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In December 2009, GM showed a select crowd the finished, next-generation Malibu. Some of Brenda Priddy's sources were among the group, and they've confirmed for her that this is indeed the 2012 Chevy Malibu, seen here with much less camouflage on the front end. This version of the Malibu will be a global car, marketed around the globe under other aliases including the Holden Epica and Daewoo Tosca. The Malibu will ride on the same short wheelbase version of the Epsilon II chassis that underpins the 2011 Buick Regal. The overall length of the Malibu will shrink compared to today's model, although insiders say the interior is roomier. Underhood the Malibu will offer either a 2.4L direct-injected four-cylinder or a 2.0L turbocharged Ecotec four mated to a six-speed transmission. Priddy says a hybrid version and all-wheel-drive option will also be available, but a 3.6L V6 is unlikely. Malibu production is scheduled for the fourth-quarter of 2011, although Priddy says that could move up to next summer. Much like the Chevy Cruze rollout, production of foreign-market versions of the Malibu will start in China and Korea several months before U.S. production begins. GM will invest $257 million to get the Fairfax and Detroit Hamtramck assembly plants ready to build the 2012 Chevy Malibu for U.S. production. |
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Photos copyright Brenda Priddy & Company. Reuse or reproduction without copyright holder's consent is prohibited. |
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In December 2009, GM showed a select crowd the finished, next-generation Malibu. Some of Brenda Priddy's sources were among the group, and they've confirmed for her that this is indeed the 2012 Chevy Malibu, seen here with much less camouflage on the front end. This version of the Malibu will be a global car, marketed around the globe under other aliases including the Holden Epica and Daewoo Tosca. The Malibu will ride on the same short wheelbase version of the Epsilon II chassis that underpins the 2011 Buick Regal. The overall length of the Malibu will shrink compared to today's model, although insiders say the interior is roomier. Underhood the Malibu will offer either a 2.4L direct-injected four-cylinder or a 2.0L turbocharged Ecotec four mated to a six-speed transmission. Priddy says a hybrid version and all-wheel-drive option will also be available, but a 3.6L V6 is unlikely. Malibu production is scheduled for the fourth-quarter of 2011, although Priddy says that could move up to next summer. Much like the Chevy Cruze rollout, production of foreign-market versions of the Malibu will start in China and Korea several months before U.S. production begins. GM will invest $257 million to get the Fairfax and Detroit Hamtramck assembly plants ready to build the 2012 Chevy Malibu for U.S. production. |
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Photos copyright Brenda Priddy & Company. Reuse or reproduction without copyright holder's consent is prohibited. |
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| Slightly less than 48% of retailers reported increased sales through June 2010 compared to last year. Nearly half think sales will be up through October, forecasting on average a 16% increase. |
Optimism among specialty-equipment manufacturers is running high, according to data in a new SEMA Financial Benchmarking report, although that cheer doesn’t run as deep among retailers and distributors on the street level of the industry.
Of manufacturers surveyed for the study, 70% reported increased year-to-date sales through June 2010 compared to the year prior. That’s a 20% increase from data gathered at the beginning of the year.
Manufacturers may be moving more product, but from the looks of the retail and distribution numbers, that product may be sitting in inventory, as nearly 48% of retailers and 52% of distributors reported increased sales through the same period.
Not surprisingly then, 64% of manufacturers expect sales to improve, on average 17.5% when August, September and October numbers are totaled. That’s a little more optimistic than retailers and distributors are projecting, with just 45% of the former, and 50% of the latter, expecting a fall increase. Distributors and retailers who forecast a bump were about even on how much to expect, between 16-18 percent.
All three industry segments cited “poor sales” as their most important business problem. But “government requirements and red tape” as well as “competition from large businesses” factored next-most on the minds of manufacturers, while distributors cite “competition from Internet sales” as their second-most pressing obstacle. Slightly more than 11% of retailers listed “competition from large businesses” as their second worry.
Data is based on retailer, manufacturer and distributor responses in the just-released June SEMA Financial Benchmarking survey. Follow this link to learn more about the SEMA Financial Benchmarking program. Businesses participating in the Financial Benchmarking program receive access to finished reports before it is made available to the rest of the industry. Partcipating is easy; simply click on the appropriate link, whether you're a retailer, manufacturer or distributor.
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| Slightly less than 48% of retailers reported increased sales through June 2010 compared to last year. Nearly half think sales will be up through October, forecasting on average a 16% increase. |
Optimism among specialty-equipment manufacturers is running high, according to data in a new SEMA Financial Benchmarking report, although that cheer doesn’t run as deep among retailers and distributors on the street level of the industry.
Of manufacturers surveyed for the study, 70% reported increased year-to-date sales through June 2010 compared to the year prior. That’s a 20% increase from data gathered at the beginning of the year.
Manufacturers may be moving more product, but from the looks of the retail and distribution numbers, that product may be sitting in inventory, as nearly 48% of retailers and 52% of distributors reported increased sales through the same period.
Not surprisingly then, 64% of manufacturers expect sales to improve, on average 17.5% when August, September and October numbers are totaled. That’s a little more optimistic than retailers and distributors are projecting, with just 45% of the former, and 50% of the latter, expecting a fall increase. Distributors and retailers who forecast a bump were about even on how much to expect, between 16-18 percent.
All three industry segments cited “poor sales” as their most important business problem. But “government requirements and red tape” as well as “competition from large businesses” factored next-most on the minds of manufacturers, while distributors cite “competition from Internet sales” as their second-most pressing obstacle. Slightly more than 11% of retailers listed “competition from large businesses” as their second worry.
Data is based on retailer, manufacturer and distributor responses in the just-released June SEMA Financial Benchmarking survey. Follow this link to learn more about the SEMA Financial Benchmarking program. Businesses participating in the Financial Benchmarking program receive access to finished reports before it is made available to the rest of the industry. Partcipating is easy; simply click on the appropriate link, whether you're a retailer, manufacturer or distributor.
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| The SEMA Show's New Products Showcase is a great way for your company to gain exposure. First submissions are free if entered by October 8. |
By showcasing your product, your company will gain more exposure during and after the Show. Entries will be photographed and featured in SEMA News and on the SEMA website. They will also be promoted to the media and utilized for product information available to buyers at the Show.
Your first product entry is FREE if entered by October 8. Use your exhibitor password when entering your product online here.
Have questions? E-mail skaye@convexx.com or call 702/450-7662, ext. 124.
| |
|
| The SEMA Show's New Products Showcase is a great way for your company to gain exposure. First submissions are free if entered by October 8. |
By showcasing your product, your company will gain more exposure during and after the Show. Entries will be photographed and featured in SEMA News and on the SEMA website. They will also be promoted to the media and utilized for product information available to buyers at the Show.
Your first product entry is FREE if entered by October 8. Use your exhibitor password when entering your product online here.
Have questions? E-mail skaye@convexx.com or call 702/450-7662, ext. 124.
| |
|
| The SEMA Show's New Products Showcase is a great way for your company to gain exposure. First submissions are free if entered by October 8. |
By showcasing your product, your company will gain more exposure during and after the Show. Entries will be photographed and featured in SEMA News and on the SEMA website. They will also be promoted to the media and utilized for product information available to buyers at the Show.
Your first product entry is FREE if entered by October 8. Use your exhibitor password when entering your product online here.
Have questions? E-mail skaye@convexx.com or call 702/450-7662, ext. 124.