Chevrolet Malibu Sales Continue Despite Discontinuation

Key Takeaways

• Chevrolet discontinued the Malibu in November 2024, but 206 new examples still sold in the US this year.
• The Malibu has also surged up the used-car charts, likely due to rental fleets offloading thousands of them.
• General Motors’ overall sales have slipped through the first half of this year, with a 6.8% decline in US sales.
• Cadillac sales plummeted 19.2% in the second quarter, primarily due to the axing of the XT4.
• There are still around two dozen 2025 Malibu models available at dealerships, mostly at Champion Chevrolet in Johnson City, Tennessee.

What’s Behind the Continued Sales of the Discontinued Malibu?

In my experience, it’s not uncommon for discontinued models to still sell in small numbers, especially if there’s still inventory available. The Malibu’s continued sales can be attributed to its loyal customer base and the fact that it’s one of the last sedans of its kind in the US market.

The Malibu’s popularity on the used market is also a factor, with the model shooting up from 29th place to 8th place on the list of most popular used cars in America. This is likely due to rental fleets offloading thousands of them shortly after the sedan was discontinued.

How Does the Malibu’s Sales Performance Compare to Other GM Models?

General Motors’ overall sales have slipped through the first half of this year, with a 6.8% decline in US sales. However, the Malibu’s sales performance is not the only concern for GM, as Cadillac sales plummeted 19.2% in the second quarter.

The decline in Cadillac sales can be attributed to the axing of the XT4, which saw its sales fall from 4,010 to just 83. Other Cadillac models, such as the Escalade, Lyriq, XT5, and XT6, also reported sales declines.

What’s the Current Inventory of the Malibu?

According to Chevrolet’s online inventory tool, there are still around two dozen 2025 Malibu models available at dealerships, mostly at Champion Chevrolet in Johnson City, Tennessee. This suggests that there’s still some stock lingering in the company’s inventory waiting for a home.

How Does the Malibu’s Sales Performance Affect GM’s Overall Sales?

The Malibu’s sales performance is a small part of GM’s overall sales, but it’s still a significant factor. The decline in GM’s overall sales can be attributed to various factors, including the decline in Cadillac sales and the overall market trends.

However, the Malibu’s continued sales suggest that there’s still a demand for sedans in the US market, and GM may need to reconsider its strategy in this segment.

What’s the Future of the Malibu?

It’s unclear what the future holds for the Malibu, but its continued sales suggest that it still has a loyal customer base. However, with the rise of SUVs and crossovers, it’s unlikely that GM will revive the Malibu in its current form.

Instead, GM may consider introducing a new sedan model that meets the changing market trends and consumer preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many Malibu units did Chevrolet sell in the US this year?

A: Chevrolet sold 206 new Malibu units in the US this year, despite discontinuing the model in 2024.

Q: Why is the Malibu still popular on the used market?

A: The Malibu’s popularity on the used market can be attributed to rental fleets offloading thousands of them shortly after the sedan was discontinued. This has led to a surge in demand for used Malibu models.

Q: How does the Malibu’s sales performance compare to other GM models?

A: The Malibu’s sales performance is not the only concern for GM, as Cadillac sales plummeted 19.2% in the second quarter. However, the Malibu’s continued sales suggest that it still has a loyal customer base.