When did Chevy stop making the express van?
The Chevrolet Express van was discontinued after the 2023 model year; production ended in 2023. This article explains when the line ended, why GM phased it out, and what buyers and fleets should consider now.
Chevrolet’s Express, built alongside its GMC Savana sibling, long served as a workhorse for fleets and small businesses. In 2023 General Motors confirmed that the Express and Savana would not continue into a new model year, signaling the end of an era for GM’s traditional body-on-frame full-size vans. No direct, immediate replacement was announced at that time, with GM pointing toward future developments in full-size van technology rather than a like-for-like successor.
End of production: When it happened
Overview of the key dates and facts surrounding the end of the Express van’s production.
- Last model year: 2023 for both Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana in North America.
- Production end: The line ceased in 2023, with no new 2024-model Express vans entering the market.
- Manufacturing site: The vans were traditionally built at GM’s Wentzville Assembly Plant in Missouri; production for the Express/Savana suite concluded in 2023.
- Replacement plans: GM indicated a shift toward next-generation/full-size van platforms and electric commercial vans in the future, but a direct, on-sale replacement for the Express/Savana was not announced at the time.
The end of the Express/Savana lineup reflects GM’s strategic move away from the aging, body-on-frame full-size van segment in favor of newer architectures and electrified options. For now, fleets and buyers look to other brands or to pre-owned Express/Savana stock as the market transitions.
Implications for buyers and fleets
Key considerations for customers navigating the change and the options available moving forward.
- New-vehicle availability: There are no new Chevrolet Express vans for the 2024 model year or beyond. Inventory was limited to remaining 2023 stock, and ongoing sales depend on dealer allocations and fleet purchases.
- Fleet and commercial planning: Fleets may need to evaluate alternatives such as Ford Transit, Ram ProMaster, or Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, depending on capacity, service networks, and customization.
- Used market and resale values: As production ended, the used market for Express/Savana vans has become the primary source for buyers needing full-size vans, with values influenced by mileage, condition, and remaining lifespan of mechanicals.
- Parts, maintenance, and support: GM and authorized dealers will continue to provide parts and service for existing Express/Savana vehicles for a period, but long-term supply will gradually wind down as parts stock and tooling age.
In summary, Chevrolet ceased new Express vans after the 2023 model year, and buyers and fleets are adjusting to the absence of a direct, new-model replacement. The market now relies on used Express units or alternative brands, with future GM offerings in the full-size van space still to be fully defined.
Summary
The Chevrolet Express van line effectively ended production with the 2023 model year. GM confirmed the discontinuation in 2023 and did not announce a direct successor at that time. For buyers, this means shifting to used Express inventories or competing brands, while fleets must weigh alternatives such as Ford Transit, Ram ProMaster, and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, alongside evolving GM commercial-van plans for the future.
Will there be a 2026 Chevy Express van?
The 2026 Chevrolet Express Van is a proven workhorse-simple to upfit, easy to service, and built to haul people or payloads all week long. Choose Cargo for trades and deliveries or Passenger for shuttles and group transport.
What will replace the Chevy Express?
The Chevrolet Express will be replaced by new, battery-electric vans in 2026, following the end of the 2025 model year. These new electric vans will be built on General Motors' Ultium platform, similar to other GM EVs. While specific details are not yet public, they are expected to be similar in size and capability to the current Express, with a longer range.
What to expect
- Electric powertrains: The new vans will be fully electric, part of GM's broader strategy to transition away from internal combustion engines.
- Ultium platform: The new electric vans will be built on the same Ultium platform used for other GM electric vehicles.
- Improved range: The electric replacement is expected to have a longer driving range than the current gasoline-powered Express.
- Similar size and capability: The new vans are anticipated to be similar in size and functionality to the Express they are replacing, making them suitable for both cargo and passenger use.
Why the change?
- Aging design: The Chevrolet Express has remained largely unchanged for many years, and a new design is needed to compete with modern vans.
- Shift to EVs: The automotive industry is moving towards electric vehicles, and GM is following this trend to reduce its environmental impact.
Is Chevrolet discontinuing the Express Van?
No, the Chevy Express is not being discontinued and will return for the 2026 model year, with production for the 2026 model scheduled to start in November 2025. While initial reports suggested it would be replaced by an electric vehicle in 2026, those plans have been canceled, and the existing model will continue with internal combustion engines.
- 2026 model year: The Chevy Express will be produced for the 2026 model year, and production is scheduled to begin in November 2025, says GM Authority.
- Electric replacement canceled: Previously, it was rumored that GM would replace the Express with an electric van based on the Ultium platform starting with the 2026 model year. However, Wikipedia reports that GM has since abandoned these plans.
- Continued production: The Express is expected to continue in its current internal combustion engine form.
- Future uncertain: While the 2026 model is confirmed, the long-term future of the Express is still unclear beyond that year.
How much is the 2025 Chevy Express conversion van?
Silver Birch Metallic 2025 Chevrolet Express 2500 Explorer Conversion Passenger Van Factory MSRP: $52,935 The dealer has added these accessories to this vehicle: - Explorer Luxury Conversion Package - S1128225 Silver Birch with A Special Fade Paint and 9 Passenger Seating ($30,060) The original vehicle has been ...
