General Motors Company (GM): The 2014 Chevy Impala Is a Game-Changer

The all-new exterior has a bolder design, with a sleeker frame and body, HID headlamps, and LED daytime running lamps — on LTZ models. Additional features available include:

Remote start.

Keyless starting.

Heated steering wheel.

Power tilting steering column with memory.

Dual-zone climate control.

Heated and ventilated front seats.

Extra storage options.

Bose surround-sound audio system.

Investing takeaway
The 2014 Impala is going to be a game-changer for General Motors Company (NYSE:GM) for a couple of reasons. Last year the bulk of Impala sales — nearly 70%, according to Automotive News — went to rental and fleet customers, which aren’t as profitable and lower the resale value of the vehicle. The new Impala, which launched in April, is going to reverse that trend and was designed for the retail market, which means that GM will improve its profitability and resale value going forward.

General Motors Company (NYSE:GM) also expects the large sedan to steal some sales from the luxury and mid-size segments. GM desperately needs successful small and large sedans, because the Malibu and Impala saw the two largest declines in U.S. sales out of the 20 top vehicles sold. Sales of the Malibu are down 21.4% through June, and the Impala is down 15.3%. It’s even worse for GM, as crosstown rival Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) has churned out popular fuel-efficient rides in the Focus, Fusion, and Fiesta.

The Impala looks to change that in the second half of 2013 and will probaby surge up the ranks next year — much to the delight of General Motors Company (NYSE:GM) investors anticipating that new vehicles will bring sales and market share back.

The article The 2014 Chevy Impala Is a Game-Changer originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Daniel Miller.

Fool contributor Daniel Miller owns shares of Ford and General Motors. The Motley Fool recommends Ford, General Motors, and Tesla Motors and owns shares of Ford and Tesla Motors.

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