General Motors(GM) brand Chevrolet is reportedly looking to cull passenger car models like the Malibu sedan within the next decade, as it shifts its focus to crossovers and electric vehicles. According to industry journal Automotive News, anonymous sources have indicated the Malibu may get another facelift around 2022 before being put to rest around 2024
From there, it's believed the Malibu will be 'indirectly replaced' by an all-new electric vehicle (EV), though the size, body style and nameplate is unknown at this stage. GM is working on a number of new EV models to be launched within the next five years, with some 23 new electrified offerings to be launched across the portfolio by the end of 2023.
Beyond the Malibu, it's believed most of Chevrolet's passenger car offerings will get the axe over the coming years, including the Impala, Sonic (Holden Barina), Spark, and even the Cruze (above). The company's crossover and pick-up lines have a much brighter future, it seems. A refresh for the Bolt EV should be coming in 2020, with a proper SUV-styled version of the American electric crossover to debut in 2021 – likely focused on China.
Updated versions of the Tahoe, Suburban and Yukon SUVs should debut next year, too, while the Silverado could get a refresh in 2020 or 2021. Automotive News reckons the Colorado and Canyon trucks won't see major upgrades until 2023, which is about the same time GM's first electric pick-up is planned to make its debut. Above: Holden Astra sedan What this means for Holden is unclear at this stage, given several Chevrolet products have been cut from the local portfolio.
Since Opel has now been acquired by the PSA Group, and the Chevrolet Cruze is on its way to the grave, Australia's lion brand could be without a small car offering within a few years, which would leave the Trax crossover (or whatever its replacement will be called) as the company's entry-level product.
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