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GM Alternative Fuel Fleet Does it All

FOR RELEASE: May 11, 2001

GM Alternative Fuel Fleet Does it All

Tailored to fit a variety of platforms and market segments, the range of vehicles offers clean, robust performance, with no sacrifices

Detroit, MI – General Motors has developed versions of many of its popular models that run on alternative fuels, including compressed natural gas (CNG), propane (LPG), and ethanol (E85). These vehicles provide innovative solutions for fleet managers to meet strict U.S. EPA or D.O.E. mandates.

“Our alternative fuel fleet vehicles are yet another reason for customers to come to us for their many vehicle needs,” said John Gaydash, marketing director for GM Fleet and Commercial and brand manager for Alternative Fuel Vehicles. “Our portfolio of products features some of the highest fuel economy and lowest sticker prices in these markets. Furthermore, our alternative fuel vehicles typically qualify for valuable government incentives.”

GM’s sales of alternative fuel vehicles increased by approximately 30 percent from 1999 to 2000, and GM’s share of the alternative fuel vehicle market grew by 4 points.

GM’s Alternative Fuel Vehicle lineup for the 2002 model year:

  • Chevy Silverado & GMC Sierra Dedicated or Bi-Fuel Compressed Natural Gas Pickups
    New for 2002 model year, the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra are the same strong, durable and long-lasting truck bodies that have won critical acclaim and customer enthusiasm. These pickups are ideal for moving both cargo and crew over rough terrain, in adverse road conditions, or up severe inclines. These alternative fuel pickups can be ordered either with bi-fuel capability or as a dedicated compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicle. Bi-fuel versions are 50-state LEV-certified, while the dedicated CNG versions are ULEV in California and 49-state ILEV. The 280-hp full-size pickups are available in both two- and four-wheel drive, and in Regular or Extended Cab configuration. Bi-fuel versions also have a Crew Cab option.

  • Chevy Tahoe & Suburban/GMC Yukon & Yukon XL Flexible Fuel Ethanol (E85) SUVs
    Also new for the 2002 model year, these fullsize SUVs powered by the 285-hp 5.3-liter V8 engine are capable of running on any combination of conventional gasoline and ethanol (E85) as a standard feature. All four full-size flexible fuel SUVs are available as either two- or four-wheel-drive models.

  • GMC Savana and Chevy Express Bi-Fuel – CNG Fullsize Vans
    These fullsize vans can be customized to fit specific fleet requirements, as either passenger- or cargo-haulers. Both feature durable body-on-frame construction as well as a smooth, controlled and comfortable ride. There is room for lots of people in the passenger van (up to 15 passengers) and lots of gear in the cargo van (up to 316.8 cubic feet of cargo room). The vans are powered by a 50-state LEV-certified 5.7-liter V8.

  • Chevy S-10 and GMC Sonoma Flexible Fuel Ethanol (E85) Compact Pickups
    Both of these flexible fuel ethanol (E85) pickups are 50-state LEV-certified. They can handle utility and light construction of almost any kind, and offer versatility in fuel choice. The base 2.2-liter, four-cylinder engines come standard with flexible fuel operation and can run on any combination of E85 or gasoline. They offer the highest fuel economy of any ethanol flexible fuel pickup on the market today.

  • Chevrolet Cavalier Bi-Fuel – CNG Sedan
    Because the Cavalier is so versatile, it is one of the most popular alternative fuel automobiles on the road today. It’s perfect as a commuter, livery or security vehicle because it’s economical and runs clean. The Bi-Fuel Cavalier is one of the most affordable natural gas OEM vehicles on the market. Though it runs primarily on compressed natural gas, it will operate on conventional gasoline when its CNG tank is depleted. Its 2.2-liter four is 50-state LEV-certified.

  • Chevy/GMC Medium Duty Truck Dedicated Propane
    This is a no-compromises truck platform that is ideal for heavy construction and large cargo assignments. Powered by a 276-hp 8.1-liter V8, it’s the only OEM-supported dedicated propane medium duty truck on the road. Its chassis can be customized to become anything from an open bed to a closed box to a school bus. The Chevrolet/GMC Medium Duty is a true GM original.

For more information on these vehicles and on GM’s Alternative Fuel Vehicle fleet and operations, see the program’s upgraded Web site (www.gmaltfuel.com). The site includes information such as a listing of GM’s Alternative Fuel Vehicle dealerships, and pertinent refueling sites.

General Motors , the world's largest vehicle manufacturer, designs, builds and markets cars and trucks worldwide. In 2000, GM earned $5 billion on sales of $183.3 billion. It employs about 372,000 people globally. GM also operates one of the largest and most successful financial services companies, GMAC, which offers automotive, mortgage and business financing and insurance services to customers worldwide. GM is investing aggressively in digital technology and e-business within its global automotive operations and through such initiatives as e-GM, GM BuyPower, OnStar and its Hughes Electronics Corp. subsidiary. More information on General Motors can be found at www.gm.com.