Chevrolet Malibu Expands Global Reach
- Chevrolet Adds Korea as third major market for sales of all-new Malibu
- Malibu represents first Chevrolet midsize car in Korea
- Malibu named Most Eye-Catching Car at Auto Shanghai 2011
DETROIT AND SEOUL – Fresh off the global debut of the all-new Chevrolet Malibu at the New York and Shanghai auto shows, Chevrolet today announced it will build and sell the midsized sedan in Korea.
Malibu, Chevrolet’s first midsize sedan to be sold globally, was named this week as the Most Eye-Catching Car at Auto Shanghai 2011. It will be sold in nearly 100 markets on six continents.
“Adding Korea as a key sales market for the new Malibu further increases the brand’s global presence and continues our growth path while increasing our car offerings to consumers in Korea,” said Russ Clark, Chevrolet Product Director.
Interest in the new Malibu is growing in Korea ahead of its introduction there. Members of Malibu-related Internet clubs total about 30,000 in a market where Malibu has never officially been sold.
Earlier this year, GM Korea announced it is replacing the GM Daewoo nameplate with the Chevrolet brand. This move allows the company to compete in new vehicle segments and offer more choice to Korean customers.
The Chevrolet Malibu boasts expressive design that stands out around the world. With design cues inspired by the Camaro, the Malibu offers customers around the world a premium interior, efficient four-cylinder Ecotec engines and advanced six-speed auto transmissions, the driving capabilities of a premium sports sedan with top safety features.
Chevrolet’s global production roll-out of the all-new Malibu begins in Bupyeong, Korea this fall, followed by Jingjiao, China, at the end of 2011 and Fairfax, Kan. and Detroit-Hamtramck, in early 2012.
Separately, the new Malibu was named the Most Eye-Catching Car Model at the Auto Shanghai 2011 Grand Awards ceremony held recently. Shanghai GM, a joint venture between GM and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp., was named the Best Car Manufacturer.
The new Malibu was one of more than 1,100 vehicles from global and local automakers on display at China’s leading auto show. About 5.2 million votes for Most Eye-Catching Car were cast during the 10-day exhibition. The honor for the new model adds to the current Malibu’s list of more than 40 industry awards since 2008.
Shanghai GM and SAIC-GM-Wuling showcased more than 25 production and concept vehicles under the Chevrolet, Buick and Cadillac brands at Auto Shanghai 2011.
About Chevrolet
Founded in Detroit in 1911, Chevrolet celebrates its centennial as a global automotive brand with annual sales of about 4.25 million vehicles in more than 140 countries. Chevrolet provides consumers with fuel-efficient, safe and reliable vehicles that deliver high quality, expressive design, spirited performance and value. The Chevrolet portfolio includes iconic performance cars such as Corvette and Camaro; dependable, long-lasting pickups and SUVs such as Silverado and Suburban; and award-winning passenger cars and crossovers such as Spark, Cruze, Malibu, Equinox and Traverse. Chevrolet also offers “gas-friendly to gas-free" solutions including Cruze Eco and Volt. Cruze Eco offers 42 mpg highway while Volt offers 35 miles of electric, gasoline-free driving and an additional 344 miles of extended range. Most new Chevrolet models offer OnStar safety, security and convenience technologies including OnStar Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Crash Response and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown. More information regarding Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.
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