0 May 18th, 2010. by: Barak Vaughn
General Motors announced today that they are returning to natural gas when it comes to vans for fleet customers. GM will offer compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquified petroleum gas (LPG) versions of the Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana full-size vans starting later this year. However, the average consumer and small business owner will not be able to purchase these vehicles. They are only available to commercial fleets.
“We’re listening to our fleet customers and dealers about offering options that help them achieve their business objectives,” said Brian Small, general manager of GM’s fleet and commercial operations. “The industry commitment to expand the CNG and LPG infrastructures in key fleet markets was an enabler to allowing us to introduce these options now.”
GM will offer the vans with its Vortec six-liter V-8 engine with hardened exhaust valves and intake and exhaust valve seats for improved wear resistance. Both CNG and LPG vans will carry GM’s limited new vehicle warranty including 5-year/100,000 mile transferable GM powertrain limited warranty.
As of its announcement, no prices for these vans had been set.