FAQs

Glossary

Commercial Sounding Board

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Fleet & Commercial

Fleet & Commercial

Q. What does the term "Commercial" mean?

A. Vehicles that are integral to a business are defined as "commercial." These dedicated "work" vehicles make businesses run. In many cases, these vehicles are modified to enhance their ability to better serve their owners. Plumbers, construction workers, or delivery drivers, for example, sometimes need a vehicle that is specially equipped for their day-to-day business operations. The volume requirements of commercial customers varies dramatically. Some customers such as tradespeople operate one vehicle at a time. However, other customers operate several thousand vehicles.

Q. How do I know if I am a qualified fleet customer?

A. A qualified fleet customer is defined as any company that purchases or leases five or more new vehicles for use in their business during a running 12 month period or owns and operates 15 or more vehicles solely for use in its operations. In addition, a customer may qualify if they own or lease 15 for use in its operations. All political subdivisions and public utilities automatically qualify as fleet customers.

Q. What is a GM Common Fleet Account Number (FAN)?

A. The General Motors Common Fleet Account Number (FAN) is used to identify qualified fleet customers. It is used by all divisions of GM to process orders, track vehicle production, and identify those customers who may be eligible for fleet incentives in conjunction with the purchase or lease of new GM cars and trucks.

Q. How do I acquire a FAN?

A. Qualified customers can apply for a FAN at any GM franchised dealer. Dealers submit applications via the web. Responses to applications are returned to the applying dealer via e-mail.

Q. How long is the FAN valid?

A. The FAN remains in effect as long as the customer meets the eligibility requirements set forth to be a General Motors fleet customer.

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    • Adaptive Seating

      Automatically recognizes occupant position and adjusts the seat cushions to custom-fit every individual.

    • Alternative Fuel

      Methanol, denatured ethanol, and other alcohols; mixtures containing 85% or more by volume of methanol, denatured ethanol, and other alcohols with gasoline or other fuels; natural gas; liquefied petroleum gas; hydrogen; coal-derived liquid fuels; non-alcohol fuels (such as biodiesel) derived from biological material; and electricity. 'P-Series' fuels were added to this list since the original definition in EPAct.

    • Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV)

      As defined by the Energy Policy Act, any dedicated, flexible-fuel, or dual-fuel vehicle designed to operate on at least one alternative fuel.

    • Antilock Brake System (ABS)

      Automatically adjusts brake pressure to the wheels during hard braking situations to help the driver maintain steering control by reducing wheel lockup while braking on most slippery surfaces.

    • BAC

      Business Associate Code.

    • Backlit Controls

      Used on many switches to make them easy to find in the dark (e.g. power door-lock switches, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning controls).

    • Chassis

      May be used to represent 1) Entire vehicle as produced by the factory when no body is included (Cab, frame, powerplant, drive line, suspensions, axles, wheels, and tires); 2) Same as number 1 except excluding cab and other sheet metal; or 3) Frame only with brackets, bumper, and other miscellaneous parts directly attached to the frame.

    • Commercial

      Vehicles that are integral to a business. These dedicated "work" vehicles make businesses run. In many cases, these vehicles are modified to enhance their ability to better serve their owners. Plumbers, construction workers, or delivery drivers, for example, sometimes need a vehicle that is specially equipped for their day-to-day business operations. The volume requirements of commercial customers varies dramatically. Some customers, such as tradespeople, operate one vehicle at a time. However, other customers, operate several thousand vehicles.

    • Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)

      Headlamps automatically turn on at low intensity when ignition in turned on, increasing vehicle visibility to other drivers.

    • DEX-COOL

      This orange-colored extended-life engine coolant is ethylene glycol-based with a unique inhibitor formulation to protect engine metals. Service change interval is 5 years/100,000 miles (whichever comes first).

    • DRW

      Dual Rear Wheels

    • ETR

      Electronically Tuned Receiver

    • Electrochromic Rearview Mirrors

      Automatically dim when struck with light.

    • Engine Oil-Life Monitor

      Tracks engine rpm, coolant temperature, and driving time to predict the condition of the oil. A light illuminates on the instrument panel when it is time to change the oil.

    • EPA

      See U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

    • FAN

      Fleet Account Number

    • FMVSS

      Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

    • Flash-to-Pass

      Allows driver to flash highbeam headlamps as a passing signal to vehicles ahead.

    • Fuel-Cell Technology

      An electrochemical engine with no moving parts that converts the chemical energy of a fuel, such as hydrogen, and an oxidant, such as oxygen, directly to electricity. The principal components of a fuel cell are catalytically activated electrodes for the fuel (anode) and the oxidant (cathode) and an electrolyte to conduct ions between the two electrodes.

    • GMOLS

      GM Oil-Life System.

    • GMVIS

      GM Vehicle Information System.

    • Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)

      When properly equipped, includes weight of vehicle, passengers, cargo, and equipment.

    • Heavy Duty Vehicle

      Generally, a vehicle that has a GVWR of more than 26,000 lb. Definitions vary by organization.

    • Light Duty Vehicle

      Passenger cars and trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating of 8,500 lb or less.

    • Medium Duty Vehicle

      Typically, a vehicle with a GVWR of 8,500 lb to 14,000 lb.

