2013 Chevrolet Malibu Helps Complete Ecologic Full House

Chevrolet—which is building a fairly strong record of environmental-friendliness, especially on the car side of the business—has taken another step in the right direction: With showroom models like the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu now wearing “Ecologic” window stickers, Chevy has become the first automotive brand to display third-party-verified environmental data across its entire lineup.

It’s the culmination of an effort that began early last year with the launch of Ecologic window labels on the Chevy Sonic, and was deployed specifically to meet the demands of today’s vehicle shoppers. As explained by Matt LaFontaine, general manager of the LaFontaine Automotive Group in Dexter, Mich., folks are increasingly looking beyond just EPA ratings when deciding on a new ride. 

Said LaFontaine: “We’ve seen an increase in customers looking specifically for fuel efficiency, but many people are intrigued by reading their vehicle also is made in a responsible way.”

So, in the case of the 2013 Chevy Malibu, its Ecologic label highlights facts like:

• The car’s No. 1 transmission plant reuses, recycles or converts to energy 100 percent of its waste from daily operations—and also draws power from a 1.2-mW solar array installed on its roof.
• Recycled materials go into manufacturing the Malibu itself, with shredded tires, for example, being used to make underhood air and water deflectors.
• Some 85 percent of each Malibu can be recycled at the end of the vehicle’s life cycle.

Then there are those EPA ratings, now at 22 mpg city/34 mpg highway/22 mpg combined for the 2013 Chevy Malibu, and climbing to 25 mpg city/37 mpg highway/29 mpg combined in the Malibu Eco.

“Our research shows that customers, specifically sedan shoppers, are increasingly interested in environmental impact,” said Chad Lyons, Chevrolet spokesperson. “This first-of-its kind label is one way we’re sharing our environmental progress, letting buyers and potential buyers see some of the Malibu’s environmental features and benefits related to manufacturing, driving and recycling.”

And speaking of things “Eco,” let’s wrap by noting that more information about Chevrolet’s Ecologic initiative can be found here: http://www.chevrolet.com/culture/article/ecologic.html.