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It won't be long now before Nissan Leaf finally overtakes Chevy Volt

The two best-selling plug-in vehicles ever are the Chevy Volt and the Nissan Leaf. When the two vehicles launched in late 2010, the plug-in hybrid Volt quickly outpaced the all-electric Leaf and, despite lots of ups and downs since then, continues to hold on to a cumulative sales lead. This will change in 2015. Cumulatively, from November 2010 through November 2014, the Volt sold 71,867 units while the Leaf trails with 69,220. That's a difference of just 2,647. Based on current trends (with the Leaf selling around 2,500-2,700 a month and the Volt at 1,500-1,700) we expect the Leaf to take over either in January or, more likely, February when the Leaf takes over as the most popular plug-in car in America. Perhaps even March, depending on how low the numbers are for January and February, which are always slow sales months in the US. Of course, once it takes the crown, the Leaf can't expect to easily hold on for long. A new Volt is coming in the second half of 2015, likely beating a new Leaf to market. The question is, then, how well the Chevy sells with all of its new bells and whistles. Do you think the Volt will be the comeback kid once the 2016 model becomes available? Featured Gallery 2013 Nissan Leaf View 55 Photos Green Chevrolet Nissan AutoblogGreen Exclusive Electric Hybrid ev sales hybrid sales

Chevrolet Malibu gets aggressive redesign for 2016

Cars like the Ford Fusion, Kia Optima and Chrysler 200 have recently raised the styling bar in the midsize sedan game is. In that regard, the rather anonymous Chevrolet Malibu has suffered in recent years. That no longer appears to be an issue with the 2016 Malibu, which is simply caked with interesting elements. The wide, aggressive grille, expressive headlights and angled LED running lamps make the Malibu look like the Impala's much angrier little brother. In back, the Impala inspiration is there, but like the fascia, it's noticeably more aggressive, with a sharper cant to the taillights and a pair of large, integrated dual exhausts (at least on the 2.0-liter, turbocharged model being featured by Chevy). Designers also worked to give the 'Bu a bit more character in the profile, adding a pair of character lines to cut back on the last-gen car's slab-sided looks. While the exterior could almost be described as sporting, the brown-and-beige color scheme in the cabin is noticeably more relaxed. A large, central MyLink system sits atop the dash, while drivers will also have access to a dedicated display in the instrument cluster. A thick-rimmed, three-spoke steering wheel is a bit on the large side, but still looks like a nice piece to work. You can read a lot more about the new 2016 Malibu in our original post from early this morning. But before you do that, have a look at our full gallery of live images from the floor of the Javits Center. All-New Malibu is Larger, More Technological and Efficient New hybrid sedan projected to offer combined rating north of 45 MPG DETROIT – Chevrolet today introduced the all-new 2016 Malibu – a completely restyled midsize sedan engineered to offer more efficiency, connectivity and advanced safety features than ever. An all-new hybrid powertrain, which leverages technology from the Chevrolet Volt, will help offer a GM-estimated combined rating north of 45 mpg. The Malibu's standard 1.5L turbo powertrain is projected to offer 37 mpg highway. The 2016 Malibu is also longer and lighter, with more interior space and improved fuel efficiency. Its wheelbase has been stretched close to four inches (101 mm), and it is nearly 300 pounds (136 kg) lighter than the current model. "Midsize customers tell us they want great fuel economy, connected technologies, wrapped in a gorgeous exterior. This is exactly what the 2016 Malibu was engineered to do," said Jesse Ortega, Malibu chief engineer.

GM recalling nearly 4,000 vehicles over airbag concerns

Four different General Motors vehicles from the 2012 model year are being recalled over a potential airbag issue. The driver's side airbag shorting bar in the 2012 Buick Verano and 2012 Chevrolet Camaro, Cruze and Sonic might make contact with the airbag terminals, even during a crash. If so, the airbag won't deploy when it should, possibly increasing injury to the driver.
The recall is expected to begin on February 13 for the 3,896 units that might be affected. GM will notify owners who can then take their vehicles to dealers to have the airbag coil replaced. A bulletin from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration below has more info.