Even though it’s never officially been sold in South Korea, the Chevrolet Malibu is so popular there that that country’s Malibu-related Internet clubs boast more than 30,000 members. And now those fans—and millions more potential customers—we’ll get their chance to see for themselves what all the excitement is about: The all-new 2013 Malibu will go on sale in South Korea this fall.
In addition to the U.S. and China, this was the third major-market launch announced for the Malibu, which will be the first mid-size sedan from Chevy to be offered internationally. After going on sale in South Korea, then China this winter and the U.S. early in 2012, the Malibu will roll out to more than 100 markets on every continent except Antarctica.
The completely redesigned Malibu was introduced earlier this year in a dual-ceremony at the New York International Auto Show and Auto Shanghai 2011—where it also earned honors as the show’s “Most Eye-Catching Car Model.”
“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.
The ’13 Malibu is an ideal choice to help Chevrolet expand its reach in the South Korean market: Showcasing a new, more expressive exterior inspired by the iconic Chevy Camaro, the world-class sedan will offer premium interiors, superior driving dynamics, comprehensive safety systems, and innovative powertrains that include advanced six-speed automatic transmissions and, in the Malibu ECO, GM’s “eAssist” light-electrification system.
The automaker’s eAssist technology leverages a cutting-edge 115-volt lithium-ion battery and latest-generation 15-kW motor generator to provide an electrical power boost to the Malibu ECO under certain driving conditions. Combined with the car’s high-efficiency 2.4-liter EcoTec I4 engine, eAssist is expected to drive the Malibu ECO’s fuel efficiency ratings to an impressive 26 mpg city/38 mpg highway.
Which should translate into excellent Malibu sales across the globe.
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