Hummer Guy

SFGate.com columnist Mark Morford recently had an editorial about the future of the Hummer H2. The article claims its “Heavily rumored that GM will soon kill the model entirely.” In reality, they only cite a single source for such a rumor – thetruthaboutcars.com. Who do they cite? “Spies.” In an article discussing the matter AFTER the SFGate article (cart before the horse?), they claim they have ‘spies’ that confirm the termination of the Hummer H2…. We’re not going to dwell on it – since the only people actually believing its true or newsworthy are from the environment fanatic websites (Example 1, Example 2, Example 3). Kudos to Mark for creating a buzz around the Hummer brand – maybe next time it will have sound evidence behind it (or, any evidence for that matter…). We understand at the end of the day SFGate just wants website traffic (which they’re getting from us!), but one would think credibility of a news organization wouldn’t come at such a distant second. On a side note, demand is higher than ever for the newly revamped 2008 Hummer H2 – The waiting list continues to grow and grow.

From CNN:

Warrior One for All, set to air Saturday, May 26, at 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 27, at 5:30 p.m., tells the story of one of CNN’s Iraq War Hummers from the battlefield to the auction block to public service. After months in Iraq, CNN shipped the vehicle to the states where it was eventually refurbished for TLC’s Overhaulin’ program and auctioned off at the Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Auction with proceeds going to the Fisher House Foundation. Today, “Warrior One” tours military bases and hospitals as part of an effort to raise money for wounded veterans.

Team Hummer is gearing up for another run at the 2007 SCORE International Tecate Baja 500, June 1-3, in Ensenada, Mexico. This is the 40th running of the Baja 500, and the 40th time Team Hummer owner and driver Rod Hall will be entering. Rod and his two sons, Josh and Chad will pilot the stock class Hummer H3 and H2. “With 12 years of experience racing stock-class Hummers, I believe that they are the most capable off-road vehicles straight from the factory,” said Rod Hall. “In fact, Hummers were the only stock-class vehicles to finish both the 2005 Baja 1000 and 2006 Baja 500, which speaks volumes about the vehicles’ capabilities.” Rod Hall has taken the first place award at the Baja 1000 eighteen times. Good luck to Team Hummer!

For kids in the hospital, nothing can be more frightening than the trip into surgery or another medical procedure. The General Motors program of donating mini-Hummers that allows young patients to drive themselves to treatment started in Shreveport, LA is spreading across the country – and was a hit at “Our Children’s House,” part of Dallas’s Baylor Medical Center. “We believe this mode of transportation definitely beats a gurney ride and can help take young patients’ minds off their fears,” said Martin Walsh, Hummer general manager . The video from the event even shows the kids off-roading in their new rides!

During an awards ceremony at Sewell Hummer of Dallas (who was receiving the “Master Dealer – Mark of Excellence” award for customer service and sales volume), GM representatives let the cat out of the bag: starting tomorrow, May 24th, Hummer will be offering 0% financing for 60 months for both Hummer H3 and Hummer H2 models. The incentive comes as part of Hummer’s Memorial day sale. “This will be the biggest sale of the year for the Hummer brand,” said one General Motors representative, “If you have friends interested in purchasing a Hummer – tell them now is the time.” Well, friends – I’m telling you.

With high-tech communication, run-flat tires, and high pressure water and foam fire fighting systems – this Hummer H2 is truly “Like Nothing Else.” The engineers at Dubai Civil Defense have been working on the details for some time – and the finished product was unveiled recently. ‘We are extremely excited to be introducing the first customized H2 fire fighting vehicle to the Middle East, said a spokesperson at Dubai Civil Defence. ‘It will bring uncompromising power, incredible performance and unrivalled fire fighting capabilities to our fleet.” This isn’t the first time a Hummer has been transformed into a fire fighting rig – Check out this H1 Fire Fighter in Texas.

Las Vegas’s Towbin Hummer has been ordered to remove a 30-by-60 foot flag that flies 100 feet above its dealership. Neighbors have complained about the flag’s flapping noise, and the negative ‘aesthetic effect’ when the wind blows the 100 ft pole. Interesting, is that the neighbors are also charging that the flag is anti-American, and that Towbin is simply trying to exploit veterans for commercial gain. Dan Towbin, the dealership’s owner and honorary commander at Nellis Air Force Base, says “It’s ridiculous in today’s day and age to suggest removing an American flag.” Towbin originally received City Council approval for a 6 month review of the flag and pole, which was never conducted. The dealership now has 60 days to remove it, and Towbin is still debating on whether he’ll take legal action to save the flag. The Towbin name may sound familiar, since Dan Towbin’s son Josh (“The Chopper”) runs Towbin Dodge – the focus of reality show King of Cars on A&E.

This time of year brings out boats, BBQs, and unfortunately more litter along state highways. Sewell Hummer of Dallas recently adopted a section of Texas state highway to help combat the trash problem. A section of Highway 740 in Rockwall, TX will be cleared of waste and debris by dealership employees throughout the year. This is in conjunction with the “Don’t Mess With Texas” program.

No one in the aftermarket has been able to produce a quality, OEM looking backup camera for the Hummer H3. Leave it to Hummer to help fill that gap. People are questioning what it will look like – but keep in mind – the first place we EVER saw a Hummer backup camera was in the 2005 SEMA show H3 (see above). That system ended up being the standard in H2 limited edition models, and then a normal H2 factory option. We suspect the system offered in the 2008 Hummer H3 will be remarkably similar. No word on pricing, just that the towing package will be required.

The Hummer H3 has been awarded two significant awards from IntelliChoice. The first is “Best Overall Value of the Year” in the intermediate utility category. Winners are chosen based on an “analysis focused solely on recognizing vehicles that will cost significantly less to own than would be expected at their purchase prices.” Also, the H3 received the award for Best Overall Value, which focuses on resale value in the first 5 years of ownership. Basically – the H3 gets you a lot of bang for your buck, and gets you more bucks when you sell it! But you’re only selling it to buy another Hummer, right?