Autoblog

BREAKING: GM announces Hummer sale cannot be concluded, brand to be wound down

Chris Paukert — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 15:16:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, GM, Hummer, Earnings/Financials, Off-Road

Although it has been evident for some time that General Motors' sale of its Hummer brand to Sichuan Tengzhong Heavy Industrial Machines Co., Ltd., we didn't expect for word to come down today that the negotiations are dead and the brand will be wound down. Unfortunately, judging by a press release just issued by GM, that's exactly what will be happening. According to John Smith, GM's vice president of corporate planning and alliances,

"One year ago, General Motors announced that we were going to divest Hummer, as part of focusing our efforts on Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac going forward. We have since considered a number of possibilities for Hummer along the way, and we are disappointed that the deal with Tengzhong could not be completed."

As we learned from the Saab sale saga, GM announcing that the brand will be wound down does not completely extinguish hope for another buyer to slip in in the 11th hour, but it does seem highly improbable that a new party will pick up where the negotiations with China's Tengzhong left off.

In the statement available after the jump, GM does not specify what killed the planned sale of the brand, but rumors in recent months suggested that the Chinese government was not keen to sign off on the deal. At the moment, it is unclear what will happen to Hummer's H2 and H3/H3T models, but it is likely that the tooling and manufacturing rights will be sold off to other companies. It is also unclear how many employees will be out of work as a result of the closure.

As with the wind-down of its Saturn and Pontiac brands, GM has pledged to honor Hummer warranties and continue to supply service and parts.

Gallery: Top 10 Hummer Moments in History

[Source: General Motors | Image: Scott Olson/Getty]

Continue reading BREAKING: GM announces Hummer sale cannot be concluded, brand to be wound down

BREAKING: GM announces Hummer sale cannot be concluded, brand to be wound down originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Feb 2010 15:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Artist transforming Hummer into horse cart, i.e. why we love modern art [w/video]

Jonny Lieberman — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 19:24:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SUV, Etc., Hummer, Specialty, Design/Style

What is art? - Click above for high-res image gallery

In 1948 American born artist Man Ray wrote, "There is no progress in art, any more than there is progress in making love. There are simply different ways of doing it." This is nearly 30 years after he glued some spikes to the bottom of an iron and called it art. And you know what? We couldn't agree more. Meet Jeremy Dean. He's a New York-based artist that began reading about "Hoover carts" during the recent economic bad times. Turns out that Hoover carts were broken down old cars that horses used to lug around during the Great Depression.

With that in mind, Mr. Dean decided to turn a "perfectly good" Hummer H2 that he purchased for $15,000 into a horse drawn cart. We'll let the artist explain the why:

At this time of record financial gains, the auto industry began producing ever extravagant cars and these huge American gas guzzlers became a status symbol in society leading to increased demand for oil and fuel prices soared. So with our very American idea of Manifest Destiny, we meddle in any country that has oil and send our men and women into harms way so that we can continue consuming almost 80% of the worlds resources. But how long can that last?

My own satirical prediction of the future: Unless we come up with alternative fuel sources and rethink our reliance on a hyperinflated consumer based economy, we may be left with no other options than to hook our cars up to a horse. As a symbol of this I [will] take either a Cadillac Escalade or HUMMER H2, which have become monuments to America's consumption, greed and arrogance, and convert it to a horse cart. The cart will maintain all its former glitz and glamour: chrome rims, GPS, working sound system, DVD player, and TV screens. But [it] will be pulled by a horse.

Hey man, horses need jobs, too. As for Jeremy Dean, he has apparently sunk his entire life savings into this project and is hoping to sell it to recoup his costs. We can only wish him good luck and ask one question: Isn't purchasing art for what we can only assume costs an entire briefcase full of Franklins just as much of a "status symbol" as big, ungainly luxury SUVs? Video of the art making process after the jump.

