The next generation Chevrolet Malibu will be on dealership floors, including Mills Chevrolet at 1610 39th Ave. Moline, IL 61265 sooner than expected.

According to Detroit Free Press, "Production of the 2013 Malibu will begin in January, rather than in May 2012." Confirming the report, Chevrolet spokesman Dave Darovitz, said the accelerated program "had been requested by Dan Akerson, chairman and chief executive of General Motors."

The new Malibu will be unveiled on Chevrolet's Facebook page, as well as in person at the Shanghai Auto Show. The updated vehicle will also be shown at the New York International Auto Show. Spy shots and leaked photos of the car's redesigned interior have been popping up on automotive websites for weeks.

According to Chevrolet, a range of 4-cylinder engines will be offered in the model. The Malibu will be sold in nearly 100 countries, while construction will be shared by the United States and China. Malibu will mark the first midsize Chevrolet to be sold globally.

Malibu was GM's "best-selling car" in 2010 with sales of nearly 200,000. The introduction of its next generation will undoubtedly involve a major marketing onslaught.

Source: http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/12/g-m-will-accelerate-malibu-production-schedule/