General Motors announced yesterday that the Hummer H1 will be discontinued sometime next month. About 12,000 have been sold to the public since the civilian version first went on sale in 1992.
Back then the Hummer was sold by AM General, the original developer and producer of the military version called the Humvee. To this day AM General produces both the military and civilian versions of the Hummer in its Mishawaka, Indiana plant, though it sold the marketing rights for the civilian version to GM in 1999. Since then it's also been contracted to produce the smaller Hummer H2 for General Motors.
AM General will not dismiss any of its workforce because of GM's decision to cancel the H1, but will most likely switch those workers over to production of the military version. The market for the military version seems to be pretty bullish right now, anyway.
[Source: USA Today]
BREAKING: GM and Chrysler talking about merger
Spy Shots: Nissan 370Z again, with interior shots
2010 Mazda3 unveiled ahead of LA Auto Show
Spy Shots: Nissan 370Z caught undisguised
GM on Corvette ZR1 cancellation rumor: "Not true."
Knight Rider: The Liveblog -- Season 1, Episode 3
In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Mazda RX-8 R3, return of the "hummer"
In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Chevy Corvette Z06
Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy
Paris 2008: Le Day 1 Wrapup
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Robert @ May 13th 2006 12:37AM
From roadside bomb to showroom bomb...
Keith @ May 13th 2006 12:42AM
It was the only 'real' Hummer - now we have the pathetic H2 and H3 left.
Who wants to bet they will do up a Suburban as a new H1?
cardudeATL @ May 13th 2006 12:46AM
And not a moment too soon...
Daniel @ May 13th 2006 1:34AM
If nothing else, I think they should have a replacement for the H1. It leaves a gap with H2 and H3 if there is no H1. Also, if there are any objectors to a new kind of H1, speak now or forever hold your peace. There needs to be H1.
Tim @ May 13th 2006 3:08AM
c'mon gm! yes yes i know they are impractical for the public and what-not, but deep down, i think most gear heads would love to have an H1. they are considered the most capable, legal road vehicle ever. I do not object to a new H1 as long as gm leaves AM general alone to design it. I agree, we do need an H1.
Scott Eaton @ May 13th 2006 3:28AM
The market spoke: it doesn't want the H1.
the chad @ May 13th 2006 3:31AM
A sad, sad day for people everywhere.
Why?!! [angry sobs] How could this happen?!?!?
Kyle @ May 13th 2006 3:40AM
#5 - why do we "need" an H1?
And how are they the "most capable, legal road vehicle ever?" I don't understand that comment.
Jake @ May 13th 2006 4:22AM
"A sad, sad day for people everywhere.
Why?!! [angry sobs] How could this happen?!?!?"
I don't know.
We should be producing more of these gas guzzling pigs
to keep our local climate intact.
Jake.
There is good!
Paul @ May 13th 2006 5:51AM
finally, now if only they would shutter the rest of the division.
GOKARTN @ May 13th 2006 7:55AM
Even if only 5 civilian models were sold, it was a good idea to have it in the lineup to give the Hummer name some off road cred. The military grade capabilities of the H1 had a halo effect on the H2 and H3.
As far as it bieng a gas guzzling burden on society. There are not enough of them being sold to make too much of a dent in our ecosystem or petroleum supply.
tim @ May 13th 2006 9:00AM
GM sure shows it has no idea about marketing. Having the H1, at least available to the puplic is a HUGE halo vehicle for the entire HUMMER line. It's ok to sell 100 or so a year....AM General is doing all of the work. WIth out that image vehicle the Hummer line will slowly become another Chevy/GMC truck line. AM General is thrilled that GM will not offer it under there name. AM General bought the rights of the H1 back! They can produce it like they did in the past. Just now the few that wanted and could afford one no longer can buy a new one. I am the first to addmitt I would love GM to be a great company, strong and profitable. But this is just one of many not smart moves.
Chris Anielski @ May 13th 2006 9:29AM
So does this mean there will be no more Papa Bear in the Hummer commercials? Why don't we get rid of A, B, &C and just start the ALPHAbit with D. Without H1, H2, & H3 don't make sense. On a side note, I've always felt that the future of HUMMER should include a 1/2 ton variant of the H1:4 wheel independent wth Portal hubs and extra wide.
Simone @ May 13th 2006 10:06AM
People, people, people. You underestimate GM. In a few years, when they realize that eliminating the H1 was a marketing mistake, they will resort to their unlimited capacity for badge engineering. The H2 will be reintroduced as the new H1. The H3 will move up into the H2 spot. And a Daewoo will occupy the H3 niche. Done and done!
Rastus @ May 13th 2006 12:21PM
I thought they were going to mount an anti-aircraft gun on the back while professing this pig on wheels was "Eco Friendly"....ie, Go Yellow!!!
You wonder why people look at GM's latest "Eco Friendly" movement (ie, "bowel movement") with disdain?
WolfgangNC @ May 13th 2006 1:45PM
Reading through this thread, is one of the reasons why I love the H1. Has nothing to do with its awesome offroading or in-your-face size and nature. No, it is that everytime you see one on the road or mentioned on the net you can see how stupid and closeminded both the "tree-hugger" and "the earth-can-take-it" crowds really is.
I personally hate SUV's; but I also hate econo death boxes. Only 12,000 H1's have been sold since GM took the rights, yeah, that is really killing the earth. What about the vast number of "rust-bucket" cars throughout the world that leak oil and fluids on the roads. No, for your family, the H1 is not practical; but neither is the Honda Insight, they are both statements.
It is the same arguement, do you really need the 60" plasma TV, probably not. I guess it depends if you are a capitalist or a socialist. Good luck on figuring that out.
Tom Design @ May 13th 2006 3:45PM
Goodbye, and don't let the bazooka hit you in the ass on your way out the door.
James @ May 13th 2006 6:03PM
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2006/05/hummer_h1_is_dead.php
PJ @ May 13th 2006 6:28PM
Good riddance. I'm sure there were some buyers that used the H1's off-road prowess, but here in California, they hardly appeared "the most capable road-legal" vehicles.
Mostly, I'd see pristine, freshly-waxed examples bogging down to 45 MPH on freeway inclines and refusing to get out of the left lane. Oh, and then getting offended and trying to drive up your ass when you pass them (fortunately, they top out at just 90 MPH on a level road).
bhtooefr @ May 13th 2006 8:00PM
The good news is, with the diesel engine in these, they can run on biodiesel with no modifications. ;)
Of course, if someone really wants one, don't they sell them as army surplus?
(Note: I think that these pigs are total wastes of fuel and space. Just saying...)