Gallery: Jeremy Dean's Hoover H2

[Source: Back to the Futurama via The Car Connection]

Continue reading Artist transforming Hummer into horse cart, i.e. why we love modern art [w/video]

Artist transforming Hummer into horse cart, i.e. why we love modern art [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Jan 2010 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AM General to build VPG MV-1 people-mover at Hummer H2 factory

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:41:00 EST

Filed under: Work, GM, Hummer, Specialty, Electric

Vehicle Production Group MV-1 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Remember the Standard Taxi from the Vehicle Production Group? It's now called the MV-1, and production is slated to begin next year at the AM General plant in Mishawaka, Indiana. That's the same assembly location where the Hummer H2 is built, which makes sense since the MV-1 is based on the same GM underpinnings as the behemoth SUV.

According to its makers, the MV-1 is the first purpose-built wheelchair-accessible vehicle in America, and it's able to accommodate up to six adults or two full-size wheelchairs. An ADA-approved ramp that stows under the vehicle's floor and a 36-inch wide side opening are designed to make entry and exit a simple affair.

With its body-on-frame construction made with fully boxed rails, the MV-1 should prove to be a durable people mover and its well-known GM drivetrain components should also be easily serviceable. Further, VPG has teamed up with Clean Energy to develop a dedicated compressed natural gas powertrain option that will provide a 250-mile range with significantly reduced emissions.

Styling wise, the MV-1 may not be the prettiest machine on the road, but for those needing to transport wheelchair-bound passengers, this design may just be a thing of beauty. See for yourself in our high-res image gallery below.

Gallery: Vehicle Production Group MV-1

[Source: VPG Autos, Detroit Free Press]

AM General to build VPG MV-1 people-mover at Hummer H2 factory originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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STUDY: Hummer owners believe they've made "a highly moral consumption choice"

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 15:29:00 EST

There probably isn't any one passenger vehicle on earth that earns more ire from environmentalists than the Hummer H2. While the reality of the matter is that most Hummers aren't really much worse when it comes to fuel mileage and overall emissions than any other giant SUV (most civilian Hummers are, in fact, based largely on truck platforms from General Motors) the brand has seemingly been made into the poster child of American excess.

Interestingly, however, according to a small study of 20 Hummer owners published in the Journal of Consumer Research, that stigma may actually be a selling point for those who purchase Hummers. According to the authors of the study:

As we studied American Hummer owners and their ideological beliefs, we found that they consider Hummer driving a highly moral consumption choice. For Hummer owners it is possible to claim the moral high ground... The moralistic critique of their consumption choices readily inspired Hummer owners to adopt the role of the moral protagonist who defends American national ideals.

It's hard to argue that this report offers a conclusive look into the minds of Hummer owners and Hummer haters alike - especially when the sample size is so small - and we doubt it's going to put an end to the debate over the seemingly conflicting rights of Americans to purchase the vehicle of their choice, consume or conserve whatever resources they deem necessary and breathe clean air. That said, it's an interesting bit of research, no?

[Source: Journal of Consumer Research - sub. req'd; via Wired]

STUDY: Hummer owners believe they've made "a highly moral consumption choice" originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Comparo: Moving Mountains - Toyota Landcruiser vs. Hummer H2

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, SUV, Hummer, Toyota, Off-Road

Click the image above for high-res gallery of the Autoblog Comparo: H2 vs. Landcruiser

The world's maddest battles usually earn a brief sobriquet: Red vs. Blue, Holyfield-Tyson, Lingerie Bowl. Although the battle we'll describe today isn't finished, the clash of HUMMER vs. Any Decent Off-roader - especially HUMMER vs. Jeep - has made so much noise on Autoblog alone that we decided it was time to investigate. Not having a Jeep at our disposal, we pitted an H2 against the Toyota Landcruiser on three trails in the California desert to find out if either of them had any quit - or if they'd keep going but complain about it. Follow the jump for the answer we came up with, and check out the gallery of off-road shenanigans below.

