Chevy Malibu sales decreased substantially in all markets tracked by GM Authority during the third quarter of 2021, including the United States, Canada, and South Korea.
Chevrolet Malibu Sales - Q3 2021 - United States
In the United States, Chevrolet Malibu deliveries totaled 269 units in Q3 2021, a decrease of about 99 percent compared to 25,455 units sold in Q3 2020.In the first nine months of the year, Malibu sales decreased about 56 percent to 32,155 units.
| MODEL | Q3 2021 / Q3 2020 | Q3 2021 | Q3 2020 | YTD 2021 / YTD 2020 | YTD 2021 | YTD 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MALIBU | -98.94% | 269 | 25,455 | -56.19% | 32,155 | 73,399 |
Chevrolet Malibu Sales - Q3 2021 - Canada
In Canada, Chevrolet Malibu deliveries totaled 140 units in Q3 2021, a decrease of about 83 percent compared to 838 units sold in Q3 2020.In the first nine months of the year, Malibu sales decreased about 41 percent to 1,354 units.
| MODEL | Q3 2021 / Q3 2020 | Q3 2021 | Q3 2020 | YTD 2021 / YTD 2020 | YTD 2021 | YTD 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MALIBU | -83.29% | 140 | 838 | -40.59% | 1,354 | 2,279 |
Chevrolet Malibu Sales - Q3 2021 - South Korea
In South Korea, Chevrolet Malibu deliveries totaled 578 units in Q3 2021, a decrease of about 49 percent compared to 1,139 units sold in Q3 2020.In the first nine months of the year, Malibu sales decreased about 53 percent to 2,302 units.
| MODEL | Q3 2021 / Q3 2020 | Q3 2021 | Q3 2020 | YTD 2021 / YTD 2020 | YTD 2021 | YTD 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MALIBU | -49.25% | 578 | 1,139 | -52.91% | 2,302 | 4,889 |
Competitive Sales Comparison (USA)
Chevy Malibu sales performance places the model in last place in its segment during Q3 2021. Though the Malibu technically recorded more deliveries than three rivals, these models have been discontinued and are therefore not true competitors.
The midsize Chevrolet sedan was outsold by the Toyota Camry in first place with a 5 percent growth rate, Honda Accord in second (despite a 23 percent drop), Hyundai Sonata in third (up 15 percent), Kia K5 in fourth, Nissan Altima in fifth, Volkswagen Passat in sixth (see VW Passat sales), Subaru Legacy in seventh, and Mazda6 in eighth (see Mazda6 sales). Placing ninth, the Malibu outsold three discontinued models: the Ford Fusion (see Ford Fusion sales), Chrysler 200, and Kia Optima (which has been replaced by the K5).
Sales Numbers - Midsize Mainstream Sedans - Q3 2021 - United States
| MODEL | Q3 21 / Q3 20 | Q3 21 | Q3 20 | Q3 21 SHARE | Q3 20 SHARE | YTD 21 / YTD 20 | YTD 21 | YTD 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOYOTA CAMRY | +4.78% | 79,098 | 75,489 | 40% | 27% | +25.29% | 256,769 | 204,945 |
| HONDA ACCORD | -23.45% | 43,281 | 56,537 | 22% | 21% | +8.74% | 157,988 | 145,291 |
| HYUNDAI SONATA | +15.00% | 26,262 | 22,837 | 13% | 8% | +51.45% | 80,460 | 53,126 |
| KIA K5 | +109.64% | 22,352 | 10,662 | 11% | 4% | +588.95% | 73,456 | 10,662 |
| NISSAN ALTIMA | -51.56% | 13,578 | 28,033 | 7% | 10% | -22.22% | 75,508 | 97,082 |
| VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT | -15.64% | 5,137 | 6,089 | 3% | 2% | +1.94% | 16,504 | 16,190 |
| SUBARU LEGACY | -29.02% | 5,774 | 8,135 | 3% | 3% | -6.69% | 18,695 | 20,036 |
| MAZDA MAZDA6 | +9.41% | 4,245 | 3,880 | 2% | 1% | +19.27% | 14,271 | 11,965 |
