Hummer brand CEO Jim Taylor, speaking with Automotive News, discussed Hummer's rather hazy future. Though the sale has not yet been finalized, the agreements are in place to sell the brand to Tengzhong Heavy Industrial Machinery for $150 million, while that doesn't include any kind of manufacturing capacity, it does have a good deal of intellectual property in the transaction. GM will be providing contract manufacturing of the current Hummer brand products until the negotiated contract ends, but it's up to Tengzhong, Hummer, and Jim Taylor to work out a plan after that.

Currently Hummer is working with Austrian consulting firm AVL to determine a future path for brand and product lineup. The idea is to continue pushing the brand smaller, lighter, and more environmentally friendly. That includes the introduction of the smaller-than-the-H3 Hummer H4 and after that an apparently microscopic Hummer H5. The H4 will be based on the HX concept car and may include a hybrid drive system to push fuel economy up to respectable levels.

More daunting than working out Hummer's product plan is laying out a production system including manufacturing and engineering capacities, supply chains and the like. Essentially, once GM production ceases on the current H2 and H3, Hummer will be starting with a seven bar grille and a name synonymous with gas-guzzling behemoths. Tengzhong has promised to spend big on Hummer with increased production and a wad of advertising cash to re-tool the brand's image, but still, it'll be an uphill battle. Best of luck with all that, Mr. Taylor. [AutoNews (sub req.) via Hummer Guy]

The annual nationwide study of 1.7 million vehicles receiving traffic code violations by ISO Quality Planning in California, reveals Hummer H2s and H3s sit atop the list of most ticketed vehicles. Below, the full list of the top ten most and least ticketed vehicles.

Here's the San Francisco-based company's methodology:

Traffic code violations data for a one-year period from 2007 and 2008 were used for the study. Vehicles that were discontinued for more than 10 years were not included in the analysis. Violations were standardized based on the number of violations per 100,000 miles driven for each model. That standardization accounts for the differences in average annual miles driven by different models. Each vehicle model’s violation count per 100,000 miles was compared with the average across all the models to identify the 10 models with the highest and lowest violations, as compared to the average. For example, Hummer drivers were 4.63 times more likely to get a ticket, as compared to the average.

The study found these are the ten most ticketed vehicles, in order from most ticketed to least along with the percentage above the average:
Oh Hummer, why must you consume our pocketbooks? We love you when you run over things, play in the water or transform into a mysterious quasi-governmental robot. With the price of gas coming down, things between us have been more livable, but we still can't afford your ravenous addiction to gasoline. Maybe this is why GM is trying to off you.

Now for the other side of the ticketing coin. The ten least ticketed vehicles in the country, this time from least ticketed to most, along with the percentages less they receive tickets from the average are:

Buicks, Olds and big Chevys? Shocker. An interesting side note: Chevy Tahoes and Hummer H2s are basically the same vehicle mechanically — why the huge difference? Our guess may be it has something to do with the mind-set of the people who drive them. Remember, sometimes stereotypes are stereotypes for a reason — at least when it comes to the type of people who purchase certain vehicles.

[Newsday via Motive Forums, ISO Quality Planning]

Photo Credit: Flickr

HUMMER SHOWS A TRIO OF H3-BASED CONCEPTS AND PROJECTS AT THE 2008 SEMA SHOW

LAS VEGAS – The desert surrounding Las Vegas has long been the inspiration of off-road enthusiasts. HUMMER is the ultimate expression of off-road capability and it comes to Vegas and the 2008 SEMA Show with a trio of special vehicles guaranteed to quicken the pulse of anyone whose vacation plans include destinations like Moab or Baja.

HUMMER introduces two concepts, a new, pre-runner-style H3T outfitted with a raft of performance and appearance accessories, and the H3 X Concept – a proposal for the ultimate H3 X. The third vehicle is a modified H3 Alpha that was built by Four Wheeler Magazine as an ongoing project detailed in several issues and online.

“HUMMER has always been about unmatched capability and that’s exactly what these concept vehicles deliver,” said James Taylor, HUMMER CEO. “More importantly, they are based in reality with mostly bolt-on components attainable by any enthusiast who wants them. They are more than concepts; they’re thought starters for enthusiasts who want to express themselves via their H3 or H3T.”

