Hummer Guy

GM CEO Rick Wagoner’s biggest speech at the L.A. Auto Show will be about plans for a plug-in electric Saturn Vue – but, he will also be discussing the idea of a new flex-fuel version of the Hummer H3. Hummer recently had a flex-fuel H3 on display at the SEMA show in Las Vegas – but they also had a V8 powered H3 – something H3’ers anxiously await. Wagoner hopes that the new Flex Fuel Hummer H3 will help extinguish the flame-throwing environmentalists. Although, they expected a 20 mpg Hummer would do the same thing…

About 160 people found out yesterday they will no longer have jobs at the Hummer H2 plant in Mishawaka, IN. A spokesperson for AM General said many may be able to work somewhere else at AM General, including the Humvee Plant next door, where workers are fighting to keep up with demand. Sales fell from 35,000 in 2003 to about 17,500 in 2006 according to Edmunds.com. Experts say high gas prices may affect H2 sales to some degree, but what affects the vehicle most is its market-limiting price tag.

With every passing year Hummer adds more chrome to the standard H2 – thus making it more difficult to create a ‘black-out’ Hummer H2. This is the newest Sewell Custom Hummer – the only chrome it contains is on the mirror caps, which could also be painted black if needed. The truck started as a Luxury Package H2, so it has the all-black leather interior as well. Custom Hella lights called “Black Magic” have a dark appearance when not illuminated. Tail lamp covers, side marker covers, driving light bezels, and wheels that are normally chrome have all been custom powder-coated black. A locking black gas door keeps vandals from adding any non-approved fuel additives to this one-of-a-kind custom Hummer H2.

Sewell Hummer of Dallas is getting into the holiday spirit with their Christmas showroom decorations that surround a custom red Hummer H3. The H3 features red monotone paint, 33inch tires, and all kinds of chrome. Sewell Hummer always has numerous custom vehicles on display for the holiday season – more custom Hummer updates to come soon!

Just 10 days after the announcement of the Hummer H3 being released in India, the project is being put on hold. General Motors has decided to push back the release of its ‘super-premium’ brands that include Hummer and Cadillac. GM India feels those vehicles represent a niche market, and suspect other vehicles like the Chevy “Spark” will be better for business, and better for capturing market share. Looks like the wait for a new Hummer just got a little longer in India – but surely imports of the South African made version will filter through sooner or later…

The Team Hummer H2 extended its winning streak recently, taking first place in the Stock Full Baja 1000 class for the second consecutive year. The H2 was piloted by Josh Hall, son of owner Rod Hall, who also placed 3rd in the Mini Stock class with Team Hummer’s H3. “The H2 demonstrated once again why it is one of the most capable off-road vehicles in the market today,” said Hall. “Not a single stock part on that truck failed, even after 26 hours racing across some of Baja’s most treacherous terrain. It says a lot about the engineering behind the H2 and the detail the Team HUMMER crew put into preparing the truck for this year’s race.” This marks the 11th win for Team Hummer in the Baja 1000, and the 26th win for the Hall family, the winningest family in Baja 1000 history.

Even with the end of the AM General contract with the U.S. Military looming in the not to distant future, the Humvee will continue to be the main vehicle of ground transportation. This is evidenced by the recent U.S. Army order of $1.1 billion in new vehicles. The work contracted is expected to be completed by December 31, 2007.

According to AutoWeek, GM will unveil the Hummer H4 Concept vehicle at the upcoming Detroit Auto Show. With other manufacturers getting into the small and rugged 4-door SUV market (Dodge Nitro, Jeep Unlimited), the Hummer H3 may be having some competition on (and off!) the roads. Now, the introduction of the Hummer H4 will allow Hummer to compete with the smaller and less expensive class of vehicles like the Jeep Wrangler. The unveiling comes after about a year or two of hype surrounding the possibility of the new, smaller Hummer. The vehicle would most likely start production in 2010

We’ve seen Hummers with flames in the past – but this Hummer’s job is to put them out! The Bridge City, TX fire department utilizes a modified Hummer H1 in order to reach some places in their coverage area. As you can see from the pictures – they also like to put it through its paces in their free time! The truck is able to carry 250 gallons of water, and is fitted with special breaks to slow down the 6 ton (when full of water) vehicle. The idea for the truck came from one of the Bridge City fire-fighters who used to repair Humvees for the military.

According to Bloomberg News, GM plans to release incentives to blow out 2006 model year vehicles this weekend – Including the Hummer H3 and Hummer H2. The move will probably take another $500 off the price of an ’06. The problem is most larger dealerships are mostly out of 2006 models, and in order to find that great deal, you may end up having to go to a dealership in the middle of nowhere. But hey, $500 is $500! (If you can find it..)