GM emphasizes ‘gas-friendly’ lineup at Chicago Auto Show

“More and more of our business and commercial customers are concerned about the environmental impact of their vehicle fleets and how that influences the reputation of their company,” said John Gaydash, marketing director for GM’s Fleet and Commercial Operations. “They want to increase fuel efficiency, lower their dependence on petroleum and help reduce vehicle emissions. Our broad lineup of cars and trucks provides customers with the right vehicles to meet their environmental needs while still making sure the job gets done. ”

According to GM, the following gas-friendly commercial and business vehicles will be at the Chicago Auto Show:

• Chevrolet HHR Panel—According to GM, the Chevy HHR Panel gets 30 highway miles per gallon.
• Chevrolet Express 3500 Cargo Van—GM noted that its clean-burning and powerful 6.6-liter Duramax engine can use B5 biodiesel and comes in rear-wheel or all-wheel drive.
• Chevrolet Silverado—The half-ton Silverado gives customers the choice of powering their truck with E85 ethanol, gasoline or a combination of both fuels.
• Chevrolet Silverado HD 3500—Available with a gas or diesel engine, the Silverado HD 3500’s new six-speed automatic transmission—including two overdrive gears—helps deliver an excellent balance of performance and fuel economy. According to GM, the available Duramax 6.6-liter turbo-diesel engine includes a diesel particulate filter system that helps provide a 90 percent reduction in particulate matter and a 50 percent reduction in NOx.
• Chevrolet Impala Police Pursuit Vehicle (PPV)—The 2008 Chevrolet Impala Police Car can operate on E85 ethanol. GM noted that its Active Fuel Management technology shuts off half the engine’s cylinders when full power is not needed, improving fuel economy by up to 8 percent in certain driving situations.
• Chevrolet Tahoe Police Pursuit Vehicle—The 2008 Tahoe PPV is powered by the Vortec 5.3-liter V-8 engine, which features Active Fuel Management technology, resulting in improved fuel economy. The vehicle can operate on E85 ethanol.
• 2009 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid—According to GM, the Silverado Hybrid is a full-size pickup that is expected to deliver fuel economy comparable to many small and midsize trucks that are equipped with four- or six-cylinder engines. The hybrid system provides all-electric driving at low speeds, allowing fuel savings to be realized even when the truck is fully loaded or towing a trailer. GM noted that he Silverado Hybrid goes on sale in late 2008 and is based on the award-winning Silverado platform.

The Chicago Auto Show runs from Feb. 6-17.