Gallery: Autoblog Comparo: H2 vs Landcruiser

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Continue reading Autoblog Comparo: Moving Mountains - Toyota Landcruiser vs. Hummer H2

Autoblog Comparo: Moving Mountains - Toyota Landcruiser vs. Hummer H2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Oct 2008 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HUMMER shows off '09 H2 "Black Chrome" Edition

Alex Nunez — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 11:27:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Hummer, Specialty

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the H2 "Black Chrome" Edition

HUMMER is having a bad year. Year-to-date sales are down 43% versus '07, and last month saw the iconic off-road nameplate take a 61% drop compared to July '07. High fuel prices have massacred truck and SUV sales in general, and HUMMER is simply reeling. GM threw the brand's future ~~under the bus~~ into limbo back in June when it announced a strategic review was underway, and the latest round of news has a sketchy Russian billionaire sniffing around, looking to acquire the marque. Happy times.

So, while the backdrop is grim, business continues, and GM has released photos of its annual H2 special edition for '09. The 2009 H2 "Black Chrome" Limited Edition is pretty self explanatory: it gets darkened "black chrome" applied to all the usual blingifiable surfaces, from the 21-inch wheels to the fuel filler door. Three paint colors are available, but the Sedona Metallic finish you see here is exclusive to the "Black Chrome" rig, and is coupled with a matching leather interior. A total of 1,300 "Black Chrome" editions will be offered worldwide, with an undetermined mix of H2 SUVs and SUTs making up that number. At the very least, they should be a big hit in Russia.

Gallery: 2009 HUMMER H2 "Black Chrome" Limited Edition

[Source: GM]

HUMMER shows off '09 H2 "Black Chrome" Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Aug 2008 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 HUMMER H2 and H2 SUT will be E85 compatible

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 16:03:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Etc., Hummer

In Dallas, a businessman has spent half a million dollars to install nine pumps that dispense E85, E10, and biodiesel. The catch: the businessman is a HUMMER dealer, and the pumps are next to his dealership. The station is called Classic Clean Fuels, and it is intended to make a statement for next year's H2 and H2 SUT, which will be the first production models to be Flex-fuel capable.

You won't need to drive a HUMMER to get E85 at the station. The pumps are open to the public, a first for a dealer-owned gas station. By 2010, GM has said all HUMMERs will be biofuel-capable. GM plans to market 15 Flexfuel models next year, but only one percent of the country's service stations sell E85. GM is using that as an opportunity to open the public's (and dealers') minds to putting alternative fuel stations in alternative places.

Said GM's Larry Burns, "Down the road we may even want to consider hydrogen dispensers at dealerships."

[Source: Auto News, sub req'd]

2009 HUMMER H2 and H2 SUT will be E85 compatible originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 30 Mar 2008 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HUMMER attacks perception problems with "Purpose Built" campaign

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 13:05:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Marketing/Advertising, Hummer

HUMMER's image has always been one of excessive excess. While much of that portrayal is due to GM's own marketing, the people who purchase the imposing 'utes - be they high-profile celebs or well-to-do suburbanites - have done more to define the brand than GM's marketing boffins ever could. But the General wants to change all that.

Mark LaNeve, GM's North American veep of sales, service and marketing, is spearheading a campaign that's trying to show HUMMERs in a different light; specifically vehicles to get a particular job done. "No one criticizes a bulldozer for its gas mileage. That's because it's built to do a job," laments LaNeve in a USAToday interview. Fair enough Mark, but a bulldozer has a single-minded purpose - moving earth - whereas HUMMERs aren't always being used to plug mud and move boats. They've become lifestyle vehicles that are often not used for their intended purpose - just like the majority of SUVs on the road.

Regardless, GM's recent ad campaigns attempt to show the HUMMER in a more functional light, depicting the overblown SUV hauling firefighting gear and helping out with natural disaster relief. "Purpose Built" is the new tagline, but at the end of the day, no amount of PR will help HUMMER if people continue to see them parked outside the local Starbucks.

