(April 21, 2011) NEW YORK — Chevrolet on Wednesday introduced the all-new 2013 Malibu ECO, the most fuel-efficient midsize sedan in its 100-year history. It features eAssist “light electrification” technology, which is engineered to deliver an estimated 26 mpg in city driving and 38 mpg on the highway.

ECO is based on the all-new, 2013 Malibu sedan, which will be sold in nearly 100 countries on six continents. Sales of the new Malibu begin with the ECO model in the United States in early 2012. The Malibu LS, LT and LTZ trim level offerings join the ECO in summer 2012. Pricing will be announced later.

“The Malibu ECO is a smart choice for customers who want excellent fuel economy without the price premium of popular hybrid sedans,” said Rick Scheidt, vice president of Chevrolet marketing. “The Malibu ECO’s 38-mpg highway estimate is comparable with those hybrids.”

Malibu’s eAssist system uses a lithium-ion battery and an electric motor-generator to enable regenerative braking electric assist and start-stop functionality. It is efficiently sized, weighing only 65 pounds.

Malibu ECO also features an aerodynamic exterior — including underbody aero enhancements — and electronically controlled shutters in the lower grille that close at higher speeds to push more air over and around the vehicle. These enhancements increase aerodynamic efficiency to boost fuel economy.

An ECO gauge in the cluster continuously responds to driving behavior, encouraging fuel-efficient driving, while an Auto Stop Indicator on the tachometer informs the driver when the engine is in start-stop mode.

The eAssist system is mated to a 2.4-liter Ecotec direct-injection four-cylinder engine making 180 horsepower and next-generation six-speed automatic transmission.