Chevy Malibu sales increased in the United States and Canada but decreased in South Korea during the fourth quarter of 2022.
Chevrolet Malibu Sales - Q4 2022 - United States
In the United States, Chevrolet Malibu deliveries totaled 35,668 units in Q4 2022, an increase of about 394 percent compared to 7,221 units sold in Q4 2021.During the complete 2022 calendar year, Malibu sales increased about 193 percent to 115,467 units.
| MODEL | Q4 2022 / Q4 2021 | Q4 2022 | Q4 2021 | YTD 2022 / YTD 2021 | YTD 2022 | YTD 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MALIBU | +393.95% | 35,668 | 7,221 | +193.24% | 115,467 | 39,376 |
Chevrolet Malibu Sales - Q4 2022 - Canada
In Canada, Chevrolet Malibu deliveries totaled 1,552 units in Q4 2022, an increase of about 495 percent compared to 261 units sold in Q4 2021.During the complete 2022 calendar year, Malibu sales increased about 226 percent to 5,271 units.
| MODEL | Q4 2022 / Q4 2021 | Q4 2022 | Q4 2021 | YTD 2022 / YTD 2021 | YTD 2022 | YTD 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MALIBU | +494.63% | 1,552 | 261 | +226.38% | 5,271 | 1,615 |
Chevrolet Malibu Sales - Q4 2022 - South Korea
In South Korea, Chevrolet Malibu deliveries totaled 225 units in Q4 2022, a decrease of about 72 percent compared to 805 units sold in Q4 2021.During the complete 2022 calendar year, Malibu sales decreased about 51 percent to 1,509 units.
| MODEL | Q4 2022 / Q4 2021 | Q4 2022 | Q4 2021 | YTD 2022 / YTD 2021 | YTD 2022 | YTD 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MALIBU | -72.05% | 225 | 805 | -51.43% | 1,509 | 3,107 |
Competitive Sales Comparison (USA)
Chevy Malibu sales during the fourth quarter of 2022 moved the Bow Tie brand’s only remaining sedan into third place in its segment when ranked by sales volume. The Toyota Camry remained solidly in first with a 42 percent bump in sales to 80,798 units year-over-year, while the Honda Accord kept continued in second with a one percent slip to 44,149 units. The Malibu took third with a 394 percent jump to 35,668 units. The Nissan Altima placed fourth with a 20 percent increase to 33,833 units, while the Hyundai Sonata moved up to fifth with a 57 percent jump to 19,893 units. The Kia K5 dropped a spot to sixth with a 33 percent slide to 12,735 units and the Subaru Legacy remained in seventh with a 34 percent bump to 5,446 units. The discontinued Mazda Mazda6 and Chrysler 200 both had no deliveries.
Sales Numbers - Midsize Mainstream Sedans - Q4 2022 - United States
| MODEL | Q4 22 / Q4 21 | Q4 22 | Q4 21 | Q4 22 SHARE | Q4 21 SHARE | YTD 22 / YTD 21 | YTD 22 | YTD 21 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOYOTA CAMRY | +41.69% | 80,798 | 57,026 | 35% | 33% | -5.93% | 295,201 | 313,795 |
| HONDA ACCORD | -1.21% | 44,149 | 44,688 | 19% | 26% | -23.71% | 154,612 | 202,676 |
| CHEVROLET MALIBU | +393.95% | 35,668 | 7,221 | 15% | 4% | +193.24% | 115,467 | 39,376 |
| NISSAN ALTIMA | +19.68% | 33,833 | 28,269 | 15% | 16% | +34.86% | 139,955 | 103,777 |
| HYUNDAI SONATA | +56.86% | 19,893 | 12,682 | 9% | 7% | -40.81% | 55,131 | 93,142 |
| KIA K5 | -32.51% | 12,735 | 18,870 | 5% | 11% | -28.19% | 66,298 | 92,326 |
| SUBARU LEGACY | +33.78% | 5,446 | 4,071 | 2% | 2% | -0.71% | 22,605 | 22,766 |
| MAZDA MAZDA6 | -100.00% | 0 | 1,943 | 0% | 1% | -97.93% | 335 | 16,214 |
| CHRYSLER 200 | -100.00% | 0 | 10 | 0% | 0% | -86.67% | 2 | 15 |
| TOTAL | +33.04% | 232,522 | 174,780 | -3.90% | 849,606 | 884,087 |
From a segment share standpoint, the Malibu held a 15 percent share, up 11 percentage points. The Camry posted a 35 percent segment share, up two percentage points year-over-year, while the Accord earned a 19 percent share, down seven percentage points. The Altima posted a 15 percent share, down one percentage point, while the Sonata held a nine percent share, up two percentage points. Finally, the K5 posted a five percent share, down six percentage points, and the Legacy maintained just a two percent share.
