Chevrolet Malibu Plant Idled as GM Deals With Glut

GM is temporarily closing the plant that builds the Chevrolet Malibu mid-size sedan as it tries to deal with swollen inventory.

The plant, located in Fairfax, Kansas, was closed last week and will remain closed this week as the automaker tries to better align its supply with demand for the 2013 Malibu. Shifts were also cancelled from January 2 through 4, 2013, which is when workers were supposed to return from the holiday.

SEE ALSO: 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco Named ‘Most Disliked Car of 2012′

According to Automotive News, General Motors’ inventory stood at 788,200 units on December 1, which is the highest level since April, 2009.

It hasn’t been an easy road for the 2013 Malibu, which saw harsh criticism since its launch earlier this year. The 2013 Malibu Eco was named the “Most Disliked Car of 2012” by Fortune Magazine.

With only 18 months on the market, GM is already working to refresh the car for late next year, something that seems to acknowledge the criticism so far, although the automaker isn’t confirming that.

Discuss this story at ChevyMalibuForum.com.

[Source: Automotive News]