I thought I read that the plants shut down typically in July and retool for the next year model. So I'm wondering when would be the latest I could order a 08? Will the 09 come with a price increase? Will they change the color and interior options and standard features, or will the 08 basically carry forward into the 09?

Just a feeling on my part, but I think the '08 will just roll into the '09 with no changes at all. With the economy the way it is, I doubt you'll see a price increase. They may offer a few different colors.

08 will roll into 09 with minor interior changes they will start running production on 09 after summer shut down the 2 week in july there will be several ran in june and may for production line get use to the changes made these are minor changes when i get the info ill post it for everyone

08 will roll into 09 with minor interior changes they will start running production on 09 after summer shut down the 2 week in july there will be several ran in june and may for production line get use to the changes made these are minor changes when i get the info ill post it for everyone

Do you work at the KC plant?

One change I wondered if they would make is to have a basic black interior on the LTZ. I thought the two tone was strange when I first saw pictures, but we both like it now. We better like it, We'll have the car for 10 years or more. :D

for a while just tranfered to wentzville 300 miles east of fairfax where they make the vans still talk with all of my friends i bought one so i am very interested in the changes they make to see if ill be trading in for newer..

Just a feeling on my part, but I think the '08 will just roll into the '09 with no changes at all. With the economy the way it is, I doubt you'll see a price increase. They may offer a few different colors.

Haven't they already announced that bluetooth and USB iPod ports are coming for 2009?
I only wonder if they will get them on time from the start or if they will be "late availability?"

Haven't they already announced that bluetooth and USB iPod ports are coming for 2009?
I only wonder if they will get them on time from the start or if they will be "late availability?"
I haven't heard that, but it would surpise me that they would offer the bluetooth considering the way they're pushing the OnStar handsfree phone system.

Do you think there would be retrofit compatibility for either system?

I'm plugging in my ipod for the first time today - wish me luck!

I haven't heard that, but it would surpise me that they would offer the bluetooth considering the way they're pushing the OnStar handsfree phone system.

Do you think there would be retrofit compatibility for either system?

It will probably be too expensive to change retrofit it because I think it requires a new OnStar system, new stereo and additional steering wheel controls.

There are third party devices that can either be installed and wired to the car or portable ones that are simply clipped to the sun visor and recharged periodically. Look up BlueConnect, CigBlue, "BlueAnt Supertooth Light" and VRBT200V ($39 at Coscto).

I think the best device for the money is going to be this new version of the BlueAnt that comes out next month:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1oOIGCJj2w



Here is some information I found. It doesn't specifically mention the Malibu, but I read an article about the 2009 Chevy Cobalt that says the Cobalt will be the first GM sedan to offer bluetooth and USB, so I can't imagine the Malibu won't also get it for 2009.



From the February 2008 Tech Link issue:



Introduction to Bluetooth Technology



Bluetooth® technology will be available on most General Motors vehicles beginning in model year 2009 as either optional or standard equipment. The Bluetooth functionality will be accessed via the OnStar Module.

Bluetooth is a wireless technology that enables connectivity between multiple electronic devices (i.e. cellular phone and vehicle) using a 2.4 GHz radio spectrum that has a range of approximately 30 feet.

With Bluetooth technology, customers can experience hands-free calling as their Bluetooth capable cellular phones are wirelessly connected to the vehicle. It will allow customers to place and receive calls using the steering wheel controls and voice recognition. The vehicle audio system will allow listening to a call through the vehicle speakers and adjusting volume through steering wheel or radio controls.

Bluetooth Functionality in General Motors Vehicle

Bluetooth functionality requires steering wheel controls, but not all vehicles with steering wheel controls will have Bluetooth functionality. To utilize the vehicle’s Bluetooth system, a Bluetooth equipped cellular phone is required. Based on the cellular phone manufacturer’s implementation of Bluetooth, not all phones will support all functionality. Not all Bluetooth cellular phones are guaranteed to work with the vehicle’s Bluetooth system. Cellular phones will be tested for vehicle compatibility and a list will be provided via a website.