While none of these specialized HUMMERs is targeted for production, they incorporate Genuine HUMMER Accessories components and other aftermarket parts that are on the market today, allowing enthusiasts to replicate much the concept vehicles’ attitude and enhanced capability.

H3T Weekend Warrior
The H3T Weekend Warrior concept demonstrates the added extreme capability and functionality that can be accomplished with the H3T and a few weekends in the garage. Enhanced performance under the hood and from the suspension is due to the development work of HUMMER’s off-road engineers and the technology transfer from HUMMER’s championship-winning racing program.

Starting with a new H3T Alpha, engineers added nearly 70 horsepower to its 5.3L V-8 via components available through GM Performance Parts. They include LS2 cylinder heads (part number 12576063), a higher-lift camshaft (part number 12574519) and supporting components. Also enhancing performance is a custom, 3.5-inch exhaust system.

Taking a note from the playbook of the HUMMER stock-class race program, the H3T rides on 35-inch-tall BFGoodrich Baja T/A tires mounted on HUMMER Accessories 20-inch wheels. The concept also uses racing-proven stock and aftermarket suspension components, including Light Racing JounceShocks and 2-inch-diameter Rod Hall Racing piggyback reservoir-type performance shocks. The modified suspension improves the H3T’s inherent off-road capability, making it the ideal high-speed desert chase truck. There is also a set of high-performance disc brakes from DBA.

To complete a weekend desert-escape, the H3T carries a KTM 450 SX-F dirt bike mounted with the H3T’s cargo management system. The vehicle also wears other parts available from HUMMER Accessories that enhance function, including a bed extender and carry-off cargo boxes.

Additionally, the Baja Orange Metallic custom paint is highlighted by essential HUMMER accessories, including roof-mounted and grille-mounted off-road lamps, a body-color upper grille and custom hood graphics. The lower grille, mirror caps, door handles and fuel door have a satin-metal finish. Inside is a custom, black leather-trimmed cabin with orange accent stitching and carbon fiber instrument panel accents.

H3 X Concept
The HUMMER H3 X Alpha is a stylish and capable vehicle straight from the factory, but the H3 X Concept takes style and exclusivity to the next level. Production equipment includes bright roof crossbows; chrome fuel filler door, assist steps and brush guard; body-color grille and spare tire cover; 18-inch wheels and embroidered seat headrests.

The H3 X Concept builds on those features with the following:

* New 18-inch wheels with unique finish
* All-terrain 35-inch-tall tires
* Black chrome finish on exterior chrome components, including an exclusive black chrome hood louver
* Body-color rear bumper extensions
* Clear turn signal and side repeater lenses

The exterior is painted a distinctive Canyon Metallic color from PPG that is complemented brilliantly by the black chrome details and 18-inch wheels. The interior features black leather trim on the seats, console armrest, door armrests and shift knob that is accented with orange stitching. It also features custom mats with orange piping and a headrest DVD entertainment system that is available from HUMMER Accessories.

Powering the H3 X Concept is the Alpha model’s 5.3L V-8 engine that delivers 300 horsepower (224 kW) and 320 lb.-ft. of torque (434 Nm). It is partnered with a four-speed automatic transmission and enables great off-road driving control and a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds (2,721 kg) – enough to haul a trailer packed with a weekend’s worth of dirt bikes, camping gear and more.

H3 Alpha Four Wheeler Project Trailhugger
Partnering with HUMMER, Four Wheeler Magazine built an H3 Alpha with an all-business demeanor and greater off-road capability, while retaining daily-driver comfort and fuel economy.

The project, dubbed “Trailhugger,” started by “de-glossing” the H3. That entailed painting the chrome and bright trim flat black and modifying the factory’s shiny Victory Red clear coat paint job with a special PPG flattening agent mixed with clear to give it a satin appearance. The editors also added HUMMER’s brush guard, roof lighting and rocker protection accessories.

