CNG Process for Full-Size Vans Nears Completion

Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana Benefit from GM Global Expertise

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Jul 13, 2010, 04:41 ET

DETROIT, July 13 /PRNewswire/ -- General Motors has finalized the production process for its Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powered Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana full-size vans, allowing the company to deliver fleet customers complete vehicles with a fully integrated and dedicated CNG fuel system starting this fall.

GM announced in May that it would be the only manufacturer to offer a one-source van CNG option, allowing its customers to focus on their business rather than on contracting the conversion of their vehicles.

“Our focus from the beginning has been to offer fleet customers a simple ‘check the box’ approach with our CNG Chevrolet Express and Savana vans,” said Brian Small, general manager, GM Fleet and Commercial Operations. “Our robust production process is a key enabler and certainly separates us from any competitive offering.”

The vans will meet all Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB) emission certification requirements, and will be fully compliant with applicable motor vehicle safety standards.

Each CNG Chevrolet Express or GMC Savana van also will be covered by GM’s three-year, 36,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty and five-year, 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty.

GM’s Global Powertrain and Vehicle Engineering Centers are being leveraged to bring their global expertise in gaseous fuel systems together for this vehicle system.

Providing fleets with a convenient, all-in-one CNG vehicle begins with GM’s Vortec 6.0L V8 engine. GM engineers modified this proven power plant with hardened exhaust valves, and intake and exhaust valve seats for improved wear resistance and durability with gaseous fuel systems.

These hardened engines will then be assembled into the Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans at GM’s Wentzville, Mo. plant.

In addition, GM has chosen Productive Concepts (PCI), an alternative fuels conversion company, to become an integral part of its production. PCI will integrate the CNG fuel delivery and storage system with the hardened engine at its facility in Union City, Ind. PCI also will work to ensure full emissions compliance.

Once the CNG system is integrated into the vans at PCI, they can be shipped to many specialty vehicle manufacturers to have commercial equipment added, or directly to GM dealers.

About General Motors:

General Motors, one of the world’s largest automakers, traces its roots to 1908. With its global headquarters in Detroit, GM employs 205,000 people in every major region of the world and does business in some 157 countries. GM and its strategic partners produce cars and trucks in 34 countries, and sell and service these vehicles through the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM’s largest national market is the United States, followed by China, 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.

SOURCE General Motors