[Source: USAToday via Winding Road]

HUMMER attacks perception problems with "Purpose Built" campaign originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Feb 2008 13:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2007: HUMMER H2 Safari

Alex Nunez — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 00:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, SEMA Show, SUV, GM, Hummer

The PR materials for the HUMMER H2 Safari say that the big truck's matte olive green paint is designed to help it blend in on the trail. We get the idea, but while H2s may do many things, "blending in" ain't exactly one of 'em, low-key paint notwithstanding. So, while it may scare away the gazelles you're trying to hunt, you can still take advantage of the amenities, of which there are many.

A sliding canvas roof panel opens up the big HUMMER's interior to Mother Nature, and the experience can be made even airier thanks to the removable rear quarter windows. Inside, you enjoy the new Gaia-enhanced drive from weather-resistant nylon-covered seats, and the instrument panel has been gussied up in matching colors and brushed metal trim. A dockable GPS sits on the center console, too. While a pith helmet is not included, fuel and gun racks are, as well as a boatload of gear like a Warn winch, 35" Mickey Ts, and a sampling of official HUMMER accessories.

As is the case with the H3R, HUMMER's closely watching the reaction to this concept. If it's good enough, a similar H2 in limited-production form is a distinct possibility. We can already see the TV commercial: it would be just like the Jeep one where friendly forest critters jump through the Liberty's open top, only in this one, a Partagas-chomping Bob Lutz would be driving the open-roofed HUMMER, from which he'd be blowing away attacking terradactyls and sabre-toothed tigers with a Desert Eagle. For that reason alone, this must see production.

[Source:GM]

Gallery: SEMA 2007: HUMMER H2 Safari

Continue reading SEMA 2007: HUMMER H2 Safari

SEMA 2007: HUMMER H2 Safari originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Oct 2007 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: Fergie's lovely lady H2

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Auctions, Etc., Hummer

Looks like all those Live Earth concerts a few months back had an effect on at least one person. Fergie, one of the featured acts, has decided that her copper green Hummer is not green enough, and is parting with it on eBay. All proceeds from the sale will go to Global Green USA, which is fighting climate change, naturally.

Since this is Fergie, you know the truck's been pimped. Featured in the October '05 issue of DUB magazine, it's got a dropped suspension, chrome for days, drop-down running boards with "Fergie" cut out of them -- twice on each side, and 24" Asante wheels on Pirelli Scorpions. Since it's the ride of a recording artist, it has also had the requisite sound system surgery, with green suede and carbon fiber swaddling enough equipment for an entire electronics store. And the seats look like they were designed for a family of green bumblebees.

The bidding is up to $61,000. The vehicle comes with a certificate of authenticity and ten years of carbon credits to offset its impact. Lovely lady humps will not be included.

Thanks for the tip, Julio!

[Source: eBay]

Gallery: Fergie's HUMMER H2

eBay Find of the Day: Fergie's lovely lady H2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Sep 2007 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Eco-thugs trash D.C. resident's HUMMER

Alex Nunez — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Etc., Green, Hummer

Gareth Groves had his newly-acquired 2005 HUMMER H2 SUT on the road for just five days, and now it's out of commission. Groves lives in what a neighbor described to The Washington Post as "liberal leaning" community. That same person felt compelled to add that "It's ridiculous to be driving a HUMMER." Apparently, she's not the only one who felt that way.

[Source: The Washington Post]

Continue reading Eco-thugs trash D.C. resident's HUMMER

Eco-thugs trash D.C. resident's HUMMER originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Jul 2007 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM loans Cleveland Browns QB Brady Quinn pair of Hummer H2s for a year

John Neff — Fri, 11 May 2007 16:33:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Etc., Hummer

Brady Quinn, former quarterback for the Notred Dame Fighting Irish and recently the 22nd pick in this year's NFL draft by the Cleveland Browns (Go Browns!), will be receiving a one-year loan of two HUMMER H2 SUVs from General Motors. GM put out a press release today that didn't provide many details as to why Quinn is being given the SUVs, but HUMMER was the sponsor of the 2007 NFL Draft, so perhaps it's a consolation prize for his infamous slide on draft day. No word was offered on whether Quinn will get the 2007 or 2008 models with their updated interiors. Quinn will take possession of his loaner vehicles this Monday, May 14th, at the Central HUMMER East dealership in Beachwood, Ohio. That's a stone's throw away from where this blogger lives, so maybe I'll show up and see if Brady wants to toss the pigskin around.

