Chevrolet Malibu sales decreased in the United States and in Canada in February 2018.
Chevrolet Malibu Sales - February 2018 - United States
In the United States, Chevrolet Malibu deliveries totaled 11,890 units in February 2018, a decrease of about 4 percent compared to 12,406 units sold in February 2017. The results represent the model's lowest February sales performance since at least February 2010.In the first two months of the year, Malibu sales decreased about 6 percent to 19,443 units.
| MODEL | FEB 2018 / FEB 2017 | FEBRUARY 2018 | FEBRUARY 2017 | YTD 2018 / YTD 2017 | YTD 2018 | YTD 2017 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MALIBU | -4.16% | 11,890 | 12,406 | -6.45% | 19,443 | 20,783 |
Chevrolet Malibu Sales - February 2018 - Canada
In Canada, Chevrolet Malibu deliveries totaled 601 units in February 2018, a decrease of about 1 percent compared to 610 units sold in February 2017. The results represent the model's lowest February sales performance since February 2016.In the first two months of the year, Malibu sales decreased about 10 percent to 922 units.
| MODEL | FEB 2018 / FEB 2017 | FEBRUARY 2018 | FEBRUARY 2017 | YTD 2018 / YTD 2017 | YTD 2018 | YTD 2017 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MALIBU | -1.48% | 601 | 610 | -9.78% | 922 | 1,022 |
The GM Authority Take
Malibu sales continued on their unfavorable trend in February, but didn’t fall as much as other segment rivals or the segment average. The performance keeps the midsize sedan in fifth place in its segment behind the Toyota Camry, which continues to steal the segment’s sales crown that’s far and away in first place.
Second place went to the Honda Accord, with the Nissan Altima a very close third (by 50 units), and the Ford Fusion (see Ford Fusion sales) in fourth. The Malibu outsold other segment contenders, including the Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Subaru Legacy, Volkswagen Passat (see VW Passat sales), Mazda6 (see Mazda6 sales), GM’s own Buick Regal (see Buick Regal sales), and the discontinued Chrysler 200 (see Chrysler 200 sales).
We attribute the Malibu’s February 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, as evidenced by the 16 percent drop of the entire segment in February
- A strong launch for and market reaction to the new Toyota Camry
- Core product issues for the Chevrolet Malibu that make the vehicle less competitive and therefore less attractive, including a very weak base engine, not making available several key features such as HID or LED headlamps, all-wheel-drive a performance variant, and an unfriendly trim level structure that requires customers to upgrade to a top trim level in order to get various desired features that are either standard or can be optioned a-la-carte on competing models. The Malibu is 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 who value the feature to crossovers.
Sales Numbers - Midsize Mainstream Sedans - February 2018 - United States
| MODEL | FEB 18 / FEB 17 | FEBRUARY 18 | FEBRUARY 17 | YTD 18 / YTD 17 | YTD 18 | YTD 17 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAMRY | +12.24% | 30,865 | 27,498 | +16.09% | 55,503 | 47,811 |
| ACCORD | -15.78% | 19,753 | 23,455 | -12.94% | 37,430 | 42,991 |
| ALTIMA | -25.77% | 19,703 | 26,543 | -12.28% | 39,888 | 45,474 |
| FUSION | +1.27% | 16,721 | 16,512 | -15.47% | 27,073 | 32,027 |
| MALIBU | -4.16% | 11,890 | 12,406 | -6.45% | 19,443 | 20,783 |
| SONATA | -54.17% | 6,700 | 14,618 | -43.47% | 12,727 | 22,512 |
| OPTIMA | -28.00% | 6,402 | 8,892 | -30.71% | 11,600 | 16,741 |
| LEGACY | -15.42% | 3,319 | 3,924 | -15.36% | 6,607 | 7,806 |
| PASSAT | -50.34% | 3,036 | 6,114 | -54.42% | 5,470 | 12,001 |
| MAZDA6 | -37.58% | 2,246 | 3,598 | -44.94% | 3,798 | 6,898 |
| REGAL | +126.59% | 2,318 | 1,023 | +46.20% | 2,886 | 1,974 |
| 200 | -90.02% | 219 | 2,194 | -88.41% | 470 | 4,055 |
| TOTAL | -16.08% | 123,172 | 146,777 | -14.62% | 222,895 | 261,073 |
The midsize mainstream sedan segment contracted 16 percent in February and 14.6 percent in the first two months of 2018.
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. It rides on the GM E2 platform shared with the Buick Regal, Opel/Vauxhall Insignia, Holden Commodore NG, and the Cadillac XT4.