After that, Four Wheeler swapped in a set of nitrogen-charged, 2-inch-diameter Rod Hall Racing piggyback reservoir-type performance shocks and Light Racing JounceShocks. The editors also installed a set of GT Inc. Simulock 16-inch wheels – painted flat black to match the rest of the exterior theme. They’re factory-style HUMMER wheels with a simulated bead lock accent on the perimeter. The wheels were mounted on the H3 with a set of BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM2 LT285/75R16 tires. The editors chose not to give the H3 a body lift, preferring to explore its capabilities with the stock ride height.

Additional modifications in the ongoing project include a Gobi Stealth roof rack with a custom, wireless remote-operated perimeter lighting system (with 10 PIAA 2100XT lamps) using components from Directed Electronics; a Warn XD9000 winch with winchline.com’s synthetic rope and hawse fairlead; DeFelice Offroad Innovations winch mount system and Up Armor skid plate.

The 5.3L V-8 is stock, but Four Wheeler added a MagnaFlow after-cat exhaust system. Most modifications and upgrades to the H3 were handled by Attitude Performance in Arlington Heights, Ill.

Progress of the Trailhugger project continues in the pages of Four Wheeler and a complementing blog: blogs.fourwheeler.com, where editor Ken Brubaker regularly writes about the H3’s upgrades and its performance as a workhorse for the magazine.

# # #

The incentive bonuses are not insignificant: Automotive News quoted Miami Hummer dealer Ed Williamson as saying they could "be substantial," often in the six-figures. Williamson would know: He happens to own the highest-volume Hummer store in the country, Williamson Cadillac-Hummer. So how many of the beasts did the hottest location move in June? Thirty-one, or about one per day. That's compared to about 100 a month during 2007.

Jalopnik Snap Judgment: Sales dropping due to a "loser" image? Irrelevant products? A parent company that's given up hope? It's DeSoto, Studebaker and Oldsmobile all over again. Take a picture of yourself next to an H2 soon: One day your kids will say "I can't believe people used to drive things like that!" [Automotive News (Sub. Req.); Photo Credit: A1 Limobus]

If you recall, Ratchet from the first Transformers was a tweaked Hummer H2. Could Ratchet be getting a upgrade? Or will the Hummer H3 serve as a completely new Transformer? GM might just using the black H3s because it doesn't have enough spare Hummer HX concepts for a measly movie expo. Only time will tell.

Maybe that "strategic review" of the Hummer brand meant just dumping all of the Hummer eggs into the Transformers basket. [TFW2005]

Countries raking in huge oil profits are would be the most likely destination for Hummer. Markets in Russia and Latin America continue to demand large SUVs, while China and India are potential suitors as well. At least one analyst speculated about Hummer as a logical fit for Tata Motors. "It would be a great fit with Land Rover," said Rajesh Kothari, a partner with investment banker Seneca Partners LLC and Manchester Holdings. "Hummer is a similar product line; it has similar demographics but a different reach." While the combination of Tatas and a Hummer make perfect sense to us, a spokesperson from the Indian automaker declined to comment.
[Freep; Photo Credit: GraniteGrok.com]

"Most single men buy Hummers to impress women. The only women that a Hummer impresses are high maintaince goal diggers. Is this what you really want in your life?"

Look a little further and this is what you'll get:

If you really want to meet high quality women you need to look outside the USA. Foreign women have the qualities you want!

Why not enlist and pick up foreign women today in your Hummer?

"We started talking about what people dream about when they scratch the coin against the ticket, and almost always the first thing they dream about doing is buying a car," Was told the Providence Journal. "This is a ghost of all those dreams."

"We wanted the piece to contain the value of a Hummer," Eckstrom told the paper. "And $35,000 is also the price of the piece."

The lads and ladettes over at Hummer UK are all about the crazy marketing stunts, having put the first H3 imported into the tiny island nation into a gigantic toy box. This R/C conversion was carried about by Cranfield Universty and continues the Big Boy's Toy marketing theme. It's interesting to see the vehicle being marketing solely on its recreational image, but the company does note that a diesel H3 will be available "within three years."

2009 Hummer H3T Press Release

HUMMER is bringing its unmistakable style and unmatched capability to the truck market with the 2009 H3T. It is based on the architecture of the popular H3, but features a five-passenger crew cab and a separate five-foot-long (1.5 meters) bed.

