GM debuts natural gas Chevy Express, GMC Savana cargo vans

General Motors unveiled its optional, fully integrated compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel system used in conjunction with the company's 6.0-liter V-8 engine. This integrated setup is found within the spacious confines of its 2011 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana cargo vans. The vehicles, unveiled at the Green Fleet Conference in San Diego, CA, will be available to fleet customers and government agencies come November.

GM performs several modifications to the 6.0-liter to ready it for CNG use. The engine features hardened exhaust valves and reworked valve seats. The modifications are aimed at improving durability and increasing wear resistance with the gaseous fuel supply. The CNG fuel delivery and storage system is fabricated and installed by Indiana-based Productive Concepts. Though far from cheap – the CNG option carries a $15,910 sticker price – Beth Stanek, GM's director of federal environmental and energy regulatory affairs, believes the investment could be money well spent, and said in a statement:
Based on today's CNG fuel rates and anticipated payback period, fleet investment in CNG can be quite affordable.
The vans are also covered under GM's 3-year/36,000-mile new-vehicle limited warranty and 5-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty. This type of coverage is typically nonexistent when production models are later converted to run on CNG.

[Source: General Motors]

PRESS RELEASE

General Motors Offers Green Options for Business Fleets


Automaker showcases CNG vehicle for the first time at Green Fleet Conference

2010-10-19

SAN DIEGO – The first public showing this week of the industry's only fully integrated compressed natural gas cargo van leads General Motors' commitment to helping commercial customers decrease the environmental impact of their fleets.

The Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana CNG vans, as well as all other vehicles in GM's fuel-efficient lineup, are on display at the Green Fleet Conference in San Diego.

"Our compressed natural gas cargo vans will make it easier for fleet owners to meet their business objectives and make their transportation more sustainable," said Mary Beth Stanek, GM's director of federal environmental and energy regulatory affairs, and a conference keynote speaker.

"Chevrolet and GMC are the only brands to offer a one-source CNG option on vans for fleet customers. What's more, these vans will meet all Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board emission certification requirements."

The fully integrated CNG fuel system option carries a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price of $15,910. The vans will be covered by GM's three-year, 36,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty and five-year, 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty.

"Natural gas is an abundant and clean alternative fuel," Stanek said. "Based on today's CNG fuel rates and anticipated payback period, fleet investment in CNG can be quite affordable."

Fleet owners have additional choices to make their vehicles more sustainable and environmentally friendly:

* Fuel efficiency: GM offers 12 models with EPA-estimated 30 miles per gallon highway ratings that use innovative engine advancements like Active Fuel Management to deactivate cylinders and Spark Ignition Direct Injection. For example, the new Chevrolet Cruze Eco model featuring a 1.4L turbo engine is expected to get up to 40 MPG highway when it goes on sale in early 2011.

* Flex-fuel vehicles: GM offers more flex-fuel vehicles than any manufacturer with 19 models that run on up to 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline or any combination of the two. GM is on track to make more than half of its vehicle production flex-fuel capable by 2012.

* Hybrids: GM offers the only hybrid pickup trucks in the market-the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra. An additional four hybrid models accompany the pickups – the Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon and GMC Yukon Denali Hybrids.

An Automotive Fleet census recently reported there were 10,864,637 fleet vehicles on the nation's roads as of Jan. 1, 2010. Any improvements to increase fuel economy and reduce emissions can significantly contribute to a cleaner environment.

Corporate sustainability and green fleet initiatives are playing a larger role in fleet managers' purchasing decisions, as more companies choose to "green" their fleets, Stanek said.

"Purchasing from GM means supporting a company fully dedicated to sustainable practices in every part of our business – from our supply chain, to product manufacturing, to the vehicles we put on the road," she said. "We continually assess environmental impact and take steps to reduce it."

Fuel-efficient vehicles are just one part of GM's overall green initiatives. The company reduces energy usage at its plants through landfill gas and hydro and solar power, recycles 90 percent of the waste it generates, and operates 69 landfill-free facilities. Additionally, GM achieved a 39 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions and a 35 percent reduction in water use worldwide from 2005 to 2009.

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About General Motors

General Motors, one of the world's largest automakers, traces its roots back to 1908. With its global headquarters in Detroit, GM employs 208,000 people in every major region of the world and does business in more than 120 countries. GM and its strategic partners produce cars and trucks in 31 countries, and sell and service these vehicles through the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, FAW, GMC, Daewoo, Holden, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM's largest national market is China, followed by the United States, Brazil, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Italy. GM's OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. General Motors acquired operations from General Motors Corporation on July 10, 2009, and references to prior periods in this and other press materials refer to operations of the old General Motors Corporation. More information on the new General Motors can be found at www.gm.com.

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