribute the Malibu’s December sales slump to the following factors:
- An ongoing shift in consumer buying dynamics that favors crossover utility vehicles at the expense of other vehicle types like sedans and hatchbacks
- A strong launch for and market reaction to the new Toyota Camry
- Core product issues for the Chevrolet Malibu that don’t make the vehicle as attractive as it could be, such as the model having the least powerful base engine in its class, not offering several desired features including HID headlamps, all-wheel-drive or a performance variant, and an unfriendly trim level structure that requires customers to upgrade to a top trim level in order to get various features that can be optioned a-la-carte on competing models. It’s also the only model in its segment that can’t be equipped with a roof rack without drilling into the car, a factor that likely pushes consumers to crossovers.
Sales Numbers - Midsize Mainstream Sedans - December 2017 - United States
| MODEL | DEC 17 / DEC 16 | DECEMBER 17 | DECEMBER 16 | YTD 17 / YTD 16 | YTD 17 | YTD 16 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAMRY | +38.84% | 43,331 | 31,209 | +2.35% | 387,081 | 378,210 |
| ACCORD | -34.71% | 22,115 | 33,873 | -6.54% | 322,655 | 345,225 |
| ALTIMA | -26.51% | 18,199 | 24,763 | -17.04% | 254,996 | 307,380 |
| FUSION | -8.82% | 17,444 | 19,132 | -21.15% | 209,623 | 265,840 |
| MALIBU | -26.95% | 16,628 | 22,764 | -18.44% | 185,857 | 227,881 |
| SONATA | -38.36% | 8,508 | 13,802 | -33.90% | 131,803 | 199,408 |
| OPTIMA | -43.68% | 7,081 | 12,572 | -13.45% | 107,493 | 124,203 |
| LEGACY | -22.94% | 4,593 | 5,960 | -23.69% | 49,837 | 65,306 |
| PASSAT | -58.36% | 3,015 | 7,241 | -16.82% | 60,722 | 73,002 |
| MAZDA6 | -51.84% | 1,776 | 3,688 | -26.62% | 33,402 | 45,520 |
| REGAL | -23.22% | 1,005 | 1,309 | -41.72% | 11,559 | 19,833 |
| 200 | -87.44% | 332 | 2,643 | -67.79% | 18,457 | 57,294 |
| TOTAL | -19.52% | 144,027 | 178,956 | -15.91% | 1,773,485 | 2,109,102 |
The midsize mainstream sedan segment saw a 20 percent contraction in terms of overall sales volume in December and a 16 percent contraction during the complete 2017 calendar year.
About Chevrolet Malibu
The Chevrolet Malibu is a mid-size sedan sold in most markets where Chevrolet has a business presence. It is currently Chevrolet’s second-largest sedan, in the U.S. and Canada, slotting above the subcompact Chevrolet Sonic and compact Chevrolet Cruze but under the full-size Chevrolet Impala.
The current, ninth-generation model was introduced in 2016. As such, the 2018 Malibu represents the third model year of the vehicle. The model rides on the GM E2 platform shared with the Buick Regal, Opel/Vauxhall Insignia, and upcoming Cadillac XT4.
A refresh of the Malibu is on the way for what we believe to be the 2019 model year. The refreshed model is generally expected to contain a new front facia and perhaps other changes and updates as well. See more on the 2019 Chevy Malibu.
The Chevrolet Malibu is built at the GM Faifax factory in Kansas City operated by GM USA.
About The Numbers
- All percent change figures compared to Chevrolet Malibu December 2016 sales
- In the United States, there were 26 selling days in December 2017 and 27 selling days in December 2016
- In Canada, there were 25 selling days in December 2017 and 27 selling days in December 2016
Related News & Info
- GM news
- GM incentives and offers
- Chevrolet Malibu information
Related Sales Reporting
- Running GM sales results
- Running Chevrolet sales results
- Running Chevrolet Malibu sales results
- Running Cadillac sales results
- Running Buick sales results
- Running GMC sales results
- Running Chevrolet sales results
- December 2017 GM sales results
- U.S. GM December 2017 sales results
- U.S. December 2017 Chevrolet sales results
- U.S. December 2017 Cadillac sales results
- U.S. December 2017 Buick sales results
- U.S. December 2017 GMC sales results
- GM Canada December 2017 sales results
- Canada December 2017 Chevrolet sales results
- Canada December 2017 Cadillac sales results
- Canada December 2017 Buick sales results
- Canada December 2017 GMC sales results
- GM China December 2017 sales results
- Global December 2017 Cadillac sales results
- U.S. GM December 2017 sales results
Comments
The Cruze and Malibu need refreshes to stay competitive, but I’m sure like Impala, GM will just let them wither on the vine without any updates through the end of their lifecycle. And say tanking sales are only because of the market shift to crossovers and SUVs.
The Cruze and Malibu are both getting refreshes for the 2019 model year… so there’s that.
The Midsize segment is a tough one to compete in. Just like the Compact car segment.