The H3T is bigger than a midsize truck and smaller than a full-size truck, creating its own niche in the market. It also is infused with the attributes expected of a HUMMER, including exceptional off-road capability and a premium interior that is as functional as it is comfortable.

"With its unique size and HUMMER traits, the H3T is ideal for the customer who works hard and plays harder," said Martin Walsh, HUMMER general manager. "It offers the combination of truck versatility and HUMMER off-road prowess."

In addition to its segment-defying size, the H3T also stands apart from other trucks with its signature HUMMER off-road capability. It is the only midsize truck to come standard with full-time four-wheel drive, 32-inch tires and functional skid shields. It also is the only midsize truck to offer front and rear locking differentials, as well as 33-inch tires - and the V-8-powered H3T Alpha can tow up to 5,900 pounds (2,676 kg).

The H3T is offered in four trim levels, including five-cylinder models and the popular, V-8-powered H3T Alpha edition. Production is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2008 at GM's Shreveport, La., assembly plant, with vehicles arriving at HUMMER dealerships shortly thereafter. HUMMER will sell the H3T in North America, Europe and the Middle East.

Design

Like all HUMMER models, the H3T has a purposeful design, consistent and iconic styling cues, including a wide, aggressive stance; a low roofline and high beltline; and large, off-road tires. The wide, seven-slot grille and round headlamps mounted in square housings are signature HUMMER design elements.

"Form following function is at the core of HUMMER's design philosophy and the H3T's capability reflects that mantra," said Carl Zipfel, HUMMER director of design and former motocross professional. "It has a distinctive look that could be mistaken for nothing except a HUMMER - and it also has the functionality to get the driver to and from the trail in style."

The crew cab body shares H3 styling and components from the B-pillar forward, while the rear section of the cab and the separate bed are unique to the H3T. The five-foot bed is similar in design and function to GM's recently redesigned full-size trucks, including an easily removable tailgate and provisions for a bed-rail accessory system. A full-size spare tire is mounted beneath the bed.

The bed is sized to carry a wide range of popular outdoor necessities, from hauling motocross bikes to Baja, a quad to camp or backcountry gear to the trailhead. One of the industry's largest portfolios of accessories complements the H3T's bed, offering different cargo management options to complement all of those lifestyle interests.

One of the industry's broadest portfolios of vehicle accessories has been developed for the H3T. Centered on active lifestyles, items such as removable and lockable bed-mounted storage boxes; an adjustable bike chock that can be used to help secure mountain bikes or motorcycles; and a bed extender make full use of the standard bed-rail cargo management system. A range of additional accessories that improves off-road capabilities, provides passenger entertainment and enhances exterior styling is also available. There are more than 75 HUMMER Genuine Accessories offered.

In addition to the factory-developed accessory portfolio, HUMMER has partnered with top automotive aftermarket companies to develop more than 50 Officially Licensed HUMMER Accessories - a first for the brand. A variety of exterior enhancements, such as a Slant Back Bed Cover, hard tonneau covers and a winch are offered, along with cargo management solutions such as the BedSlide and bed divider, offering countless possibilities to personalize the H3T.

Interior

The H3T's crew cab cabin offers seating for five adults, with a 60/40-split rear bench seat that folds flat for increased cargo-carrying options. The cabin's layout is essentially identical to the acclaimed H3 SUV, with premium materials and attention to detail that give the vehicle a functional yet refined aesthetic.

Standard amenities also include air conditioning, power locks, power windows and remote keyless entry. An AM/FM radio with CD is standard and a premium Monsoon audio system is available. XM Satellite Radio also is standard and includes three months of trial service.

HUMMER's Rear Vision system and a navigation system are available. The Rear Vision system uses a camera mounted on the rear bumper, directly above the trailer hitch mount, to provide a view of objects directly behind the vehicle. Also, the safety and security of OnStar is standard, with Turn-By-Turn Navigation and hands-free Bluetooth connectivity available.

Powertrain

Standard in the H3T is the Vortec 3.7L I-5 with dual overhead cams and variable valve timing. This inline five-cylinder engine offers an excellent combination of power and efficiency, delivering 242 horsepower (180 kW) at 5600 rpm* and 242 lb.-ft. of torque (328 Nm) at 4600 rpm. It is backed by a five-speed manual transmission or an available four-speed, electronically controlled automatic.

