The Chevrolet Express, also rebadged as the GMC Savana, is a range of full-size vans built and sold by General Motors since the 1996 model year, succeeding the prior GM G-series vans, which were marketed as the Chevrolet Van and GMC Rally/Vandura. The Express/Savana was updated for the 2003 model year with revised styling and chassis upgrades. The Express and Savana are produced in three configurations, including passenger vans, cargo vans, and a cutaway van chassis; the latter vehicle is a chassis cab variant developed for commercial-grade applications, including ambulances, buses, motorhomes and small trucks. In production since 1995, the Express/Savana is one of the longest-produced American automotive designs in automotive history (rivaled only by the Jeep Wagoneer and Dodge Ram Van for longevity). General Motors assembles the model line at its Wentzville Assembly facility (Wentzville, Missouri). Since 2017, production of the model line has also been sourced from Navistar International through its Springfield, Ohio assembly plant. Model history First generation (1996–2002) For the 1996 model year, Chevrolet replaced the G-series Chevrolet Van with the Chevrolet Express (retaining Chevrolet Van for cargo vans). The first all-new design for the General Motors full-size van line since 1971, the model line was offered in passenger and cargo-van variants (the latter initially retained the Chevrolet Van name), with GMC replacing the Vandura/Rally with the Savana. Alongside the first substantial redesign of the model line in 25 years, GM predicted substantial growth in the full-size segment through the end of the 1990s. In a major functional change, the front axle was moved forward 10 inches, effectively moving the front wheels out of the passenger compartment; along with improving front legroom, the design allowed a reduction in step-in height (improving access). While sharing the same engines as the previous model line, the size of the engine cover was reduced, further increasing front passenger space. On all vehicles below 8500 lbs GVWR (1500 and 2500 series), the Express was introduced with standard dual airbags; for 1997, dual airbags were standardized for all versions of the model line. For 1999, a few minor functional changes were made to the model line. In a more noticeable update, Chevrolet retired the Chevrolet Van nameplate entirely, with the cargo van renamed the Express Cargo Van. Second generation (2003–present) For 2003, the Express underwent a mid-cycle revision. Alongside substantial frame and chassis upgrades, the bodywork forward of the windshield was revised.