By September, General Motors will begin delivering customers complete units with a fully integrated and dedicated CNG fuel system. The vans are powered by GM’s Vortec 6.0-litre V8 engine modified with hardened exhaust valves and intake and exhaust valve seats for improved wear resistance and durability.
According to general manager at GM Fleet and Commercial Operations Brian Small, the 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”, he added.
These hardened engines will be assembled into the Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans at GM’s Missouri plant; while alternative fuels conversion company Productive Concepts will integrate the CNG fuel delivery and storage system with the hardened engine at its facility in Union City, Indiana.
As GM press release informed, 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.
