GM plans to launch its redesigned 2008 Malibu in early 2008 in a bid to capture market share currently dominated by Asian competitors in the segment, according to Reuters. The Malibu, which will be unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, will compete with Toyota Motor Corp.'s Camry and Honda Motor Co. Ltd.'s Accord on fuel economy and price. GM sold 100,000 to 125,000 current-model Malibus in the past year, less than a third of the Camry's total annual sales, Reuters reports. The Malibu sold for an average of $17,939 in December, after an average cash rebate of $2,438, according to data collected from dealers by the Power Information Network. In the same period, the Accord sold for an average of $22,402 while the Camry averaged $23,441—both without cash rebates. The new Malibu will be quieter inside and have new standard safety equipment such as side curtain airbags and stability control, GM said. GM will also launch the redesigned Cadillac CTS and the new GMC Acadia, Saturn Outlook and Buick Enclave crossovers.
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