H3 thrives in slow SUV market

[Northstar]

By Jamie LaReau
Automotive News / October 10, 2005

DETROIT -- General Motors, like the rest of the industry, has seen SUV sales crash. But Hummer has managed to hit its launch targets for the mid-sized H3.

Hummer sold 4,054 H3s in September and 18,290 since launching it in late May.

Last year Susan Docherty, Hummer's general manager, projected about 25,000 H3 sales this year.

The H3 has Hummer's in-your-face styling, but with a smaller size, decent fuel efficiency and a lower price, Docherty says.

"Anything that was our Achilles heel in this brand has been addressed in the H3," Docherty told Automotive News.

For example, the H3 gets 20 mpg on the highway, compared with its larger sibling, the H2, which gets about 16 mpg, Docherty says.

The H3 has a 37-foot turning radius, beating the H2's 43.5-foot turning radius.

Also, it fits into most garages -- a complaint about the H1 and H2, she adds.

And 42 percent of H3 buyers are women compared with 26.3 percent with the H2, Docherty says.

Rob Huth, sales manager of Hummer of Orlando, Fla., sells 80 to 90 H3s a month. He says its popularity comes down to price.

"It's a less expensive vehicle yet shares the same parameters of the other two vehicles," Huth says. The H3 starts at $29,500, including shipping. The H2 starts at $53,855, including shipping.

More: http://www.autonews.com/article.cms?articleId=54836

[FUTURE_OF_GM]

Some much needed good news for Hummer.

[Newbiewar]

women h3 drivers? thats awesome...

[bowtie_dude]

Its amazing what having a highly appealing vehicle, both outside AND inside, can do for your sales numbers isn't it GM? :)

[cavalier36]

i may take a look at an H3 now. with GMS and $2,000 down i can lease one for $315.00 a month.. my new employer might not like it though.. I just got a new job at Honda's east liberty plant making Civics and Elements..

[sciguy_0504]

Cavalier will have to park at the furthest lot.

[Guest Josh]

i may take a look at an H3 now.  with GMS and $2,000 down i can lease one for $315.00 a month..  my new employer might not like it though.. I just got a new job at Honda's east liberty plant making Civics and Elements..

[post="27197"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

Turnabout is fair play~

[jry]

i did see the SUT version the other day at a stop light. couldn't get close enough for a shot but it looks kind of goofy. too short in the back.