| CHEVROLET MALIBU | -98.94% | 269 | 25,455 | 0% | 9% | -56.19% | 32,155 | 73,399 |
| FORD FUSION | -99.23% | 225 | 29,243 | 0% | 11% | -87.12% | 11,678 | 90,664 |
| CHRYSLER 200 | -49.62% | 2 | 4 | 0% | 0% | -28.57% | 5 | 7 |
| KIA OPTIMA | -100.00% | 0 | 9,276 | 0% | 3% | -99.97% | 16 | 48,101 |
| TOTAL | -27.36% | 200,223 | 275,640 | -4.40% | 737,505 | 771,468 |
From a segment share standpoint, the Camry dominated with a 40 percent share, up an impressive 13 percentage points year-over-year. The Accord took 22 percent, up a single percentage point, and the Sonata had a 13 percent segment share, up 5 percentage points. The Kia K5 claimed 11 percent, up 7 percentage points, and the Nissan Altima dropped to 7 percent from a previous 10 percent share. The Passat and Legacy accounted for a 3 percent share each, and the Mazda6 had 2 percent. The Malibu, Chrysler 200, and Kia Optima each had less than 1 percent segment share.
It’s worth noting that the two entries fielded by Hyundai and Kia accounted for a cumulative 48,614 units, good for a 24 percent segment share. The performance places the model behind the Toyota Camry, albeit by a not-insignificant 30,484 units.
Sales Numbers - Hyundai and Kia Midsize Sedans - Q3 2021 - USA
| MODEL | Q3 21 / Q3 20 | Q3 21 | Q3 20 | Q3 21 SHARE | Q3 20 SHARE | YTD 21 / YTD 20 | YTD 21 | YTD 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HYUNDAI SONATA | +15.00% | 26,262 | 22,837 | 54% | 53% | +51.45% | 80,460 | 53,126 |
| KIA K5 | +109.64% | 22,352 | 10,662 | 46% | 25% | +588.95% | 73,456 | 10,662 |
| KIA OPTIMA | -100.00% | 0 | 9,276 | 0% | 22% | -99.97% | 16 | 48,101 |
| TOTAL | +13.65% | 48,614 | 42,775 | +37.58% | 153,932 | 111,889 |
The midsize mainstream sedan segment contracted 27 percent to 200,223 units during Q3 2021, meaning that the Malibu significantly underperformed the segment.
The GM Authority Take
The abysmal Chevy Malibu sales performance during Q3 2021 is the direct result of idled production since February as a result of the ongoing global microchip shortage. In fact, recent reports indicate that the Malibu (along with the Chevy Equinox) was hit the hardest by chip-related production constraints as General Motors prioritizes chips to more profitable products, namely full-size SUVs and pickup trucks.
Luckily, 2021 Malibu production recently restarted on November 1st, and sales should start picking back up during the fourth quarter. Additionally, 2022 Chevy Malibu production is expected to commence in December. The 2022 Malibu sees a few minor changes and updates for what will be the seventh model year of the nameplate’s ninth generation.
It’s worth highlighting that the Malibu was the fifth-best-selling model in its segment during Q3 2020. It then became the segment’s fourth-best-seller during the fourth quarter of 2020, holding on to that position in Q1 2021. The Chevy sedan then fell to ninth place in its segment during Q2 2021 as a result of the aforementioned production stoppage.
Once Malibu production rebounds, it will continue to see strong competition from newer (and potentially more desirable) rivals from Toyota, Hyundai, and Kia. Compared to those newer rivals, the Malibu’s age is starting to show, as the current, ninth-generation sedan has been on sale since the 2016 model year, receiving a refresh for the 2019 model year.