A 2019 Chevy Malibu wearing camouflage undergoing testing in January 2018
For 2019 – the fourth model year of the ninth-gen model – the Malibu received a midcycle enhancement, otherwise known as a facelift or refresh, that consists of revised exterior styling, a new RS trim level, a CVT transmission for L, LS, LT and RS models, a new infotainment system, and a new 8-inch reconfigurable driver information center (DIC), among a few other new features.
The Chevrolet Malibu is produced across the following three GM plants globally:
- GM Fairfax plant in Kansas City, Kansas, USA – supplying the Americas
- GM Bupyeong plant in South Korea – supplying Eurasia
- Shanghai GM Jinqiao North in China (GM China) – supplying China
About The Numbers
- All percent change figures compared to Chevrolet Malibu February 2017 sales
- In the United States, there were 24 selling days in February 2018 and 24 selling days in February 2017
- In Canada, there were 24 selling days in February 2018 and 24 selling days in February 2017
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
- February 2018 GM sales results
- U.S. GM February 2018 sales results
- U.S. February 2018 Chevrolet sales results
- U.S. February 2018 Cadillac sales results
- U.S. February 2018 Buick sales results
- U.S. February 2018 GMC sales results
- GM Canada February 2018 sales results
- Canada February 2018 Chevrolet sales results
- Canada February 2018 Cadillac sales results
- Canada February 2018 Buick sales results
- Canada February 2018 GMC sales results
- GM China February 2018 sales results
- Global February 2018 Cadillac sales results
- U.S. GM February 2018 sales results
Comments
Hopefully the refresh will address any and all shortcomings the Malibu may have. Give it all that it need to have a fighting chance to dethrone the Camary. I know that is a tall order given it’s legancy of being a GM product.
Looking at Consumer Reports Malibu feels poised to pounce higher towards Camry. After all both have a RECOMMEND check mark despite Malibu’s shortcomings being present. Plus Malibu is more money.
Most Japanese car buyers won’t be swayed towards Chevy because of reliability. The way to dance around that is to offer a more extensive warranty. So, yeah, you pay more for Malibu… but you buy longer piece of mind.
When no one dared buy a Kia? Ten year warranty. That’s how this works.
What Camry models for 2018 cost less than the Malibu. I priced the LS Malibu’s at 24K sticker vs 26 for LE Camry’s SE Camry’s were in the high 20’s usually 27-28K which is were optioned up LT Malibu’s were. Top trim Premier Malibu’s with skylight roof and an option package were 34-35 and top Camry V6 XLE or XSE’s were closing in on 38K. I guess it depends on what exact options are on each car but comparing model for model the Malibu is either cheaper or in line with Camry
I’m bringing a marketing discussion from a different post because it matters here too: it’s all in the name.
More than two years ago I had a run-in on this site with a reliable blathering buffoon who lives in this comment section. He, a Confederate flag fan and Trump–a-tool, plainly expressed CONTEMPT at California drivers for not ‘getting’ GM. Despite not living out here (like myself) he believed California to be the land of Prius and imports. That GMs and Fords are few and far between. Well — you can’t expect reason from a Trump supporter.
The truth is American cars are everywhere in Californa. GM cars are everywhere Los Angeles. But when you have this blinding a bias you believe what isn’t true but what you want to believe. It’s called thinking with your gut. Instead of your eyes, ears, and brains.
Anyway — this individual isn’t the only fool like this. Trump is in office, tools watch Fox News. These types LOVE to rant about California being terribly unAmerican. These morons rant about California, blissfully unaware they’re being played by Russians. A CalExit campaign of a few years back was funded by Russians. Not fake news.
Anyway part deux — these pinheads probably wouldn’t want a ‘Malibu’ if you gave them one. Why it’s a commie car, right? If it’s true that ‘Trump Country’ prefers American cars — calling one ‘Malibu’ is a really bad choice.
Names matter.
Russia had nothing to do with this a**hole, you just want war with Russia that’s all.
Spot on: Russia has nothing to do with this.
1. I can’t make the connection between a GM car called the Malibu and supposedly “being played” by Russians… unless that connection is associated exclusively with the physical place in California called Malibu, in which case that’s really stretching it.
2. I find it so concerning that the supposed Russian involvement is now treated as fact in the U.S., despite there being no real evidence and all hearsay. In fact, if you visit Russia, you”ll be quick to realize that pretty much nobody cares who wins any election in the U.S.
3. I should note that I’m politically neutral, as is my comment.
4. Before you comment, do realize that this is an automotive website, and not a political one.
Of course Russia has nothing to do with ‘this’… since ‘this’ (my point) has nothing directly to do with Russia. The Russia comment was an aside.
In a nutshell: naming a car after a world famous beach and ‘elitist’ town in Los Angeles may hurt sales in particularly Red America.