Pairing Bluetooth Cellular Phone to Vehicle

In order to work, the cellular phone must be paired to the vehicle. Up to five devices can be paired to the vehicle at one time, but only one can be connected at any given time. To pair a phone, the customer must know how to operate the Bluetooth functionality of their phone. The pairing process must be done only one time for each phone, unless that phone’s information is deleted. For safety reasons, the pairing process is disabled while the vehicle is moving.

Portability Benefits of Bluetooth

Once the Bluetooth cellular phone has been paired with the vehicle, it will automatically connect to the vehicle when the ignition is turned on.

With the General Motors Bluetooth technology, a phone conversation is maintained regardless of whether the owner is getting into or leaving the vehicle.

A cellular phone that is in use when getting into the vehicle will automatically switch to hands-free mode. And when exiting, the hands-free call automatically transfers to the phone so the call can continue on the cellular phone after exiting.

Features Supported by the General Motors Bluetooth Technology

- Make a call using digits, redial, or name tags (phone number saved to a nametag via voice recognition)

- Receive a call -- answer call, ignore call

- Call waiting

- Three-way calling -- initiated from the hands-free system

- Mute a call

- Send a number during a call – used when calling a menu-driven phone system

- Transfer a call – transfer call from vehicle to cellular phone and vice versa

- Voice pass-thru – allows access to the voice recognition commands on the cellular phone

http://www.leftlanenews.com/gm-to-offer-bluetooth-by-2009-model-year.html

__________________

I'm plugging in my ipod for the first time today - wish me luck!
Good luck, but I'm sure you won't need it.

Here is some information I found. It doesn't specifically mention the Malibu, but I read an article about the 2009 Chevy Cobalt that says the Cobalt will be the first GM sedan to offer bluetooth and USB, so I can't imagine the Malibu won't also get it for 2009.
Thanks web, I appreciate the news. I'll be looking into the new item you mention. My wife gets far too many calls from the kids and we'd feel much safer with a suitable handsfree solution.

Any rumors I am waiting for the 4 cyl 6 speed models....

George

Production began June 16, 2008 - Expect to see them on lots by the first week of August. You can also place an order with the dealership.

Got a call from my dealer today. My '09 was picked for build. Didn't have a delivery date yet....but it's coming sooner than I thought!!

WOW - Sweet!!!!!

When did you place your order?

I ordered on June 12.

Silver Moss 2LT

You can buy a 4 cyl 6 speed if you get an LTZ

ne2i - You should be able to order now, and like BuckyFan said....You can order the LTZ with the 4 cyl 6 speed....All depends on what you are looking for. The configurations for this car are really quite astonding.

Any GM folks or those in the know lurking out here? I just ordered an 09 LT2 in the new version of White.

When will they start building the 09 models.?

Thanks
Bill

There were three Threads with the same topic. They have all been merged together.

The Search feature is your friend. ;):)

There were three Threads with the same topic. They have all been merged together.

The Search feature is your friend. ;):)

Oops, sorry about that....

I see above that some have been told they started building on June 12 etc. My dealer took my order but said they were on break and wouldn't be building until this "break" was over.

Is there a summer vacation or something?

Oops, sorry about that....

I see above that some have been told they started building on June 12 etc. My dealer took my order but said they were on break and wouldn't be building until this "break" was over.

Is there a summer vacation or something?

Odd...is Fairfax still on strike? I don't think they are, it's been well over a few months...
I do know that some GM plants undergo what's known as an inventory shutdown, but that may just be for suppliers like Delphi.

I received the info about two weeks ago....My build date is w/o July 28, 2008 - I guess the Canadians get put on the back burner! ;O)

Just kidding...

What I have heard also is that one of the "hauling" companies that moved a lot of the malibu's around North America has gone bankrupt causing a shortage of hauling abilities to everyone....Not sure how big of an effect this will have on anyone in the U.S. Has any else heard this?

Oops, sorry about that....
No problem, mrbill. It gives me something to do! :D

Odd...is Fairfax still on strike? I don't think they are, it's been well over a few months...
.

I could not find a article of when the strike ended, but this one said Fairfax started production of 09s the end of June.
http://www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/stories/2008/06/23/daily6.html

Looks like the Fairfax strike ended May 22
http://www.bizjournals.com/wichita/stories/2008/05/19/daily38.html

Is there a summer vacation or something?

