Ford currently has a glairing model gap in it's lineup between the Futura and the Focus.

The new Malibu will be moving up in both size and market position to where the Impala is (possibly even outclassing the Impala), essentially putting it where the Futura is, leaving a pretty huge gap between it and the Cobalt.

Thoughts? Comments?

 

 

The........Chevrolet MONZA!

 

When is the Cobalt due for a refresh? Would it move upwards?

A new Aveo could move upwards, as well. The could then add a smaller can on the bottom.

 

Perhaps Pontiac or Saturn getting something smaller and 'sportier' (at least in perception) from some chassis somewhere in GM's empire? Similar to how the Intrigue looked and felt slightly smaller than a same year GP and Impala.

 

Impala>Malubu>HHR>Cobalt>Aveo Plus the Camaro

Let another division fill what ever gap or niche is left.

 

I dunno if I could put it in marketing terms, but I don't think Chevy is the brand you want any gaps that aren't niche markets. Chevy is the 'something for everyone' brand, from trucks to micro Aveos, from basic grandma's Impala to curb posuer Impala SS's, $20K work trucks to $50K+ Suburbans.

Caddy is the high market, Saturn was the youth, Pontiac was Chevy but with more expressive style and some unique models (Fiero, Solstice). Chevy's like Target, if you need it you'll probably find it here, it'll cost reasonable and (until lately) not be ugly.

 

I agree, perhaps the gap was (currently is) to close to begin with.

 

The Malibu's price is supposed to stay the same, so there is no significant gap between the Malibu and the Cobalt. Chevrolet wants to make its cars look more expensive than they are, as it did in the late 1950's. Toyota sees no gap between the Camry and Corolla, so why would either Ford or Chevrolet have a gap between the Focus/Cobalt and Fusion/Malibu?

 

Right. Im not seeing the gap.

Focus/Cobalt start at like ~17 grand.

Fusion/Malibu are like ~21...

 

I thought he was talking about a gap size wise, not price wise.

Since the Malibu is moving up in size, it would be nice if they kept the Malibu Maxx around on the current platform/size, give it all new sheet metal and a different name and new identity from the Malibu.

But of course we all know the Maxx is dead.

 

The Malibu is only moving up to Camry size or just a tad longer. Again, if Toyota sees no need for a product between the Camry and Corolla, why should Chevrolet have a product between the Cobalt (which is larger than the Corolla anyway) and the Malibu?

 

Maybe a different brand is getting something very, very, very similar like the Maxx but...imported from a different Other Peninsulas European Living quarters??

 

Consider that by all accounts, the new Malibu looks more upmarket than it does now. According to those that were there, those in attentance at the Vegas showing mistook it for an upscale brand or model, not a Chevrolet Malibu. I'm guessing it looks at least as rich if not moreso than Impala. It's also supposed to grow in size. Guessing again, I'm assuming G6 (which is just 2 " shorter than a current Cadillac CTS) size or slightly bigger (Cobalts are nearly 10" shorter).

If true, going from a Malibu to Cobalt is going to be a huge step compared to going from a Malibu to an Impala.

Perhaps Chevy is widening the gaps between their cars?

The next Impala is supposed to be a highly styled, large, aspirational car.

 

Don't GM already have too many models?

Look at Toyota's business model and compare how lean it is compared to GM's brand philosophy.