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National Chevy Malibu Supply At Eight Days In May 2022

Inventory of the Chevy Malibu sedan remained at eight days supply in early May 2022, GM Authority has learned from sources familiar with GM’s inventory situation. More specifically, only 165 units were on the ground at U.S. dealers, and 1,069 units were transit.

Malibu inventory was also at eight days at the beginning of March 2022, with 532 individual units of the Chevy Malibu on the ground and an additional 956 units in transit. A 60-day supply is considered optimal in the U.S. auto industry.

The extremely limited inventory at the dealer level isn’t entirely unexpected, however, as Malibu production was idled for the better part of the 2021 calendar year at the GM Fairfax Assembly plant, as a direct result of the ongoing global semiconductor microchip shortage. Beginning in February of 2021, no new units of the Chevy Malibu rolled off the assembly line until production resumed in early November. The Cadillac XT4 is assembled at the same facility, and production of the small luxury crossover also suffered during the plant’s shutdown, resuming approximately one week after the Malibu. It’s also worth noting that the Malibu was among the vehicles that were hit hardest by the semiconductor supply issues, with 116,598 units cut as a result of the nine-month lull in production.

Sales of the Malibu have suffered as a result, though the midsize sedan managed to hold its own during the first quarter of 2022 despite the inventory shortage. The Malibu took fourth place in its segment with a 13 percent share, up two percentage points. Sales volume declined just five percent to 25,682 units, outperforming the segment.

Sales Numbers - Midsize Mainstream Sedans - Q1 2022 - United States

MODEL Q1 22 / Q1 21 Q1 22 Q1 21 Q1 22 SHARE Q1 21 SHARE
TOYOTA CAMRY -21.30% 61,505 78,151 31% 33%
HONDA ACCORD -9.77% 42,039 46,591 21% 19%
NISSAN ALTIMA +19.61% 38,295 32,017 19% 13%
CHEVROLET MALIBU -4.84% 25,682 26,987 13% 11%
KIA K5 -12.54% 17,822 20,378 9% 8%
HYUNDAI SONATA -62.33% 7,744 20,557 4% 9%
SUBARU LEGACY -12.45% 5,520 6,305 3% 3%
VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT -48.29% 2,345 4,535 1% 2%
MAZDA MAZDA6 -92.42% 325 4,285 0% 2%
CHRYSLER 200 +103.03% 2 1 0% 0%
TOTAL -16.07% 201,279 239,807

Since then, Malibu production has ramped back up and is currently operating at full capacity, and inventory should continue to improve as a result. Even so, production hiccups continue, with the Malibu losing two accessory grille options while also finally seeing the return of heated and ventilated seats.

Under the hood, the 2022 Chevy Malibu offers two engine options. The base engine is the turbocharged 1.5L I4 LFV gasoline motor, rated at 163 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The turbocharged 2.0L I4 LTG gasoline engine, rated at 250 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, is available as an optional upgrade on the Premier trim. At 32 mpg, the Malibu has the second-best combined fuel economy rating among GM vehicles, which may be one of the many reasons Chevy’s midsize sedan remains popular with buyers.

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Vince grew up in a GM family, likes manuals, and thinks this is the golden age of the automobile.

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Comments

  1. You can bet it is not that they are selling like hot cakes. IMO the supply is low because production is put on the back burner so that can produce more high priced money makers.

    Reply
    1. On the contrary, I’ve recently been to KC where they’re built, also I’ve mentioned that I drove past a volume Chevy dealer, plenty of Malibu in stock. The article did mention production is back at full speed so inventory will take it’s time.

      Reply
  2. Where? lol.

    Reply
  3. How about sending us some Camaros (LT1)?

    Reply
  4. In the last few years I have rented many Malibu’s and Impala’s . They are drastically underrated cars. Their performance and comfort are as good as Japanese and German competitors. Their computers and Navigation systems are easier to use than my 2022 911.

    Reply
    1. They are underrated because GM undervalued them. Almost nothing was spent on advertising and promotions. If people don’t know about your products people are not going to buy your products.

      Reply
    2. John: I agree. In the past two years I’ve owned a 2020 Cadillac CT4, a 2021 Volvo S60 T8 Inscription and now a 2021 Chevrolet Malibu LT. I’ve liked all three cars and like the CT4 the best, but I was able to sell that and the Volvo and make money due to the market. I kind of ended up with the Malibu by default and after 4 months I’m really liking this car. Especially for what I paid.

      Reply
  5. Hola, me gustaria que mi pais, Argentina, pudiera comercializar el chevy malibu. Que sea competencia del ford mondeo. Que se pueda hacer realidad mi anhelo. Gracias.

    Reply
  6. As fast food places automate the labor force should loosen allowing for more people to move to low end manufacturing and further easing the supply issues constraining auto production in US.

    Reply
  7. Malibu’s looming production end is very disheartening.

    Reply
  8. If you don’t know the Malibu is being made how can you expect someone to buy it. Commercial says full line of Chevys but only show crossovers, SUV’s and trucks. How can you say full line if you are not advertising the Malibu. Very disheartening. I live my 2021 Malibu.

    Reply
  9. Our 2017 Malibu is the best sedan we ever owned. Only a a few minor problems the dealership took care of, great mileage and as roomy as hell. I would hate to think I will someday have to replace it with a battery powered car. With a little luck and a return to honest elections, maybe that day will never come.

    Reply
  10. Have had 2 customers with leases that have ended that had to buy out their lease because we are not getting any Malibu’s. Orders placed 6/21/2021 and 9/14/2021…Not to mention all the Equinox leasee’s that have had to do the same. Come on GM, at least fulfill your loyal lease customers!

    Reply
  11. Can’t buy a Chevy. My 2011 Malibu transmission self destroyed at 65,000 miles and then again at 130,000 miles. Timing belt also went at 80,000 miles. Thousands in repair costs. Buying a Toyota next time. Chevy lost me.

    Reply
  12. Changing the fluid at 45k is recommended for light users and annually if you drive hard, tow, carry more than 2-250 pound passengers. Vehicle is rated for total 750 pounds of cargo/passenger..Also newer car has CVT so they are far more forgiving.

    Reply

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