All GM assembly plants have a summer shutdown. This is typically a 2 week window at the beginning of July (This year's started on June 30th and will run throught July 13th). It is a chance for plants to make assembly process changes (move/combine/seperate installation jobs and the tools/assist devices that are associated with those jobs) and to make major repairs to equipment that could not be performed quickly enough to keep from interrupting the "line". The "new model year" vehicles typically begin on the first production day following summer shutdown (unless the plant has unfulfilled obligations from the prior model year for customer and fleet orders that could not be completed before the shutdown started. This is highly likely as a result of the American Axle strike). I hope this answered your question.

Weird, I wonder where mine came from? The production date was June 9th I believe. I was told they made 5 '09 in the other plant then shut it down, I guess when the rear end of mine falls out I'll know why they shut down.

Weird, I wonder where mine came from? The production date was June 9th I believe. I was told they made 5 '09 in the other plant then shut it down, I guess when the rear end of mine falls out I'll know why they shut down.


With the high demand for the Malibu, it is possible that MY2009 vehicles were being produced BEFORE summer shutdown. I think we did that with the Chevy Trailblazer in 2003 (can't remember for sure though).

Weird, I wonder where mine came from? The production date was June 9th I believe. I was told they made 5 '09 in the other plant then shut it down, I guess when the rear end of mine falls out I'll know why they shut down.

Check your driver's side door. There'll be a sticker that says where. Like this...

Malibu's from Fairfax Assembly...

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l46/FenwickFalcon35/IMG_0075.jpg

Envoy's from Moraine Assembly...

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l46/FenwickFalcon35/IMG_0063.jpg

Sonoma's from Linden Assembly...

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l46/FenwickFalcon35/IMG_0059.jpg

I'd guess your Malibu's from Fairfax. That's where the majority are from. Either that or Lake Orion Assembly.

With the high demand for the Malibu, it is possible that MY2009 vehicles were being produced BEFORE summer shutdown. I think we did that with the Chevy Trailblazer in 2003 (can't remember for sure though).

No way, you work at Moraine? I know another guy on GMI who works there too.
It sucks that you guys are getting shut down soon. I really love my Envoy. :(

I guess when the rear end of mine falls out I'll know why they shut down.

Pretty sure the rear end will not go out since the Malibu does not have one :D

Weird, I wonder where mine came from? The production date was June 9th I believe.

Probably Lake Orion. If the article was correct that I posted Fairfax did not start 09 production until the end of June.

No way, you work at Moraine? I know another guy on GMI who works there too.
It sucks that you guys are getting shut down soon. I really love my Envoy. :(

Actually, I just left G.M. My last day was June 27th:( It was a great place to work, and I will certainly miss all of the wonderful people that I worked with. But now it's time to move onto a new career. I took a position with a company out of Michigan.......and far away from the volatile automotive industry.

edit: I see you're from West Chester. I'm just up the road from you (Miamisburg/Springboro border).

Actually, I just left G.M. My last day was June 27th:( It was a great place to work, and I will certainly miss all of the wonderful people that I worked with. But now it's time to move onto a new career. I took a position with a company out of Michigan.......and far away from the volatile automotive industry.

edit: I see you're from West Chester. I'm just up the road from you (Miamisburg/Springboro border).

Ah I see. Yeah, a lot of people are leaving, my dad was one of them. Took an retirement incentive. Good luck with the new job though.

And my uncle lives up there. I go to school a little south of there too, at Fenwick. I've probably seen your Malibu while driving around...I always get excited and then ramble to my parents about how we should trade in the '07 for a new Malibu...:D

Just got back from vacation. There was a message on my answering machine (yes, I still have one of those) from last Tuesday. My '09 was in!!! I drove past the dealership on the way to work this morning and it was out front, up on the rack, for all the world to see.

Congrats - Take pics of it when you pick it up!

I just came back from looking at it. The color is nicer in person than on the chart. The wife hasn't seen it yet, but that Silver Moss is right up her alley. Gotta get seat covors for it though........muddy puppy paws on that light interior won't be fun.

It came in too soon........I haven't had time to put my Blazer up for sale. Guess I'll just have to trade it. A 1998 LT 4x4 with 150000 miles can't be worth that much either way?