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HomeMediaChevrolet builds its last Impala

Chevrolet builds its last Impala

Detroit-Hamtramck plant will be overhauled to build zero-emission vehicles

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Chevrolet on Thursday built its last Impala, bringing to close a nameplate that dates back to 1958.

The final example, finished in red, is bound for a customer and not Chevy’s own private collection.

Impala production in recent years has been handled at General Motors’ Detroit-Hamtramck plant, with the big sedan built alongside the unrelated Cadillac CT6. The Cadillac also ceased production in February.

The Detroit-Hamtramck plant, which a little more than a year ago was destined to be idled, is set to benefit from a $2.2 billion investment that will see it overhauled to build battery-electric SUVs, pickup trucks, and even the Origin self-driving car unveiled by GM’s Cruise subsidiary in January. The plant is to be GM’s first dedicated to zero-emission vehicles.

While many Americans will have fond memories of the Impala, sales have dwindled in recent years as new car buyers turn to SUVs and pickups. Chevy sold just under 45,000 Impalas in 2019, down from a high of 311,128 in 2007.

The Impala started out life as a variant of the 1958 Chevy Bel Air but would become its own model line just a year later. The car proved to be a hit and later a right-hand-drive configuration was added, with the Impala even seeing production in knocked-down kit form in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Performance options were also added, with Chevy first launching an Impala SS for 1961.

We should point out that Chevy has ceased production of the Imapla before. Twice in fact. The automaker hasn’t said it is retiring the nameplate so perhaps we’ll see it make a return once again.

This article was originally published by Motor Authority, an editorial partner of ClassicCars.com.

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1 COMMENT

  1. I believe Chevrolet Impala needs to go back to its styles from the sixties !! I think the 1962-1965 models are by far the best in looks performance and just the best that Chevy has to offer , too many trucks nowadays and suvs ???I think Chevy needs to go back to the drawing board and stick to the roots that made them fantastic cars the colors ,the interior and of course the awesome body styles ,that is why their sales are not doing so well, when people think of Chevrolet they think of the Impala, chevelle ,, I believe chevy needs to stick with its sedans coupes and come. Back out with the 1965 body style impala for sure have it in super sport and regular with today’s specs but with a true original body style , I bet then the sales in cars will rise again .

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