Michigan Trucks Get a Bi-Fuel Boost

May 3, 2012 - PRLog -- DETROIT – Those concerned about the rising price of gas may want to check out General Motors Co.’s  latest announcement about its heavy-duty Michigan trucks.
The automaker has announced both fleet and retail customers may start placing orders for bi-fuel 2013 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 2500 HD pickups.
“The bi-fuel Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra provide customers with choices in advanced propulsion technology, and because CNG is a clean-burning, domestically produced fuel, it has wide appeal,” said Ed Peper, general manager, GM Fleet and Commercial Operations. “The addition of a full-size bi-fuel pickup truck to GM’s fleet portfolio is another milestone in putting the customer first in everything we do – by offering great products, innovative solutions and a great customer experience.”
Highlights of these vehicles Michigan truck owners may be interested in include:
•   A compressed natural gas (CNG) capable Vortec 6.0L V8 engine
•   The engine has no difficulty switching between CNG and gasoline fuel systems
•   The trucks come with a three-year/36,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty and a five-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty and vehicle emissions warranty
•   Michigan trucks will arrive from the Fort Wayne, Ind., plant where they’ll be built
•   The trucks will be available in both standard and long box
•   People may choose either two- or four-wheel drive
According to The Detroit News, this new development could ease the financial burden on certain fleet operators who may have been paying as much as $20,000 in conversion costs to switch their fleet over to CNG. CNG is often more advantageous to fleet operators, because its cost is more predictable than gasoline.
“A gallon equivalent of compressed natural gas in January averaged $2.13 across the U.S., about a third less than the $3.37 average price for a gallon of gas, according to the federal government,” Melissa Burden of The Detroit News wrote. “The difference is even more pronounced today, with pump prices hovering just under $4 a gallon.”
The only holdup that may prevent numerous fleet operators from purchasing these new bi-fuel trucks may be the lack of stations where Michigan trucks and those across the nation may fill up on CNG. Only 16 are available in Michigan and 976 across the nation.
Pricing information has yet to be released by GM.
[Source(s): The Detroit News, GM Media]