It’s also worthy to note that the Malibu is currently the only Chevrolet sedan offered in the U.S., as Chevy has already discontinued other sedans, including the the Impala, Cruze, and Sonic. The Malibu is expected to hit the chopping block around 2024, continuing GM’s shift toward more popular crossovers and SUVs. Fortunately for GM, Chevy sedan owners are moving into crossovers and are not being lost to rivals that still offer sedans.
Getting inventory levels back up will help Chevy Malibu sales until its demise.
About The Numbers
- All percent change figures compared to Chevrolet Malibu sales in Q3 2020, except if noted
- In the United States, there were 79 selling days for Q3 2021 and 79 selling days for Q3 2020
- South Korea sales figures reflect actual vehicle registrations rather than wholesales
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GM Q3 2021 sales reports:- GM Q3 2021 sales U.S.A.
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Comments
It may also be “worthy” to note (is that the same as “worth noting”?):
Production of the Ford Fusion ceased in July of 2020.
Production of the Chrysler 200 ceased in December 2016 !!! It took 5 years to sell off inventory?
This is exactly what happens when GM listens to the “soccer mom type” focus groups and groups under 30 whose not lived long enough to know anything. Read my post below yours and I gave GM data worth millions of dollars … the people want style yes, but the SUV offers some sport, absolutely no utility. The Buick Encore/Chevy Trax are cute, but can’t tow 1 pound.
Mary, believe it or not people are still looking for 4 door sedans including my son. Build it and they will buy. ?????
Tony, check out my post … GM has lost it “flex-ability” and with that building common sense vehicles that people can actually afford.
Hey GM ! Do you want to double the sales of the Malbu? It will involve you throwing away all the soccer mom mentality focus groups you’ve listened too and listen to those whose been around this industry 30 years longer than most of the focus groups providing bogus data and what works for you today. How? Offer the Malibu in a real station wagon, not some “fluff piece”, but one that will earns it’s keep. Give it a engine an drive train and shock/spring package that will allow it to tow 2,000 to 3,000 pounds, the passenger front seat needs to fold flat (both seats need to fold flat, not kind of flat) so when the back seat folds down you can haul an 8 foot 2X4 and the lift gate close. Make the rear glass so it will open like my old ’96 Cutlass did. I work with draft horses, we had two Cutlass wagons, the ’95 model hauled 500 pounds of horse feed each week, the barn hands likes the wagon over the truck hands down … never was weather a problem. GM, this is what you got to do. Your customer base WILL INCLUDE auto parts houses, small to middle horse/animal farms like ours, the tractor dealership I just retired from, and anyone over age 30. The SUVs provide plenty of sport, dern near no utility. I like the Buick Encore and if it could tow the above numbers, we’d very likely own 2 of them. The market is decidedly there despite what a soccer mom will tell you, build this, don’t let your competition beat you to this like Ford has with the Maverick small truck. One other suggestion for the Malibu wagon … offer it in a hybrid version that like the Maverick so it will tow 2,000 pounds, just pull the ’95 Cutlass Wagon blueprints out of storage and to the “updates”. And again listen to the people for a change who has the money on their pocket to buy something with, not the ones up to their eyeballs in debt like the soccer mom type groups whose SUV only sees dirt if they back into their flower bed. One other thing, a humble ASTRO cargo van was in the farm fleet but after 22 years, it was retired … now it belongs to a lawn care guy.
All that long rant and didn’t read that GM didn’t make any Malibu mostly this year….
And you are good reason why most people who think they know have no idea. You honestly think adding a little towing to a wagon with some features will sell? Come one one, stop living in the past. If you ran GM it will be already in bankruptcy. As much as I love wagons, they don’t sell and every manufacturer has tried in the past decade. Give it up. It is much easier and more comfortable getting in and out of a CUV than a wagon. When they are chocked full of stuff and people you don’t have to worry about dragging bumpers or the bottom over driveways and speed bumps, and the MPG penalty isn’t much with a ton more options out there. I love your idea, it just would not sell, period. You keep mentioning the soccer moms, what demographic are you in, the geezer living in the past grandpas?
