DETROIT (Bloomberg) -- General Motors is introducing a new cargo van, built by Nissan Motor Co. under a supply alliance formed last year, to compete with Ford Motor Co.'s Transit Connect in the U.S.
"There is so much opportunity in this particular segment," Ed Peper, U.S. vice president of fleet and commercial sales, said in an interview before today's announcement. The 2015 Chevrolet City Express will go on sale later this year, the company said in a statement.
GM wants to expand its commercial-vehicle business with the new van as well as redesigned heavy-duty pickups and new midsize trucks. The City Express, being revealed at the Chicago auto show today, is based on Nissan's NV200. The companies announced the project in May.
"Our goal is to grow commercial share," Peper said. The potential market for the Chevrolet van includes "everything from computer repair, catering, floral, radio/TV folks, graphic designs," particularly small businesses, he said.
GM also said today that Chevrolet is expanding its optional bi-fuel engines, which can run on compressed natural gas or gasoline, to all cab styles of the 2015 Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD pickups.
