Quote:
Originally Posted by oklapike
I think the top three is a bit optimistic (at least for this generation). If this new Malibu makes the impact that the initial reaction would seem to indicate, I could see it meeting the stated sales goals (250k per year - maybe a bit more). That would put it into a solid number five spot behind Fusion.
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It is reaching; I feel that it isn't necessarily the design that is keeping Malibu behind. The american cars have had to contend with a lingering reputation of poor quality and design that, until roughly a decade or more ago, has gone unanswered. IMO GM started answering the poor quality of their products as long ago as 1995, with better ignition systems and more integrated engine management electronics. Its not amazing that it has taken nearly 20 years for the company to begin to shed its bad skin from the horrible late 70's and 80's. Once GM can universally change customers' impression of their products, I feel that we should see an improvement in sales of its mainstream cars like Malibu. GM and Chevy are getting the message; It wasn't long ago that buyers had to suffer with a marginal design for almost a decade without change. GM is really trying to get back in the forefront of the industry.