2013 Chevrolet Malibu to Launch Four Months Early

Malibu production is being accelerated to a January 2012 launch, according to an internal GM report from earlier this year. This means the new model could arrive at U.S. dealerships in as little as eight to nine months from now.

While the current Malibu is a competent car, it’s still not selling at the same volume as the Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Fusion or the redesigned Hyundai Sonata. The Malibu is GM’s third best-selling car — after the Cruze and Impala — year-to-date. The vehicle came in seventh place in our $25,000 Family Sedan Shootout, where the Malibu was dinged for its outdated interior and weak four-cylinder.

From what we know about the 2013 Malibu, including exterior and interior teaser shots and GM’s top brass’ public comments, we can expect a more competitive product.

GM’s CEO Daniel Akerson advocates an early Malibu launch to put the car on a better footing with new and upcoming midsize competition; a new Nissan Altima is coming next summer and a new Toyota Camry is in development, according to the Detroit News.

The 2013 Malibu will be unveiled Monday at the 2011 Shanghai Auto Show. It will be Chevrolet’s first global midsize sedan.

GM puts Malibu production on fast track (The Detroit News)