Will Chevy's New Malibu Beat Ford's Fusion?

The 2014 Malibu features an overhauled interior and a more fuel-efficient drivetrain. Photo credit: GM

General Motors had high hopes for its all-new Chevrolet Malibu when it was launched just a year-and-a-half ago, but it seemed to miss the mark. Most of GM's recent models have been quite competitive, but the Malibu seemed to fall behind from the start -- outclassed by a fresh new Toyota Camry, and blown away by the stunning Fusion sedan introduced by Ford last fall.

The then-all-new 2013 Malibu wasn't bad, but it didn't shine in comparison with cars like the Camry and Fusion. Photo credit: GM

In the old days, GM would have just cut the Malibu's price and soldiered on. But GM doesn't play that way anymore: Senior management ordered a high-speed overhaul of the midsize Chevy, and the 2014 Malibu features a whole host of changes that could make it much more competitive in this big-selling -- and very tough -- market segment.

In this video, Fool contributor John Rosevear looks at the changes to the Malibu, which will be arriving at dealers soon -- and offers his view on what the Malibu's unprecedented high-speed overhaul says about GM's current leadership and direction.

GM's turnaround still has a ways to go, but Ford's has already begun to reward shareholders. But, in order for Ford's stock to soar, a few more critical things need to fall into place for the Blue Oval. In The Motley Fool's special free report entitled "5 Secrets to Ford's Future," we outline the key factors every Ford investor needs to watch. Just click here now for your free report.

The article Will Chevy's New Malibu Beat Ford's Fusion? originally appeared on Fool.com.

Fool contributor John Rosevear owns shares of Ford and General Motors. You can connect with him on Twitter at @jrosevear. The Motley Fool recommends Ford and General Motors. The Motley Fool owns shares of Ford. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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