In order to prove that people do think this way I pointed out our famed boardperson who outright claimed GM cars are few and far between out in ‘liberal’ Los Angeles. Which couldn’t be further from the truth.
I then explained that some of this hate for California came directly from Russian propaganda. Of which, Alex, there’s a Traverse full of proof. Google ‘BBC TRENDING ‘Russia Trolls promoted California independance’. That’s just one of hundreds of REAL news outlets reporting the same.
Regarding automotive vs. political, umm, have YOU observed how political these comments can get from all sides? At the mere mention of Trump in any article and political discussion begins.
Since we’ve become a divided nation it’s worth mentioning that if you name a car after a political leaning town — that may now effect sales. If the Bolt was named Alabama instead… I bet a lot of the city types wouldn’t buy it FOR that reason.
Completely agree with your take on the Chevrolet Malibu Alex, your #2 point on Russia as well.
And naming the Malibu for a place in California has zero to do with anything. Malibu was a trim level on the Chevelle going back over half a century. Plenty of people in so called ‘red & blue’ states both have loved this car going way back. It simply falls short in comparison to the competition these days. Cuv’s aside, the glass ceiling Chevrolet lives under within GM is where the cars problems begin and end.
Matt — do me a favor. A YES or NO here —
— suppose ‘Clinton’ was the name of a pickup. That it was beloved for over half a century. Would the name ‘Clinton’ on a pickup have zero to do with anything TODAY?
YES or NO?
Thanks Matt.
John:
1. Yes, I understand your comments on Russia are an aside. My comment wasn’t so much directed at you, so much so at those who believe that Russia “interfered” with the election… which I don’t think it did (it has bigger, more important priorities internally). And even if Russia did “interfere”, let’s not forget how many times the U.S. not only “interfered” with elections of other countries, but straight up orchestrated revolutions in other nations (El Salvador in the 80s, Ukraine a few years ago.. the list goes on). But here I go getting all political, so I’ll stop.
2. Yeah, I do see how political these comments get. I try my best to read all the comments on all of our sites on a daily basis… though sometimes there are just too many for me to get to every single one.
3. As Matt mentioned, Malibu as a nameplate existed way before the U.S. became “divided” on a Chevy product… and they were selling hundreds of thousands. I believe that real impact on sales *specifically due to Malibu being an upscale, mostly liberal place in Cali” is extremely minimal (100 or less “in market” buyers). You really need to think and make that connection.
4. If anything, I would argue that the Malibu nameplate is damaged not because of its association with Malibu, California, but rather because the name was long associated with products that were subpar. This is exactly why Chevy renamed Aveo with Sonic and Cavalier with Cobalt and Cobalt with Cruze. The same should have been done with other tarnished nameplates like Malibu and Impala.
Notably, these nameplates might not be tarnished in the pure sense of that word, but rather not be entirely relevant to today’s car-buying public. None of my 30 year-olds want a “Malibu” but they do want a “Fusion” or an “Optima”… knot knowing anything about the actual products behind these names.
Hey Alex —
Your initial comment that Russia had nothing to do with ‘this’ was vague because Afi and you failed to define ‘this’. Since it was in response to my belief that Malibu isn’t the smartest name — I had no choice but to presume your words were directed at that point.
Of Russia interfering — I totally agree that chickens are likely coming home to roost. This country routinely condemns a country for doing something horrible — and in response — we secretly do it back to them and then deny it until it turns up in Stars and Stripes. Two words: white phosphorous.
Of political comments — I wasn’t pointing out that you aren’t reading all of them. I was pointing out how odd it was you isolated me in lieu of countless members who also discuss politics here.
Of nameplates and history — I can’t seem to get across to you (or anyone) that certain comments stand by themselves in lieu of history. I don’t give a flying fart burrito what the Malibu name meant in 1964. Why? Because the topic is sales of Malibu in 2018.
I’ve never said the name is why Malibus are not selling as vigorously desired. I’m saying times have changed. Naming a car Malibu may alienate Trump types who have this irrational hate on for California… of which there are more than three.
Maybe those “Trumpers” prefer to buy cars named after Russian cities, as Hyundai (a South Korean brand) named their CUVs after American cities (Santa Fe, Tucson, etc).
“But names don’t matter!”
eyeroll
East Coast person here. I hate to break it to you, but most of us out here no longer really know/care/think much about Malibu, California. Some place where the Beach Boys hung out back in the day I guess. Identifiable places in Cali for us are San Francisco, LA, San Jose, Silicon Valley, and Orange County. Some of us might even know Sacramento and Stockton, and *maybe* even know that part of Sierra Nevada is really in California. Malibu. Malibu? Isn’t that a coconut-flavored rum? OH, and a sedan made by Chevy.
