General Motors is already purging many of its sedans, but thus far the Chevrolet Malibu has been spared. Its ability to dodge the death bullet is reportedly going to end in 2024, according to a new report.
AutoNews reports GM future product plans show no replacement for the current-generation Malibu. Product plans show the current Malibu will continue production through 2024, then the midsize sedan is likely dead. Between now and 2024, Chevy will likely give the car a refresh for the 2022 model year to keep it relevant for the last two years of its lifecycle.
For now GM has no direct replacement for the Malibu. Instead, the automaker is likely to replace the Malibu with a battery-electric sedan based on its BEV3 electric vehicle architecture. The new EV will likely carry a different nameplate than the Malibu.
News of the Malibu’s alleged death come as little surprise. Malibu sales are down nearly 15 percent so far in 2019 as buyers continue to prefer crossovers and utility vehicles.
Malibu is one of the last Chevrolet sedans left in the brand’s lineup. Chevy is currently ending or has ended production on the Cruze and Impala sedans. Right now Chevy offers the Camaro, Corvette, Malibu, Sonic and Spark as its passenger car lineup.