News From the Auto Industry

Who knew that GM’s five-year-old Fleet and Commercial Operations (FCO) accounts for 1.3 to 1.5 million vehicles a year-some 28 percent of GM’s U. S. sales? On the commercial side alone, consider that more than 14 million U.S. businesses, from morn and pop grocers to giant retailers, own vehicles. While GM divisions traditionally have had their own fleet and commercial departments, they were consolidated in 1999. FCO now represents all GM car and truck divisions and products ranging from small cars to massive "medium-duty" trucks, with business sub-divided into three categories: rental, commercial and government.

Medium Duty

“GM remains highly confident in the long-term prospect of the China market. With the world’s fastest-growing vehicle market, success in China is crucial to GM’s global success,” Murtaugh added. “GM has become a leader in China by taking advantage of opportunities with our strategic partner Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation Group (SAIC) and aggressively introducing new and upgraded products to meet local demand.”

Tahoe Special Services vehicles are available in 2wd or 4wd and a choice of standard 285-hp Vortec 4800 or 295-hp Vortec 5300 V-8, the latter capable of operating on E85 fuel. These are equipped for SWAT, daily patrol, K9 unit and other applications. A Chevrolet Express Prisoner Transport Van offers a 300-hp Vortec 6000 V-8 (prepped for alternative fuel conversion) and seating for up to 15 bad guys or gals.

The funds will be allocated for a number of new projects including the introduction of new vehicles and powertrains, the creation of new facilities at GM’s local engineering and design center, the expansion of GM’s existing manufacturing joint ventures, and the launch of a new financing joint venture. The new investment will be funded by profits from GM’s China joint ventures.

GM’s Stabilitrak stability control system became standard on GMC Savana and Chevy Express long-whedbase 12-and 15-passenger vans late in the ‘04 modal year and expands to regular-wheelbase 12-passenger models for ‘05. Four engines are available: 200-hp Vortec 4300 V-6, 275-hp Vortec 4800 V-8, 285-hp Vortec 5300 V-8 and 300-hp Vortec 6000 V-8. All are mated to either a Hydra-Matic 4L60-E or a 4L80-E transmission with a unique tow/haul feature that improves the predictability and reduces the frequency of shifting during towing.