The H3T Alpha's 5.3L engine is a powerful and efficient member of GM's legendary small-block V-8 family. It is rated at 300 horsepower and 320 lb.-ft. of torque. An aluminum cylinder block is used with the H3 Alpha's engine. It helps reduce overall mass and maintains a more desirable front-to-rear weight balance.

A Hydra-Matic 4L60 electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission is paired with the 5.3L engine. Flat towing is enabled on all H3 and H3T models.

Chassis

The H3T's frame and suspension system are based on a stretched version of the H3 SUV's chassis and suspension - the same race-proven design found on Baja 1000-winning stock-class race trucks. The wheelbase measures 134.2 inches (3,409 mm) - 22 inches (86 mm) longer than the H3 SUV. A ladder-type frame is the truck's foundation and it has a modular, three-piece design that incorporates fully boxed components for outstanding strength and stiffness. An independent SLA torsion bar front suspension and multileaf Hotchkiss-type rear suspension are used. There are two suspension packages available:

* Z85 Heavy-Duty Handling and Trailering - This standard suspension delivers an excellent balance of on-highway comfort and off-road capability. It includes 32-inch all-terrain tires mounted on 16-inch, smoke-color steel wheels, specially tuned heavy-duty shocks and either a 4.56-ratio (3.7L) or 4.10-ratio (5.3L) rear axle.

* Off-Road Adventure - Designed for more aggressive off-road performance, this optional suspension package includes taller, 33-inch tires, specifically tuned shocks, locking front and rear differentials, 4.03:1 low-range gearing in the transfer case and industry-leading crawl ratios of either 68.9 with the manual transmission or 56.2 with the automatic.

To support the torque output of the 5.3L V-8, the H3T Alpha's front differential case is made of cast iron; other models feature an aluminum case. V-8-powered vehicles also receive higher torsion bar rates to support the increased mass and specific shock valving. The chassis and suspensions were validated in real-world testing on off-road trails in Moab, Utah; the Rubicon Trail in California, and other challenging off-road venues.

Off-road capability

The H3T lives up to HUMMER's legendary off-road reputation, with best-in-class extreme off-road capability. Highlights include:

* Ability to climb a 60-percent grade and traverse a 40-percent side slopeExceptional 10.2-inch (285 mm) ground clearance (with 33-inch tires)38.7-degree approach angle and 30.1-degree departure angle (with 33-inch tires)Segment-first available front- and rear-locking differentials
* Standard HUMMER Hill Hold Assist for improved hill ascension

"For most lifestyles, there's almost nothing the H3T can't handle," said Walsh. "It's a truck with HUMMER's immutable capability."Complementing the features that enable the H3T's impressive off-road prowess is a host of first-class protective elements, including four standard skid shields: a front shield, an oil-pan shield/front-axle shield, a transfer case shield and a fuel tank shield.

Safety

Continuing HUMMER's tradition of delivering a broad range of safety systems, the H3T offers the following standard features:

* Dual frontal air bags with GM's passenger sensing systemHead curtain side-impact air bagsStabiliTrak electronic vehicle stability control systemFour-wheel ABS with traction controlTire pressure monitoring systemLATCH rear child seat anchors

* OnStar with one-year Safe & Sound service

The H3T was also designed for vehicle-to-vehicle compatibility in the event of a crash and its rigid body structure provides good passenger protection.

Motor Trend's Editor-in-Chief Angus McKenzie explains to Matt Hardigree that he doesn't like it when you imply his staff breaks embargoes.

The antiglobalist protesters need to be careful about where the eggs and tomatoes for the demonstration come from, as there are many evil multinational corporations responsible for putting food on Russia's tables. In fact, according to the FAO Russia imported nearly one million metric tons of chicken in 2004. But it's worth the sacrifice if they get to egg just one Hummer. [Source: Reuters]

HUMMER H3 goes black to the future

* all-black H3 introduced
* € 5,000,- customer saving
* Exclusive edition limited to just 50 vehicles throughout Europe

The iconic HUMMER offering for Europe will be enhanced with the introduction of a new, exclusive, all-black HUMMER H3 which combines stunning style and excellent value with extras worth € 5.000,- fitted as standard. Just 50 examples will be offered and will go on sale by the end of this year. As with all HUMMERs sold through the official European importer the vehicles come with a four-year, 100,000 km warranty and European Roadside Assistance programme.

