DETROIT – General Motors will offer a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) option for the 2012 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana cutaway 3500 and 4500 vans. GM selected Knapheide Manufacturing Co. to install two different LPG systems into the 159-inch wheelbase cutaway van. CleanFUEL USA and Bi-Phase Technologies serve as tier-two suppliers for the 49- and 75-gallon capacity LPG fuel system, respectively.

“LPG infrastructure has progressed rapidly, so it’s easier for our customers to refuel in convenient locations across the country,” said Brian Small, general manager, GM Fleet and Commercial Operations. “When our customers order the LPG option, they’re getting a sensible fuel alternative, with the convenience of a one-stop ordering process.”

GM is the only manufacturer to provide a single-source LPG van option. GM’s manufacturing process enables customers to spend less time converting vehicles by using a one-stop-shop approach that delivers a vehicle with a complete LPG fuel system, which can then be upfitted to meet customer requirements. This new offering enables businesses to choose from 2,604 LPG fueling stations nationwide – a number that GM stated is expected to significantly increase.

“Through GM’s unique manufacturing process, our fleet customers know they’re getting quality, reliability and convenience,” said Joyce Mattman, director, commercial product and specialty vehicles.

The vans come equipped with GM’s hardened Vortec 6.0L engine, and with this LPG offering, GM is the only automaker to offer four alternative fuel options for U.S. fleet customers: LPG, CNG, E85 ethanol, and B20 biodiesel, the automaker stated.

The vans will be produced at GM’s Wentzville, Mo., plant and transported to Knapheide’s nearby facility for fuel storage/delivery system installation. Upon completion, the vehicle will be sent to an upfitter chosen by the customer for body installation. The cutaways can be converted to various commercial, school bus, shuttle bus, and RV requirements.

Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana LPG cutaway 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 and vehicle emissions warranty, meeting all Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB) emission certification requirements.

To find more information about the Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana, visit gmfleet.com, or for fleet-related questions, join the GM Fleet and Commercial Customer Service LinkedIn group.