It’s worth noting that the two entries fielded by Hyundai and Kia – the Sonata and K5, respectively – accounted for a cumulative 32,628 deliveries, good for a combined 14 percent segment share but still behind the Malibu and Altima.
Sales Numbers - Hyundai and Kia Midsize Sedans - Q4 2022 - USA
| MODEL | Q4 22 / Q4 21 | Q4 22 | Q4 21 | Q4 22 SHARE | Q4 21 SHARE | YTD 22 / YTD 21 | YTD 22 | YTD 21 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HYUNDAI SONATA | +56.86% | 19,893 | 12,682 | 61% | 40% | -40.81% | 55,131 | 93,142 |
| KIA K5 | -32.51% | 12,735 | 18,870 | 39% | 60% | -28.19% | 66,298 | 92,326 |
| TOTAL | +3.41% | 32,628 | 31,552 | -34.53% | 121,429 | 185,468 |
The midsize mainstream sedan segment grew 33 percent to 232,522 units during Q4 2022, meaning Malibu sales significantly outperformed the segment average.
The GM Authority Take
Chevy Malibu sales during fourth quarter of 2022 continued to see an upward trend as production issues were addressed and inventory levels increased – so much so that the Bow Tie brand’s only remaining sedan moved into third in the shrinking but still competitive segment.
In fact, inventory levels of the Malibu across the U.S. have been improving for several months, rising slightly to a 49 days supply in February 2023 as dealerships across the country had 7,424 units on the ground with an additional 1,000 examples of the midsize sedan on their way. It was at a 47 days supply in January 2023, up from a 32 days supply in December 2022.
For context, a 60 days supply was considered optimal in the U.S. auto industry prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Most vehicle models have been running at a fraction of that supply for several years as the headline-making microchip shortage and numerous other supply chain issues created production bottlenecks for GM and other automakers. At 49 days supply, the Malibu is approaching normal pre-pandemic inventory levels.
The 2022 Chevy Malibu represents the seventh model year of the nameplate’s ninth generation, bringing about minor changes that include the deletion of several dealer-installed accessories along with the discontinuation of the base L trim level, making the LS trim the new entry-level model.
The 2023 Chevy Malibu, meanwhile, ushers in a variety of important changes and updates compared to the preceding 2022 model year. The midsize sedan discontinued the Premier trim level as well as the turbocharged 2.0L I4 LTG gasoline engine that powered it, along with the GM 9-speed automatic transmission. Going forward, the 2023 Malibu is available exclusively with the turbocharged 1.5L I4 LFV gasoline engine, which mates to the MRG continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). This combination, rated at 163 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, was previously offered for all 2022 model-year Chevy Malibu trim levels, with the exception of the Premier trim.
For the 2023 model year, Chevy has repackaged the Premier trim as part of a new 2LT trim level. As a result, the 2023 Malibu’s top trim now costs $2,000 less than that of the 2022 model. Additionally, two of the Malibu’s dealer-installed convenience packages are no longer available to order.
The Malibu is currently the only Chevy sedan offered in the U.S. While the upcoming 2024 Chevy Malibu is not expected to introduce any major changes compared to the 2023 model year, GM is planning a next-generation, 2025 Chevy Malibu. Hence, the midsize sedan’s previoiusly-uncertain future may have been decided with this latest news.
Production for the 2023 Chevy Malibu kicked off at the GM Fairfax plant in Kansas City on September 7th, 2022, and the online configurator tool is live. Production of the 2024 Chevy Malibu, meanwhile, is set to kick off on June 21st.
The Malibu’s sales performance during Q4 confirms that U.S. buyers continue to choose the Bow Tie brand’s remaining sedan in spite of it being a relatively dated model at this point, given that the current generation was introduced for the 2016 model year. Chevy’s midsize, four-door car remains competitive even against updated and next-generation models from rivals. It seems wise for GM to keep the Malibu around, and we’ll be very interested in seeing see that model it will compare to the venerable sales leaders.
About The Numbers
- All percent change figures compared to Chevy Malibu sales in Q4 2021, except if noted
- In the United States, there were 78 selling days for Q4 2022 and 78 selling days for Q4 2021
- South Korea sales figures reflect actual vehicle registrations rather than wholesales
- GM Q4 2022 sales reports:
- GM Q4 2022 sales U.S.A.
