GM unveils propane option for cutaways

DETROIT — General Motors (GM) will offer a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG — also known as propane) option for its 2012 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana cutaway 3500 and 4500 vans.

The company said that its manufacturing process will enable 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.

“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 of 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 selected Knapheide Manufacturing Co. to install two different LPG systems into the 159-inch wheelbase cutaway van. CleanFUEL USA and Bi-Phase Technologies will serve as tier-two suppliers for the 49- and 75-gallon capacity LPG fuel system, respectively.

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 then be sent to the upfitter chosen by the customer for body installation. The cutaways can be converted to various commercial, school bus, shuttle bus and RV requirements.

The cutaways 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 U.S. EPA and California Air Resources Board emission certification requirements.