Did you know that women buy a little over half the cars sold in the U.S., according to industry statistics? And we take part in 80 percent of all family car-buying decisions. For good reason: We need multitasking vehicles that take us to work and shopping and on trips and—most importantly—that help us transport our kids in the safest, most efficient way possible. We want substance, safety and, of course, style. 

Taking the needs and major purchasing power of moms into account, General Motors went straight to the source. The company put together a team of engineer moms to enhance the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. They're known as the Malibu Moms, an eclectic group of women who each offers expertise and unique perspective in automoblie development. Their influence has helped make Chevrolet's first global midsize sedan fuel efficient, safe and extremely quiet—all features moms appreciate. 

Introducing the Malibu Moms:

Aerodynamics engineer Suzy Cody [pictured above, second from the left] worked on giving the 2013 Malibu a superior wind drag rating. As a mom of two boys, making the Malibu a fuel efficient-choice for money-conscious moms was important to her. “Every dollar I spend on gasoline is a dollar I’m not investing in my boys’ futures,” Cody said. She's also a member of the Bath City Roller Girls roller derby team, where she is known as Shovey Camaro.

For Julie Kleinert, the global child passenger safety technical lead for General Motors [pictured, far right], keeping children safe is a personal commitment. Kleinert used her 28 years of engineering experience to evaluate and develop the safety performance requirements for the vehicle restraint systems that protects kids in the Malibu and other GM Vehicles. Outside of work, this mom of four and grandmother of two volunteers at Safe Kids USA’s Buckle Up educational programs.

As lead noise engineer, Kara Gordon [pictured, far left] knows how important serenity can be inside your car and at home. This trained audiologist played an important role in making the Malibu the quietest Chevrolet ever for interior cabin noise. At home, the mom of two young boys enforces a house rule of quiet time until 9 a.m. on weekends, and she loves taking care of her organic garden.

Vehicle system engineer Tracy Mack-Askew [pictured, second from the right] was the lead engineering manager responsible for the timely development and launch of the Malibu. She’s also an excellent multitasker: In addition to her work, she's a wife, mother of two young children and a Harvard University master’s candidate. Despite her busy schedule, her family is her focus, and she won’t travel on her husband or children’s birthdays.

For more information on the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, visit chevrolet.com.