- Chevrolet sales Q4 2022 U.S.A.
- Cadillac sales Q4 2022 U.S.A.
- Buick sales Q4 2022 U.S.A.
- GMC sales Q4 2022 U.S.A.
- GM Canada Q4 2022 sales
- Chevrolet Canada sales Q4 2022
- Cadillac Canada sales Q4 2022
- Buick Canada sales Q4 2022
- GMC Canada sales Q4 2022
- GM Mexico sales Q4 2022
- GM Mexico sales October 2022
- Chevrolet Mexico October 2022 sales
- Buick Mexico October 2022 sales
- GMC Mexico October 2022 sales
- Cadillac Mexico October 2022 sales
- GM Mexico sales November 2022 sales
- Chevrolet Mexico November 2022 sales
- Buick Mexico November 2022 sales
- GMC Mexico November 2022 sales
- Cadillac Mexico November 2022 sales
- GM Mexico sales December 2022
- Chevrolet Mexico December 2022 sales
- Buick Mexico December 2022 sales
- GMC Mexico December 2022 sales
- Cadillac Mexico December 2022 sales
- GM Mexico sales October 2022
- GM China sales Q4 2022
- Chevrolet China Q4 2022 sales
- Buick China Q4 2022 sales
- Cadillac China Q4 2022 sales
- GM Brazil sales Q4 2022
- GM Argentina sales Q4 2022
- GM Chile sales Q4 2022
- GM Colombia sales Q4 2022
- GM South Korea sales Q4 2022
- GM South Korea October 2022 sales
- Chevrolet South Korea October 2022 sales
- Cadillac South Korea October 2022 sales
- GM South Korea November 2022 sales
- Chevrolet South Korea November 2022 sales
- Cadillac South Korea November 2022 sales
- GM South Korea December 2022 sales
- Chevrolet South Korea December 2022 sales
- Cadillac South Korea December 2022 sales
- GM South Korea October 2022 sales
- GM Q4 2022 sales U.S.A.
Malibu News
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Comments
I am going to give much credit for the Malibu flexing its muscles with its steep upwardly climb in sales to the whoevers who were responsible for designing the dashboard of the Malibu.
Standing next to a Malibu and looking at it, it’s attractive with styling that has shown a long shelf life. But this segment has many brands with decently styled exteriors. So, how else can any of these cars seal the deal?
Were I a salesman, as soon as I could I’d open the left front door and have the prospect get behind the wheel. And that’s where I would do the sale.
Update it and see what happens
Ford is looking extra stupid getting rid of the Fusion.
Is the term “twice fewer” the same as “half”?
If GM/Chevrolet would MARKET the CAR like Toyota does the Camry there could be an increase in the sales. The only marketing that we see and hear is for the CUV, SUV and mall-crawling pickups.
Yes, the US market still want sedans!
Good for Malibu. Camry is still best car in segment. Lots of repeat buyers, high quality, best in class resale and dealers have them in stock.
Think of how Malibu sales might have done if GM had not taken away the hot engine and not taken away the hybrid.
The next generation Malibu should be far more competitive.
But Mary said people won’t buy sedans. Just imagine if GM put a better engine in it, built an SS or LTZ, or even advertised it, how high could sales be?
The general should just give it a major refresh inside and out and guaranteed sales would climb even further! But then again we are talking about GM not Honda or Toyota or even Kia where common sense reigns.
According to GM management car buyers don’t want the Malibu they want the Bolt, they just don’t know it!
TR: Interesting that you say that. I had a 2021 Malibu and loved it. I mean truly loved it. I now have a 2023 Bolt EV. So far, I like it, not love it but like it. What’s the difference? My Bolt has the ugly black (non-painted) plastic molding around the wheels which I hate. It also looks too much like a baby CUV which I hate. But having the EV is a perfect fit for my driving and needs.
The perfect vehicle for me would be the Malibu with the Bolt EV powertain.
I’m glad we have one more generation of it on the way too.
I leased the 2016 and drove it 3 years and I loved it. I turned it in for a Trax and hated it. Just bought a 2023 Malibu RS and I still love how it looks. Will be keeping this car for a long time. The interior is good but wish they would change the material the seats are made of.
Richard: Congrats on the new RS.
My 2021 LT had the same type of cloth. It wasn’t the greatest material, but those seats were comfy and it was easy to slide in/out on those seats. They were also easy to clean. Kind of a tough one since I prefer cloth over leather or plastic (leatherette). But if I were buying a new Malibu today, it would be a 2LT with the leather and probably with the red-line package in white. Fantastic car.