2013 GM China Consumer Fuel-Saving Challenge concludes in Hainan

Tropical Hainan Island served as the venue for the sixth and final leg of the 2013 GM China Consumer Fuel-Saving Challenge. On December 21, 9 owners of Chevrolet Malibu sedans equipped with 2.4L engines and automatic transmissions competed to find out who could achieve the best fuel economy result.

Mr. Zhao finished with the lowest fuel consumption of 4.9 liters/100 km. The competitors averaged fuel economy of 5.3 liters/100 km, as they traveled 175.1 km from the Hainan International Convention and Exhibition Center in Haikou to the Shenzhou Peninsula in Wanning.

The champion said, “The competition enabled us to see firsthand the actual fuel economy of the Malibu while finding out how to save gasoline during ordinary driving. I was pleased to learn that the Malibu is a leader in its segment. With its outstanding performance and roomy interior, I have found it to be especially suitable for vacationing.”

The Malibu is built on GM's award-winning advanced midsize passenger car architecture and features a European-style sports chassis. It delivers precise handling and dynamic comfort.

GM’s patented Oscar three-dimensional, mannequin-like simulation tool was used to determine the overall dimensional layout of the car’s interior and maximize both roominess and passenger comfort as well as overall safety. The quiet interior was created by implementing Abyssal Sea Tuning. It was supported by the extensive use of soundproofing materials.

The Malibu comes with a smart, high-definition audiovisual entertainment system. The OnStar system further improves safety and security. The Malibu received a maximum five-star safety rating from the China New Car Assessment Program (C-NCAP) earlier this year.

GM’s popular 2.4L SIDI intelligent direct injection engine in the Malibu offers maximum power of 137 kW and peak torque of 240 Nm, enabling the Malibu to outperform other midsize passenger cars equipped with naturally aspirated engines. The engine is matched to a new-generation six-speed automatic/manual transmission.

The annual GM China Consumer Fuel-Saving Challenge began in 2011. It was created to demonstrate how GM is addressing customer demand for high fuel efficiency through the vehicles it sells across China. Participants have covered more than 1,500 km since 2011. The 2013 GM China Consumer Fuel-Saving Challenge kicked off on June 15 in Kunming. With the theme of “Drive Smarter, Drive Further,” this year’s activity showcased the fuel economy of products from the Buick, Chevrolet, Cadillac, Baojun and Opel brands.