Just thinking, all the good Malibu PR, and folks shopping for them, and not being able to get the car due to demand and low supply....will people learn that the Aura is almost the same car and maybe go get an Aura instead?

No, they'll just make more Malibus and less Auras, so there won't be a shortage.

You assume that the average person does that much research.

They've seen ads for the Malibu, and maybe a newspaper article or something like that. Maybe they've heard from a friend who's into cars that the Malibu is one to watch for.

Nice thing is that, even if there's a shortage now, GM seems willing to maintain it for a little bit to keep up enthusiasm and demand for the car (refer to the Enclave). It did seem to work okay for Honda and Toyota during the 1980s and early 1990s.

That said, it certainly wouldn't hurt if more people considered the Aura - it's at least as good on a technical level, though not quite as roomy inside.

1. Not enough Saturn dealers.

2. The Malibu-G6-Aura-Malibu evolution has seen each generation noticeably surpass the previous generation: the Aura looks dowdy next to the new Malibu.

3. No Aura advertising.

For the 'odd' GM dealer that sells both Chevrolet and Saturn (and you know who you are), maybe people will settle for the Aura; otherwise, the Malibu is quite obviously a better vehicle, with a better known name.

At the moment it's the G6 that seems to be benefiting.

Top-selling midsize sedans in 2007:

1. Camry

2. Accord

3. Altima

4. G6

5. Fusion (neck and neck)

The top 4 all have coupe versions to juice the figures.

omg that pontiac is front wheel drive! No, we must make it RWD to kill sales!