The H3 Black Edition is based on the premium H3 Adventure automatic model and combines a lustrous black exterior and plush black leather interior with a full collection of matt black accessories, including a matt black grille, tubular assist steps, roof crossbars, lockable fuel door, door handles, mirrors and black powder-coated wheels.

Twenty five of the H3 Black Edition models will additionally feature the large electric sliding sunroof which has proved a popular option. Among the array of standard interior fittings is a fully integrated Kenwood HUMMER Navigation system.

The value to the customer of the extras fitted as standard is approximately € 6.150,- including VAT. Yet the H3 Black Edition will carry a price tag only € 1.250,- higher than a Adventure edition on which it is based - resulting in a customer saving of € 4.900,-. (Calculation based on German pricing. Consumer price may vary in case of different VAT rules).

The HUMMER H3 Black Edition is designed to do much more than make fifty lucky customers across Europe feel very happy. It is another example of the HUMMER spirit that promotes the iconic design, but also makes it clear that, with H3 prices starting at € 49.950,-, the HUMMER H3 is much greater value than many think.

The H3 Black Edition is one of a series of exciting initiatives created by Kroymans HUMMER Europe, the European importer of HUMMER vehicles. The organization, situated at Breukelen in the Netherlands, has been combined with a strong new European dealer network with more than 40 outlets, reflecting the rapid growth of the HUMMER brand in Europe as well as in America. The new central organisation provides yet more benefits for HUMMER customers.[Hummer via World Car Fans]

Kobe Bryant Visits LA Middle School and Announces HUMMER H3 eBay Auction to Benefit After-School All-Stars

NBA Star supports After-School All-Stars as its newest Celebrity Ambassador.

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) December 1, 2007 — Between the hours of 3 and 6 p.m. yesterday, the hours when inner-city youth are most likely to engage in risky behavior, After-School All-Stars students at Bret Harte Prep Middle School got the opportunity to meet with Kobe Bryant. The NBA star, who is the newly appointed After-School All-Star Celebrity Ambassador, arrived at the middle school to award prizes for a model HUMMER design competition. The entries were evaluated by representatives from the Petersen Automotive Museum and the winners were selected based on five judging categories: originality, "coolness" factor, design, style and overall appeal. Kobe Bryant also announced an online eBay auction benefiting After-School All-Stars (ASAS).

The online auction for ASAS, sponsored by HUMMER, went live November 28 and will continue through December 8. The package includes a 2008 HUMMER H3 with Kobe Bryant's autograph in the interior, four complementary tickets to an LA Lakers game and an opportunity to meet with the new ASAS Celebrity Ambassador, Kobe Bryany. The auction page is at www.ebay.com./asas.

"After-school programming is a critical service that not only helps our children succeed in school, but in life as well," said Kobe Bryant. "I'm very excited to have this opportunity to work with After-School All-Stars as they prove on a daily basis the difference after-school programming can make in a child's life."

"We are truly excited to have both Kobe Bryant and HUMMER on board for this valuable auction for After-School All-Stars," said Ben Paul, CEO, After-School All-Stars. "Corporate, foundation and celebrity support for ASAS highlights the importance of quality school-based after-school programming as an essential service for inner-city children across the county. Thanks to efforts like this, we can continue to innovate and deliver services to greater numbers of kids."

The winner gets to attend a meet & greet with Kobe Bryant, so you're going to want to put in a high bid when the auction starts this November 25th. The H3 appears to be a standard-issue model, and there's no word on whether Kobe tagged it in the front, the back, or both. [eBay]

"a cargo area of roughly 4-feet wide by 4-feet long...A hard tonneau cover will be available as an option, as will several choices of lockable cargo boxes...engine options will include the new 295-horsepower V8, as first shown in the H3 Alpha, as well a 242-horsepower 3.7-liter I5 powerplant."

Spied: 2009 Hummer H3T [PickupTruck.com]

Related:
Spy Video: Hummer H3 SUT; Spy Photos: Hummer H3 SUT [internal]