Editors: The foregoing information is a rough sketch of the 1997 Chevrolet Malibu. Complete information will be distributed at special previews throughout the country during 1996.

Appealing to needs as defined by real-world customers -- not only to a set of demographics. People surveyed in different parts of country are different -- but what they want in a midsize car is quite similar. The average Malibu customer wants a good value, well thought out, attention to detail. Vibrant and appealing design. Malibu buyer is sophisticated, solid mid-America type, better educated with high expectations. Affordability is a key discriminator in buying decision, and value represents features not normally found on vehicles in this price range.

WHAT:

1997 Chevrolet Malibu -- Best value in segment. Two sedan models -- entry and LS. Midsize interior spaciousness with smaller exterior. Easy to park and maneuver, but roomy for driver and passengers. Import quality levels for thousands less. Attention to fit and finish and placement of switches and controls. Competing with Dodge Stratus, Chrysler Cirrus, Ford Contour, Mercury Mystique as well as midsize entries from Toyota, Nissan and Honda.

Standard equipment:

• Air bags -- driver & passenger
• Anti-lock brakes
• Engine -- 2.4L DOHC L4
• Ignition on dashboard
• Interior -- State-of-the-art electrical system, i.e. standard features not found on other cars in Malibu’s price range.
• Intermittent Wipers
• Paint -- premium/clearcoat
• Passlock anti-theft system
• Power steering
• Remote trunk release
• Tachometer
• Tilt steering wheel
• Transmission -- 4-speed automatic
• Trip odometer

Production begins at GM facilities during the fourth quarter of 1996 at Oklahoma City, Okla. and during the first quarter of 1997 at Wilmington, Del. Dealer introduction during first quarter of 1997.

WHERE:

Malibu will be built at GM facilities in Oklahoma City, Okla. and Wilmington, Del.

WHY:

More midsize cars are bought in U.S. than any other size car. Voice of the Customer. Designers sat in dealerships and sketched designs as customers gave input. Want interior roominess without aggressive or outlandish styling. Examples of what customers told Chevrolet they wanted:

• Quiet

  Listening to customers resulted in world class body structure for noise and vibration. Noise levels comparable to more expensive vehicles.

• Reliable

  Average customer in this segment keeps his/her sedan more than 6 years so they judge vehicle on how much value car retains in 6th or 7th year. Malibu’s parts and components have been designed to ensure long-term value.

  Examples:

  • Interior -- Carpeting, seat fabrics and interior vinyl surfaces tested to maintain appearance for 50 percent beyond normal testing bogey.
  • Exterior -- 100% of sheet metal is galvanized steel so it still looks great in 6 or 7 years. No competitor (in Malibu’s class) has this.
  • Service -- Worry-free reliability and long-term value. Platinum-tipped spark plugs designed to last 100,000 miles; transmission sealed for life; aluminized, stainless steel muffler to avoid rust, etc. Thirty percent increase in air flow to cool underhood area which increases component life.

• Comfortable

  Examples:

  • Air Conditioning -- Customers told Chevrolet that they wanted an air conditioner that would keep them comfortable in hot, real-world, bumper-to-bumper traffic without sacrificing fuel economy. Increased underhood air flow and improved vent positioning creates an improvement that customers can feel.
  • Roominess & Maneuverability -- The Voice of the Customer asked for a car similar in exterior size and maneuverability to a more compact car, but with the interior room comparable to a bigger car. The Malibu is shorter and narrower than the mid-size Ford Taurus, but inside, Malibu has more headroom in the front and rear and comparable legroom so taller people can sit comfortably -- and Malibu has nearly a cubic foot more trunk space. Comparing Malibu to the more compact-sized Contour, Malibu has more hip, shoulder and leg room.