Bravo Alex, well said. Some of us come here as an escape from politics, and perhaps a passion for cars is one place where people of from all political walks of life can come and at least talk to each other. If we politicize everything….well, that’s not going to be very pleasant now is it?
John Hart, You are out there in never never land with your theory and the Russia thing.
Random question, where is the 1.5L turbo engine that Malibu have, assembly plant?
How many of the hybrid Malibu were sold? GM and Chevy have done little to promote the hybrid Malibu, since it gets more MPG than the Chevy Volt in gas mode (non-electric), more than the Fusion Hybrid, and as much MPG as the foreign compacts, yet the hybrid Malibu is a midsized sedan.
Many buyers choose compacts to save on gasoline. A hybrid Malibu saves both on gas and maintenance. This is where GM and Chevy should hit the market!
I think Malibu’s sales success depend on how well it stacks up to the competition ,price wise and otherwise. If you can’t do what they do and offer what they do then you can’t sell like they do.
I think the question is why do American people pick those other cars instead of GM? It’s not quality, it’s not comfort, it’s not realiblity, it’s not design!
So what is it?
It’s sad we Americans have gotten to this point!
The American car company’s has to tak some of the blame. I know that American cars have gotten a lot better over the past few year. The problem is they were bad fo too many generations and regaining trust is one of the hardest things to do. The American car company still have a problem of not offering what the competition offer without paying extra or sometimes not a offer the items at all.
Sorry Brian, I think it is those things. Where I live in Southern California, which has a strong car culture, GM products are mostly relegated to rental car status. GM cars are competent, but not in any way exceptional. Certainly not in quality, reliability, or design. Maybe they’re comfortable, that’s why they are good rental cars.
It appears that GM has pretty much given up the west coast market to the imports, I see no evidence of any GM marketing, while Toyota, Hyundai, BMW, and Mercedes are everywhere. Even Ford has a good marketing program from TV to sponsoring sport teams. From what I can see, Malibu’s come as a boring grey with black interior appliance while Camry’s come in white pearl with red leather interior and any style from mild to wild. Heck, I have never even picked a Malibu for a rental car. I want something more exciting like a Camry or a Fusion.
Brian W – I disagree with some of what you say because in some areas, American cars are amazing compared to the competition. Drive a Camaro SS and one of the F82 M4s on the same day as I have. The Chevy’s interior isn’t there, but it’s a whole lot cheaper and a much, much better driving experience. The C7 ‘vette is still beating cars four times its price. Back to the Alpha platform vehicles, I’ve owned 4 BMWs but I spend all day looking at ATS ads.
Perhaps a more interesting question is why do GMs crossovers do so well and her sedans now not so much? Perhaps there’s less stigma associated with an American truck….
It’s this myopic patriotism that got GM in trouble in the first place.
GM is entitled to ONE frickin’ sale. Each ONE must be earned.
For DECADES the General took pride on an era of quality and design LONG GONE. My Dad’s Cadillacs FELL APART. Literally. Weeks after purchase. You like that window handle? Grab it harder and it’s yours.
THIS WAS THE WINDOW JAPAN DOVE THROUGH.
I’ll grant Mary is staging one of the most brilliant recoveries of a weary brand I’ve ever seen. And that the choice of importing a reliable Mokka instead of building a questionable Encore here was VERY smart.
This will take more time to shake off. If I were GM I’d stick their best cars in retail stores yesterday.
I think Malibu is a great name. Melodious and brings a tinge of wistfulness to this mid-western boy.
Two things: please, please, please, do we have to bring up Trump out of the blue? And, I’m not getting into a back and forth over the SOB, as it’s not worth it (and I obviously need to reevaluate how I spend my free time), but Christ….
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-elections/donald-trump-wins-us-election-russia-putin-result-a7406866.html
As for the Malibu name, it’s possible that the California association is an issue in some idiot’s mind, but the fact that since the name’s revival (if not earlier), the car’s been consistently outdone by its competition–if not at launch but soon after–is surely a bigger factor in the minds of non-believers.
Would like to know what GM’s profit margins are on Malibu. They seem to stand more firm on pricing than the #1&2 sellers, and the lease programs are not as competitive. I don’t know, but I’ve heard friends make deals @ Chevy and shop comparo deal @ Toyota, Nissan & Honda & make the buy.
Sales were down, time for another refresh…. great car but the powetrains need a lot of tweaking. Start/stop sucks. Off and on too much. Lags in response. Design overall is too conservative. Toyota replica
Is there any point in GM making two essentially identical cars (Malibu and Regal) ?