General Motors is ready to go into production on a line of CNG-powered vans in 2010. Starting this fall, both the Chevrolet Express and the GMC Savana will be available as fleet vehicles powered by compressed natural gas:
“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. Our robust production process is a key enabler and certainly separates us from any competitive offering,” said Brian Small, general manager, GM Fleet and Commercial Operations.
Earlier this year, General Motors announced that it would be the only major auto manufacturer to offer a one-source CNG option that didn’t require customers to convert their vehicles to run on compressed natural gas. GM engineers modified the company’s Vortec 6.0L V8 engine with hardened exhaust valves and intake and exhaust valve seats for improved wear resistance and durability with gaseous fuel systems.
These hardened engines will be be assembled into the Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans at GM’s Wentzville, Mo. plant.
Read the complete announcement HERE.