_____________________________________________Whitby Free Presa, Wecfresday, February 21, 1996, Page 13 A 'niche' vehicle GM my, se electric pickups next year General -Motors of Canada Limited says if Canadian fleet custemers express sufficient interest In purchaslng Chevrolet compact 8-Series electric plckup trucks, the company will make the vehicle available for sale in Canada beglnnlng as early as 1997. "Just like the' Suburban or the Corvette, this 'a niche vehicle," said vice president and general sales manager Tom Mason. "It will be especily appropriate for use in commercial fleets with predetermined routes where the truck cornes back te the garage every night. 'We are now beginning to talk te fleets across the country te determine if the product fits their needs. If there la sufficient intereat, we will take the necessary steps te ensure the product meets Canadian safety standards and is available for sale on similar ternis as in the U.S.," said Mason. GM Corporation announced ln January that is9 would make available the Chevrolet 5-Series compact electric pickup te fleet buyers and the U.S. early ln the 1997 calendar year at an introductory manufacturers suggested retail price of (U.S.) $32,795. In the U.S., significant federal and state goverrnment Incentives are available te purchasers. mhe electric truck will look like any other Chevrolet S-Series pickup. but will be powered by a Delco propulsion system 85kW, 114 HP, AC induction motor and the Delco valve regulated lead acid batteiy pack, which will be located under the truck The truck will be available in regular cab configuration with a short box. and two-wheel, front- wheel drive. It will have an effective range of 60-100 kilometres with a governed tep speed ef 110 kilometres per hour. Actual range will depend on ( driving variables such as power steering; and rear step temperature, terrain, accessory bumper. use and driver use. Payload for the truck ls 380 ilogramsIlncludlng driver and Standard equipment includes a passenger (if applicable). battery thermal management Sales of the vehicle will be system; fuel-fired cabin heater restaicted to fleet customers, and It regenerative braling;, air la deslgned for use by companles or conditionlng- driver air bag; four- agencles with predictable dally wheel anti-lock brakes; cruise drive r outes. Examples would be conirol aerodynamic package with electric utllity companies, urban front spoiler and partial bed cover, delivery services or large AM/FM radio; tilt steering wheel; Industrial complexes with en-site intermittent windshield wipers; vehicle fleets. While the vehicle wiIl b. distrlbuted by Chevrelet teclclans from each fleet wlll be trained by Generai Moters of Canada and Chevrolet te handie mest of the maintenance and warranty work. telifle there are stilI, a number of limitations on eiecti-ic technoiogy in our colder climate, we are committed te bringing new technologies te market as they. make sense for Canadianii," sad Mason. AZOO «;Igemm Hi ige ! en «» * * The Oshawa truck plant will be upgraded and a new, 300,000-square-foot body shop constructed as General Moter. of Canada Ltd. reinvesta much of Its $1.39-bülion profit from 1995 oporations. Workers at the plant, who build- fuil-size extended cabs, willi get "state of the art tools te, budld on their strong track record," says GM of Canada president Maureen Kempston Darkes. The lait modernization of the truck plant was almost 10Oyears ago. The. new body shop is - expected te be completed by late 1998. Oshawa's car assembly plants, gearing for the new 1997 Buick Century te be introduced early in 1997, ran near full capacity during 1995 te, produoe the Chevrolet Lumina/Monte Carie. GM earned $29.7 billion in 1995, 19 per oent more than in 1994. Net income in 1994 was $1.03 million. FE13RA Y 4 WHEEL ALIGNMENT US at DIXON ALIGNMENT DuMà st 317 Hlopkins St. Unit #5 WhiIkh, Richard Zotz sSvice manae Lee Jimmo Ausisant Service Manaer Present thiscuo and save $10 on installedU parts and labour totalling $50 or more.%W Coupon has no cash valu. and must b. pres.nted at time of service. Cannot b. us.d in DO F r couon tho r>h U T coupon per service. Applicable taxes <PST/GST> WilI bu charg.d on the- SE M CE affer-coupon price. Valid only at Canadian Tire, 400 Gien HI Drive, Whitby (905) 668-1296 E>qçires Satuirday, March 30/1996