[Source: GM]

GM loans Cleveland Browns QB Brady Quinn pair of Hummer H2s for a year originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 May 2007 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2009 HUMMER H3T

Chris Shunk — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 10:26:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Truck, GM, Hummer

The Hummer brand was taking a serious hits due to $3+ per gallon gasoline, but the H3 came out in the knick of time to bail out the General and its dealers. Now sales aren't looking bad at all, and with the upgraded H2 and the upcoming V8 H3, the future is looking bright for GM's bling'd-up Jeep fighter.

Now the General is looking to add another 35,000 annual units into the Hummer sales log with the addition of the H3T, which sports four doors and a 4x4 pickup bed. Our friends over at PickupTruck.com tell us that the four door model was chosen over the two-door concept from the 2003 LA Auto Show because it was less expensive to modify the existing vehicle. The H3T cargo area will feature plenty of options for customization, including hard tonneau covers, lockable cargo covers, a removable lunch box/tool box, and various storage boxes that run either the length or width of the bed. Engine choices will be the 245 hp 3.7l, and the 295 hp 5.3l V8 from the H3 Alpha concept.

Production of the H3T will begin in 2008, with deliveries scheduled for the third or fourth quarter. While the two-door pickup concept from the LA show was quite the looker, we're thinking that more people would want the utility of four doors, and at only 35,000 units, we can see why doing both would be expensive.

[Source: PickupTruck.com]

Spy Shots: 2009 HUMMER H3T originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Apr 2007 10:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HUMMER 1, 2, 3 . . . and now 4: H4 confirmed for 2010

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 10:54:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Truck, GM, Hummer

There's no better moment than the day after Earth Day to announce a new smaller, kinder, gentler Hummer. Martin Walsh, Hummer's general manager, said "Our growth will be downwards in terms of size," and that begins with the now-official H4. Walsh also indicated there might be a smaller model than the H4 if need be.

The H4 comes below the H3 in the pecking order, meant as a compact SUV to go against competitors like the Nissan Murano. As such, Walsh said the H4 would be built on an upcoming compact GM platform, but didn't say which one. As long as Hummer-philes get the same gruff styling cues and useful ability in the dirty stuff, that shouldn't be a problem. Hummer insiders are apparently fretting that GM might "go soft" with the H4, but even Walsh readily admits, "We have to offer legitimate off-road capability."

Last year Hummer sold 56,000 H3's and 14,000 H2's. The H4 could bump those numbers up by an additional 40,000 units. Also in the pipeline are "bio-fuel powertrains '...in every single vehicle application," an H3 SUT, and even though it was ruled out late last year, news out of Australia is that a hybrid could even be in the works. It's a new day indeed. As for the H4, sources tell us to look for a preview of it in concept guise during next year's auto show circuit, likely in Detroit.

[Source: GoAuto via Top Speed]

HUMMER 1, 2, 3 . . . and now 4: H4 confirmed for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Apr 2007 10:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Weight watchers: Are heavy trucks and SUVs illegal on some California roads?

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 17:05:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Etc.

Pop quiz: if you're driving an H2 and you see a sign forbidding vehicles above 6,000 pounds to use a street, do you avoid that street? Neither does anyone else. In a sarcastic, meandering article touching on carbon dioxide, gasoline, SUV-haters, municipal codes, and testosterone, the LA Times looks at the genesis of road weight restrictions and how SUV's trample on them.

