Fleet-Only Chevrolet Impala Extended To 2016

The fleet-only version of the current Chevrolet Impala – the Impala Limited – was meant to be sold only until 2014, when the Oshawa, Ontario production line that builds the sedan will close. But not anymore. General Motors has decided to let the sales of the Impala Limited continue until 2016. GM launched the redesigned 2014 Impala in April 2013, and executives said that the outgoing model would continue as the Impala Limited for sale to rental operators and corporate and government buyers. With GM planning to keep the Oshawa line alive until 2016, the Impala Limited would live for another two years. GM Spokesman Chad Lyons said that the Impala Limited "has done extremely well," adding that fleet customers "know the car and like it."

He remarked that it was a business opportunity that the carmaker wants to continue to fulfill. GM redesigned the 2014 Impala with a flashier exterior and more refined cabin in order to entice more retail buyers. GM aims to have retail buyers to account for around 70 percent of Impala sales, from just around a third in recent years.

Consumer Reports rated the 2014 Impala as the best sedan on the market, the first Detroit 3 offering ever to secure that accolade. However, the new Impala is $1,000 to $5,000 pricier than comparable models of the previous generation. John Wolkonowicz, an independent auto analyst, said that by continuing to build the older Impala, GM can offer a less expensive, high-volume car to fleet buyers without harming the car’s residual value.

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