    • National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

      The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), under the U.S. Department of Transportation, was established by the Highway Safety Act of 1970, as the successor to the National Highway Safety Bureau, to carry out safety programs under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 and the Highway Safety Act of 1966. The Vehicle Safety Act has subsequently been recodified under Title 49 of the U.S. Code in Chapter 301, Motor Vehicle Safety. NHTSA also carries out consumer programs established by the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act of 1972, which has been recodified in various Chapters under Title 49.

    • OnStar

      The in-vehicle safety and security system. It starts with the innovative three-button system, giving you access to expertly trained Advisors who are ready to help. And invaluable safety and security services created to help protect you and your family while on the road. Onstar is available on most GM models. Call 1-888-4Onstar or visit onstar.com for details.

    • Parade Dimming

      Maintains intensity of all instrument panel vacuum fluorescent displays such as radio and climate control when headlamps are in use during daylight hours.

    • PASS-Key

      A theft-deterrent system with an electronically coded pellet in the key.

    • PASSlock

      A theft deterrent system that disables the engine unless the PASSlock cylinder is correctly engaged with a mechanical key. It does not require the use of a coded pellet in the key.

    • RKE — Remote Keyless Entry

      Transmits a uniquely coded, high frequency radio signal to lock or unlock doors and unlock the trunk/rear hatch from up to 30 feet away.

    • Retained Accessory Power (RAP)

      Radio and windows remain operative for 10 minutes after ignition is shut off or until a door is opened.

    • SI2000

      Service Information

    • StabiliTrak

      A stability enhancement system that makes our already safe vehicles even better.

    • SVM

      Special Vehicle Manufacturer

    • Theft-Lock

      Designed to discourage radio theft, it works by using a secret code to disable all radio functions whenever the battery power is removed.

    • Tilt-Wheel Steering Column

      Allows the driver to tailor the wheel to the most comfortable, individualized steering position.

    • Tow/Haul Mode

      When engaged, Tow/Haul mode enhances trailering by reprogramming the automatic transmission shift schedule while you're transporting heavy loads.

    • Twilight Sentinel

      Module that senses the amount of daylight available in order to automatically turn on the headlamps.

    • U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

      A department of the federal government, established by the Carter Administration in 1977, to consolidate energy-oriented programs and agencies. The DOE mission includes the coordination and management of energy conservation, supply, information dissemination, regulation, research, development and demonstration. The Department includes the Office of Transportation Technologies.

    • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

      A government agency, established in 1970, responsible for protecting the environment and public health. EPA seeks to reduce air, water, and land pollution and pollution from solid waste, radiation, pesticides and toxic substances. EPA also controls emissions from motor vehicles, fuels, and fuel additives.

    • U.S. Department of Transportation

      A government agency whose mission is to ensure a fast, safe, efficient, accessible, and convenient transportation system that meets the national interests and enhances our quality of life.

    • XM Satellite Radio

      America's most popular satellite radio service gives you the power to choose what you want to hear - wherever and whenever you want it. XM is available on select GM models. Not available in AK or HI. Visit gm.xmradio.com for details.

GM Fleet and Commercial Action Center
  • E-mail:
    Submit your questions and feedback to our GM Fleet and Commercial Action Center with our simple E-mail form.
  • U.S. Mail:
    GM Fleet and Commercial Action Center
    31 East Judson Street
    Mail code: 483-631-350
    Pontiac, MI 48342
  • Telephone:
    Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. (EST), 1-800-FleetOp (1-800-353-3867)
Fleet Tools Help Desk

As a Fleet Member, you can access our Tools quickly. These tools will better assist you with your business vehicle needs.

To request a Fleet Tools ID/Password and to learn more about becoming a Fleet Member, simply call our Fleet Tools Help Desk at 1-877-9FLEET9. Please make sure you have your GM FAN (Fleet Account Number) handy when calling. To acquire a FAN, eligible customers can apply at any GM-franchised dealer.

Fleet Account Numbers are issued to:

  • Any customer or company purchasing or leasing five or more new vehicles, solely for use during the current or preceding model or calendar year.
  • Any customer owning or leasing 15 or more vehicles.
Medium Duty Truck Business Center

Your satisfaction is our priority. If you have questions concerning your medium duty trucks that can't be handled by your selling or servicing dealer, contact the Medium Duty Truck Business Center by visiting the Website or calling the toll-free number below.

GMC: www.gmc.com
Chevrolet: www.chevrolet.com

1-800-862-4389 (Select prompt #3 for Customer Assistance)

Mailing Address
P.O. Box 44947
Detroit, MI 48244

Additional Contacts

Business Central Dealers
Business Central Dealers are committed to meeting the specific needs of our commercial customers. A dedicated, specially trained commercial sales staff keeps an inventory of work-ready commercial vehicles ready for prompt delivery.

Fleet Account Executives
FCO Account Executives provide support nationwide with strategically located field personnel.

Special Vehicle Manufacturer (SVM)
General Motors Special Vehicle Manufacturers provide quality upfit products that enhance GM trucks and vans. SVMs are selected on the merit of their upfit/conversion, financial stability, and adherence to the governmental and trade association requirements.

GM Contacts
For all other GM Corporation contacts, frequently asked questions and mailing addresses.


To contact a GM brand by E-mail, phone, or mail with comments or questions regarding dealers, vehicle repairs or parts, please click on the appropriate logo below.









* Vehicles shown with equipment from an independent supplier. See the owner's manual for information on alterations and warranties.