The California Motor Vehicle Code has all sorts of byzantine rules applicable to different kinds of trucks and what roads they can use. Certain roads and bridges are explicitly off limits to vehicles weighing more than three tons. But those rules were made when nobody expected the random businessman, housewife, or athlete to be driving a vehicle weighing more than three tons just for the heck of it. (FYI, a half-ton Suburban weighs more than 7,000 pounds before the first soccer mom gets in.)

But in spite of the proverbial legal limbo, a city spokesman said the rule applies, in general, to "business and commercial trucks." Even better, he was backed up by a pickup-truck-driving LAPD officer who let everyone off the hook by saying "We are not going to cite somebody for driving an SUV down the street." Roll on, ladies and gentlemen, roll on.

Thanks for the tip, Stedwoo!

[Source: LA Times]

Weight watchers: Are heavy trucks and SUVs illegal on some California roads? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Apr 2007 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York Auto Show: HUMMER H2 gets an interior for grown-ups

Alex Nunez — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 17:56:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, SUV, Hummer

Click image for entire photo gallery

Up to now, the interior of the HUMMER H2 could be pointed to as a case study in how to make a vehicle interior as cheap-looking as possible. The salt in the wound, of course, is that such crap was attached to a vehicle costing north of $50,000.

Well, that's over, thank goodness. The 2008 HUMMER H2 gets a spiffy new powertrain in the 6.2L V8 with a 6-speed automatic sourced from the Cadillac Escalade, but the real story is the gigunda SUV's 100% improved passenger cabin. The '08 on the floor at the New York Auto Show is an orange H2 SUT, and when you open the door to look inside, the first thing you think is, "Why didn't it look like this in the first place?"

New, comfortable leather seats are the perches from which driver and passenger gaze upon an all-new instrument panel featuring clean, readable, chrome-ringed gauges, and a proper center stack that uses the General's top-shelf parts bin audio and HVAC controls. HUMMER product director Ross Hendrix takes great pride in the new analog clock installed in the middle of the dash. Costing an unbelievable $26 per vehicle, the clock was something he said he had to fight tooth-and-nail for. But Hendrix is an effective advocate for his brand, and he won in the end. Thought by some at GM to be "too Escalade" for the HUMMER, the clock in the H2 is, unlike the Cadillac's stylized time-teller, actually readable. The 2008 H2's dash covering and door panel tops are also made of soft-touch plastic that has a notable "give" to it when you press down. In short: much, much better. If you visit the show, compare the '08 to the red '07 H2 parked nearby, and we think you'll be in full agreement.

Gallery: 2008 HUMMER H2

New York Auto Show: HUMMER H2 gets an interior for grown-ups originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Apr 2007 17:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York Preview: 2008 HUMMER H2 gets more power, interior refinement

Alex Nunez — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 12:04:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, SUV, Hummer

Click Image for high-res photo gallery

The embargo was set to expire tomorrow, but ~~Automobile magazine~~, ~~Jalopnik~~, Hummerguy.net apparently decided it should be today, so here, without further ado, is your 2008 HUMMER H2.

The HUMMER H2's position as the preferred piñata of alarmist environmentalists will be further solidified next week at the New York International Auto Show when GM's Jeep-hunting division pulls the wraps off the revised 2008 edition of the big SUV. From the outside, the changes are very subtle. The H2's grillework now incorporates larger openings for better breathing, and the lower bumpers are now painted silver instead of being left black. To the average person, these changes won't even be noticed. The major upgrades to the '08 H2 are inside and under the skin.

Read all about them after the jump.

