GM sets high bar for 2016 Chevy Malibu

GM is setting the bar high for its 2016 Chevrolet Malibu, telling suppliers to prepare for a significant increase in production over the outgoing model on higher projected demand.
Reuters reports that GM has prepped its suppliers for a 25%-50% increase in production vs. 2014, or a total of 250,000-300,000 units.

Total sales of 250,000 units would have made the outgoing Malibu the eighth-best-selling four-door in America in 2014. At just 188,519 units, it finished 11th, well behind its biggest domestic rival (the Fusion) at 306,860. The Toyota Camry was #1 with more than 428,000 sold.

GM has been hyping the new Malibu in advance of its debut in New York, revealing earlier this week that its new Hybrid model will deliver at least 45 mpg combined when it undergoes EPA testing. This figure would top hybrid rivals such as the Ford Fusion (42 mpg), Toyota Camry (41 mpg) and Hyundai Sonata (41 mpg). The segment benchmark is currently set by the Honda Accord Hybrid, however, with a 47 mpg combined rating.

Chevy has also been touting the 2016 Malibu’s updated MyLink technology, which includes a full suite of teen driver safety tech.

Stay tuned for full details and live images of the 2016 Malibu when it hits the show floor in New York next week.