(December 19, 2010) DETROIT — The 2011 Chevrolet Malibu sedan was recently named a 2011 Consumers Digest Automotive “Best Buy” and a Top Safety Pick for 2010 by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The two awards add to Malibu’s growing list of more than 40 industry honors since it was launched all-new in 2007 as a 2008 model.

“It’s been a consistent winner for us,” said Ron Chaudoin, general manager of Lou LaRiche Chevrolet in Plymouth, Mich. “Whether it’s safety, availability, price point or lease offers, the Malibu just satisfies a majority of customers.”

The Malibu is the only mid-sized car in the industry to win the Consumers Digest award for the third consecutive year. Consumers Digest “Best Buys” are based on behind-the-wheel assessment, safety ratings, ownership costs, warranty, price, comfort, ergonomics, styling and amenities. They reflect Consumers Digest’s view of which vehicles offer the most value for the money. The Malibu won the award for 2009, 2010 and 2011 model year vehicles.

To determine how well a vehicle protects its occupants in a crash, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rates vehicles good, acceptable, marginal, or poor based on performance in high-speed front and side crash tests, a rollover test, plus evaluations of seat/head restraints for protection against neck injuries in rear impacts. In addition, the winning vehicles must offer electronic stability control. The Malibu received a “good” rating in all four Institute tests.

“The Chevrolet Malibu offers consumers a tremendous value, impressive fuel economy, class-leading safety features, and an unexpected amount of standard features that separate it from the competition,” said Jon Hahn, Chevrolet Malibu marketing manager.

The Malibu is Chevrolet's and General Motors best-selling car in the U.S., representing nearly 10 percent of GM total vehicle sales and about 13 percent of Chevrolet total sales this year. Over the last two years Malibu has grown in total sales from 161,568 in 2009 to 187,250 through November this year. Malibu also has increased market share within the mid-car segment over the last two years from 8 percent in 2008 to 11 percent currently.