General Motors announced it is offering a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) option for its 2012 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana cutaway van chassis. GM also announced a FleetTrac repair-scheduling and invoicing service that will reduce administrative workload for fleet customers.

Knapheide Manufacturing Co. will install two LPG systems into the 159-inch-wheelbase 3500 and 4500 series cutaway van chassis produced at GM's Wentzville, Mo., plant. Knapheide's facility is nearby. CleanFuel USA and Bi-Phase Technologies will supply 49- and 75-gallon capacity LPG fuel system, respectively.

This new LPG offering enables businesses to choose from 2,604 LPG fueling stations nationwide, and that number is expected to significantly increase as interest in alternative fuels grows, GM executives said during a telephone press conference.

"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."

The vans use GM's 6-liter Vortec gasoline engine equipped with hardened valves and valve seats, which allows burning of gaseous fuels. With this LPG offering, Small said, GM is the only automaker to offer four alternative fuel options for U.S. fleet customers: LPG, compressed and liquefied natural gas, E85 ethanol, and B20 biodiesel.

GM's manufacturing process enables customers to use a one-stop-shop approach that delivers a vehicle with a complete LPG fuel system, which can then be upfitted with truck, bus or RV bodies.

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 federal and state emission certification requirements.

More information about the Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana is at gmfleet.com. For timely responses to fleet-related questions, join the GM Fleet and Commercial Customer Service LinkedIn group.

FleetTrac

GM's new FleetTrac program begins operations today. It will be available to fleets of all sizes, and comes without enrollment or processing fees. FleetTrac also includes flexible client-specified purchase policies and 30-day payment terms..

FleetTrac reduces administration burdens by consolidating vehicle maintenance invoices, documenting vehicle repair history, and minimizing the process for repair authorization. Invoice details are delivered through a secure website and can be customized to fit any business structure.

The service can schedule vehicle repairs at outside repair shops without the use of a fleet management company. Through FleetTrac's consolidated service billing, drivers are freed from out-of-pocket expenses and account reimbursement processes.

Fleet managers can learn more about GM FleetTrac and open an account by visiting www.GMFleetTrac.com.