Most of these consumers have never opened a hood on a car and really have no idea what a good car is except for what brand someone tells them that is good.
Therefore, even though GM has been making a lot better competitive cars, many buyers just assume that they are inferior to Toyota.
Cruze was picked as the top COmpact car by Consumer reports, yet it still struggles.SO unfortunately the Malibu is struggling a bit also in the MidSize segment
Sure, it’s a tough segment. That’s why you must offer something unique that stands out to attract attention.
Outside of 4G LTE and Wi-Fi, the Malibu doesn’t really offer anything that stands out… not in terms of engines, options/features, performance variants, design, or otherwise… that’s not to say that it’s not a good car, but it simply gets lost in the mix. Also having very little marketing on the car that doesn’t really describe why it’s better than the rivals doesn’t help the situation, either.
While the big guys in the space (Toyota and Honda) were working to spruce up their midsize sedan offerings with better design, Chevy was working in the opposite direction to make the most utilitarian, boring midsize offering they have ever offered. Therein lies the Malibu’s problem… and the reason for the drop.
Got ya Alex. That does make sense.
Do you think lack of AWD effects the sales? or would that be a small percent of sales even if offered?
They have an AWD, it’s called a Buick Regal.
Right, GM has an AWD called Buick Regal…I shop the GM hierarchy and would move on to it but most consumers don’t.
I have also seen this comment before that you have posted. Non GM specific shoppers and average consumers don’t understand this.
Question for you….How do you explain that to a first time shopper in a Chevrolet Dealership when they ask if I can get the Malibu in AWD? – “We have an AWD Malibu called a Buick Regal”
Wrong, a Chevy buyer is not a Buick buyer. Most will not cross shop, and the Regal is not even a true sedan anymore. If the Trax/Encore, and Traverse/Enclave can all offer AWD, then both the Malibu and Regal should too. If sedans are going to survive, they need to offer the features that are luring buyers into crossovers. AWD is a major one, but also higher seating positions, more versatility and more storage compartments are a must too.
Chevrolet can’t afford to turn down any sales of their mid sized sedan. They need to be one of the last few models standing.
Especially if the Impala is going to be discontinued….they should seriously consider an all wheel drive version of the Malibu as well as a coupe and wagon. It’s not like they are adding entirely new cars here. These are just new variants based on an existing vehicle that could easily net them more sales and higher ATPs.
For reference, Subaru sold 182,000 Outbacks in 2016 with far fewer dealerships than Chevrolet. Subaru’s Outback OUTSOLD the Malibu sedan in 2017. The tall wagon formula is easy to do with an existing product, and it does sell. There’s nothing special about the Outback that couldn’t be replicated or improved upon with the Malibu either. In many cases, the Malibu would probably be a superior product.
The Malibu hybrid doesn’t stand out to you? It’s one of the most fuel efficient midsize cars available today. I love mine and it’s a real shame Chevrolet doesn’t advertise it.
The Malibu and Cruze have two unique issues: The Malibu needs a different front end. That ugly mug ruins an otherwise great looking sedan. Only Toyota can get away with selling ugly cars today. The Malibu is ultimately a good car (especially the Hybrid). The base engine could use more horsepower and the interior could use improved materials with the next refresh, but the big problem is the front end styling.
The Cruze has bigger problems. It simply needs to be a better value. Even the higher end models come with cheap looking wheels and “economy car” proportions. The entire car looks incredibly cheap and feels like a poor value given the lack of features for the MSRP. The first generation Cruze was much more attractive and a much better effort by Chevrolet. I’m glad they have the hatch back though. The Civic and Jetta are IMO the best targets for Chevrolet.
Honda is doing very well with their American built Civic and Accord. It’s too bad Chevrolet just can’t quite figure out how to appeal to Americans the way that Honda has.
you would have to show me the stats that selling the others in its class sell with AWD i don’t think that’s an issue , but engine options do . Malibu needs a more optional beefer engine . standard and optional equipment has to be addressed in all GM models . to many trim levels ,let the customer choose the options their spending their money to buy the car
It’s definitely explanation number 3, especially the unfriendly trim structures and I would add to that the GM Interiors…though Chevy is the GM brand that has improved their interiors the most over the past 15-20 years. You can at least option it up to close to Oldmobile levels now. They may not be bad….it’s just the competition are so very good now. It’s not easy to find in stock, but I love the Malibu’s Dark Atmosphere/Loft Brown combination..
If you want to play you have to pay. Pay to build ,equip and advatise the beat vehicle in your category. GM has long been satisfied with being second ,third or fourth best. Until their attitude change and they decide to be second to none then the Malibu and other GM product will never be the leader in their class. I should add with the exception of a few hig end products that lead the pact in most performance categorys. They need to spread the wealth and bring a little excitement across the board.
i would like to know what is so wrong with the front end –it is looking strong -solid that is competitive with todays style , if you want to say something in ugly that a real look at the Camrys . Chevy needs to have optional engine and better material interiors —that are still better that Toyotas