[Source: HUMMER]

Gallery: 2008 HUMMER H2

Continue reading New York Preview: 2008 HUMMER H2 gets more power, interior refinement

New York Preview: 2008 HUMMER H2 gets more power, interior refinement originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Mar 2007 12:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM officially forms "Power Partnership" with Transformers

John Neff — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., GM

click above image to view high-resolution pics of the entire GM cast of characters

During its sixth-annual "ten" pre-Oscar gala last night, General Motors made official what everyone already knew: it's going to be in the live-action Transformers film this summer. They had on hand some of the four main GM vehicles that will be in the film, including "Bumblebee" (Chevy Camaro), "Autobot Jazz" (Pontiac Solstice), "Autobot Ratchet" (HUMMER H2), and "Ironhide" (GMC Topkick). We're certain that every car parked at a meter and waiting for a green light in the Transformers universe will also be of GM descent, but we do know of one vehicle that's not: a Saleen Mustang that plays the evil Decepticon "Barricade". Trust in GM that a full marketing blitz is being planned around the release of its newest commercial on July 4th. Hopefully it won't get pulled from theaters because someone starts complaining that robots are dying.

Check out the pics released by GM of each character from Transformers in our high-resolution gallery. You can also see some live shots of "Bumblebee" and "Jazz" at last night's event here. For more, get a load of the action-figures that will accompany the release of the film.

[Source: GM]

Gallery: Transformers Movie Pics

Continue reading GM officially forms "Power Partnership" with Transformers

GM officially forms "Power Partnership" with Transformers originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Feb 2007 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LeBron's infamous HUMMER gets makeover on SPEED

John Neff — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 18:56:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, SUV, Hummer

click image above for high-res version

As many of you know, I hail from Cleveland, OH where only two things I know to be certain: the Browns will forever suck and LeBron James will forever be king of the smallest big city in the U.S. We weren't always sure he would become our king, however. James' mom presented him with a HUMMER H2 on his 18th birthday, which caused the Ohio High School Athletic Association to investigate the matter to ensure the SUV wasn't an inappropriately accepted gift. The turmoil surrounding the SUV almost prevented our dribbling deity from entering the NBA.

LeBron still drives that HUMMER, although it has received a makeover by Unique Autosports of Long Island for the season premier of Unique Whips on SPEED. The HUMMER got a new paint job, new grille, new wheels and a custom interior with enough gadgets and technology to make a West Coast Customs guy cry. James already received the redone H2 at his home somewhere in the "Heart of it All" Ohio, but you can watch the transformation of this infamous ride in the premiere of Unique Whips on Feb. 21st at 10PM EST on SPEED (check your local listingsv - isn't that what they always say at this part?).

Check out the full press release after the jump.

[Source: Unique Autosports]

Continue reading LeBron's infamous HUMMER gets makeover on SPEED

LeBron's infamous HUMMER gets makeover on SPEED originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Jan 2007 18:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM announces HUMMER H2 Victory Red Limited Edition

John Neff — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, SUV, Hummer

click above to view more high-resolution images of the HUMMER H2 Victory Red Limited Edition

HUMMER announced this morning a new version of its H2 SUV called the Victory Red Limited Edition, which is marked by its bright "Victory Red" paint job that extends to body-color fender and rocker moldings. Available for the H2 and H2 SUT, the limited-run package also includes a low-profile, roof-mounted light bar, chrome bits dotting the exterior and 17-inch chrome wheels. We take umbrage with the decision to use carbon fiber appearance accents on the interior, but dig the rear-vision camera system that displays video from a camera out back on a 3.5-inch display that slides out the side of the rearview mirror. Other premium touches include a heated windshield wiper system and rear-seat DVD entertainment system with headrest-mounted screens and wireless headphones. All these premium bits add up to a premium price tag, with the SUV starting at $66,030 and the SUT at $65,575. That's a pretty big jump over the $54,255 base price of a standard H2 SUV, though even those can be optioned up with packages to hit $60k pretty easily. We'll likely see the "Victory Red" at the Chicago Auto Show, and it will be arriving in dealerships sometime in February.

Check out our high-resolution gallery of the HUMMER H2 Victory Red Limited Edition and GM's official press release after the jump.

[Source: GM]

Gallery: 2008 HUMMER H2 Victory Red Limited Edition

Continue reading GM announces HUMMER H2 Victory Red Limited Edition

GM announces HUMMER H2 Victory Red Limited Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Jan 2007 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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