So GM should produce station wagons for all those horse owners. That must be a large market niche that isn’t served !
They don’t make electric cars either! Zero sales there too.
There you go again with the headline then comes the butt…Just say up front they ain’t making any.
The Chrysler 200, really?? That car hasn’t been produced in a few years now.
So sad. I have a 2020 Malibu Premier that replaced my 2016 Premier. I love the car. I don’t see WHY it isn’t in competition with the Accord or Camry? MAYBE if GM ADVERTISED the Malibu and put SOME discounts on it like you have been doing with the SUVs, you might sell some! That said, even BEFORE the chip shortage the dealers didn’t have any Malibus on their lots! When mine arrived at the dealer, everyone came out to look at it because it was the first one they had seen in a long time! Mine is RED with “white” leather AKA light tan! I think GM is on the downslide. Oh well. No more GM for me! I want a CAR, not an SUV!
It’s so obvious gm’s itching to kill off the Malibu. They want OUT of the US car business. Period. Loaded, soon to be electric trucks, SUV and CUVs and high dollar ICE sports cars is it here. They aren’t interested in selling compact, fuel efficient low profit margin vehicles to everyday Americans anymore, that’s strictly their Third World marketing plan.
Wasn’t it Mary Barra who said “let them eat cake”?
Idiot Boy:
Don’t think it’s a secret. I believe GM has already announced that the Malibu will not be replaced.
Honestly, I’d be surprised if the Malibu survives past next year. The production halt killed off whatever interest might have been left. At this point it needs fleet/rental sales to stay alive.
Does it get offered to taxi’s in Korea? I could image them putting a cheap hybrid version to good use.
GM needs a new sportier sedan , the cruze is too generic looking.
With gas prices going up under Biden’s failed leadership maybe now is the time.
Gas was NEVER this high under Trump and even Schumer is asking Mr. Senile to release from the strategic gas reserves as Bideninflation and shipping costs are killing off what’s left of the middle class.
Let’s go Brandon,FJB !!!!
Amen. The majority of the Democrat Party and most of the far-left propagandists passing as “the press” should be led straight to the gallows along with our hugely dangerous Big Tech Overlords. Collectively, these people are killing the economy, dividing the country racially, censoring truth and reason to incubate and normalize radical far left ideologies, indoctrinating our children and/or poisoning them with “vaccines”, creating chaos both at home and abroad, endangering us militarily, opening the floodgates to illegal immigration, trashing the Constitution and on the whole doing a right fine job making a complete mockery of our country.
Idiot Boy:
You got one thing right. Your name.
Yeah, boy howdy this gub’t we have’s doin greaaat! Pat yerself on the back for all this winning you voted for. Oy vey.
“Amen”, not to be political but why right wingers think they have an American monopoly on the Bible?, I’ve been to churches in left-lean cities that was far more accurate on the Gospel than heresy that comes out of many rural churches and yes I’ve seen left churches that just as bad. Not stating that some of the stuff you’re saying is wrong but satan plays both sides when it comes to politics.., just sayin…
Amen. Let it be. That’s it. Don’t over-complicate the issue. Let’s Go Brandon.
Note the increase by the competition may be directly related to the ship shortage many buyers may have went to the competition to get a car over any suv from Chevy and they were short on all vehicles. This is a really bad article!!! for sure. All battery powered vehicles coming out are very small in size and the bigger they make them the more batteries they will need. If you are going to one from a bigger suv those owners are not going to be happy for sure.
GM should try something Bold. They should make the next Gen Malibu a Poor Mans Tesla Model S Five Door Hatch EV.
They need something Drastic as the current Malibu is not a good vehicle. It isn’t competitive at all….Inside and out, especially
on the inside.