HUMMER plans 'till 2011

[Flybrian]

Hummer H3 to spawn ute, V8, diesel versions
With help from GM, Hummer will expand with smaller vehicles and more engines

By BYRON MATHIOUDAKIS 16 April 2007
Link to Original Article @ GoAuto

HUMMER will consolidate its upcoming H3 range in Australia from 2009 with a variety of new models that will include a compact SUV, diesel, ethanol and hybrid power, and a new full-sized H2.

Central to this will be engineering and design input from General Motors’ global outposts, including Holden, but perhaps Hummer’s most ambitious plan involves a vehicle that sits below the H3 – currently the company’s smallest offering.

Known as the H4 – although this may change by the time it appears around 2010 – it will give the Hummer brand a vital weapon in the United States against premium-priced compact SUVs such as the Nissan Murano.

Hummer general manager Martin Walsh revealed that the H4 will be twinned with an upcoming compact General Motors platform, although he stopped short of saying which one it would be.

"It will be another GM platform that will allow us to build a smaller vehicle," he says.

John Heinricy, General Motors director of high performance vehicles, told GoAuto that GM’s engineering plants across the globe are intertwined in their new-model developments.

"At GM, we work together like it’s one engineering organisation, so I can tell you that on various programs – not particular with Hummer – I’m in conversation with Holden on a weekly basis," he revealed.

"We’re sharing knowledge, we’re sharing engineering. Holden does engineering for the US... it all fits together seamlessly."

However, a Hummer insider admitted to fearing that its hard-won hardcore off-road image may be irreparably harmed if GM decides to go "soft" with the H4.

He insits that Hummer needs to maintain its 4WD reputation by ensuring that all its vehicles have a separate chassis, short overhangs, class-leading approach, breakover and departure angles, ample ground clearance and signature Hummer styling cues.

Mr Walsh also hinted at an even smaller model beyond the H4, if market trends – driven by spiralling fuel costs and increasingly punitive legislation against heavier SUVs – dictate a need for it.

"Our growth will be downwards in terms of size," Mr Walsh says, adding: "Opportunities will lie in smaller segments."

Nevertheless, he cites Hummer’s "iconic design" and leading off-road ability as keys to its success.

"As we grow smaller, we must ensure that (Hummer) maintains these two characteristics," Mr Walsh emphasises.

"We have to offer legitimate off-road capability – that’s where the real challenge is."

In the United States alone, Mr Walsh believes that a smaller vehicle line-up could add between 30,000 and 40,000 sales to the 70,000-odd units (split between 56,000 H3s and 14,000 H2s) Hummer shifted in 2006.

At the other end of the spectrum is the development of an H2 replacement.

Also due out by about the end of the decade, it will again be developed off GM’s full-sized 1500/2500/Suburban truck platform.

However, a greater emphasis on luxury, as well as right-hand drive engineering, should see the H2 II challenge vehicles such as the Range Rover Vogue and Lexus LX570 in markets outside North America.

However, this does not mean that Hummer will be standing still with the H3, the brand’s sole global ambassador for the time being.

As we reported last week, first up will be the long-awaited V8 version of the H3, to address this model’s single biggest criticism – its lack of performance punch.

Dubbed H3 Alpha and on sale in North America from June, right-hand drive production for the V8 will commence at General Motors’ plant in South Africa early next year, with Australian sales following by the end of 2008.

Around the same time, a diesel-powered H3 is in line for introduction, although exactly which engine it will employ remains a mystery.

The H3’s short nose precludes most V6 installations, so talk is rife that Hummer will fit a derivation of the 2.0-litre common-rail four-cylinder turbo-diesel unit found in the Holden Captiva.

Developed by VM Motori of Italy and produced by GM DAT in South Korea, a size increase to 2.2 or even 2.5 litres is a possibility.

Hummer is also looking at E85 ethanol versions of its two petrol engine choices, as well as a move to biodiesel technology.

In fact, within the next three years, Hummer will offer bio-fuel powertrains "...in every single vehicle application" according to one company spokesman.

Further into the future, hybrid technology – including a predominantly electric powerplant with occasional fossil-fuel engine back-up as per GM’s 2007 Detroit show-stealing Volt concept car – could find its way into Hummers.

An SUT (Sport Utility Truck) version of the H3 is on the cards, for a US launch in 2008.

This four-door crew-cab model, with may be joined later on by a two-door utility with an extended bed for greater commercial-vehicle applications.

Despite these developments, Mr Walsh believes that it is the smaller vehicles that will drive Hummer sales in Europe, the Middle East and Australasia, as the Americans drive into new markets and add more dealers in existing ones.

Currently Hummer sells only 12 per cent of its output outside of North America.

"Longer term I think we can get between 20 and 25 per cent," Mr Walsh forecasts.

He declared that the three biggest issues facing Hummer are incorrect perceptions of price, size and fuel economy.

The former initially affected H3 sales in America in its first year. Buyers incorrectly assumed it cost significantly more, simply because of its similar design to the larger and costlier H2.

Mr Walsh points out that buyers are surprised by the relative compactness of the H3, claiming that it has the same turning radius as a Toyota Camry sedan.

He adds fuel consumption is on par with most of its mid-sized SUV competitors.

Mr Martin also admits that distancing the Hummer from the old military HMMWV (and its civilian H1 counterpart) might aid the company in gaining greater social acceptance in some markets.

"There is still a high lack of awareness of what (today’s Hummer) truly is," Mr Walsh laments.

"We are going hard trying to change consumer’s perceptions."

Responding to criticism that his vehicles are out of step with the fuel consumption and environmental concerns of today, Mr Walsh vehemently defends Hummer’s place in this world.

"Hummer is a niche vehicle. We feel we don’t have anything to apologise for.

"We respect the right of people not to choose a Hummer as much as we respect the right for people to choose our product... However, in our future product plans we are incorporating the move to bio fuels and even more fuel efficient options as well."


What's coming from Hummer:
H3 - July 2007
H3 SUT - 2008
H3 Alpha V8 - Q4 2008
H3 diesel - 2009
H4 - 2010
H2 MkII - 2011

[Moriarty]

That'd be pretty sweet--a hummer with a drivetrain similar to the Volt. Hey Mom, I can go rock-crawling for twenty miles on just batteries!

[91z4me]

John Heinricy, General Motors director of high performance vehicles, told GoAuto that GM’s engineering plants across the globe are intertwined in their new-model developments.

"At GM, we work together like it’s one engineering organisation, so I can tell you that on various programs – not particular with Hummer – I’m in conversation with Holden on a weekly basis," he revealed.

Hmm...I wonder what programs he could be talking about?

[jbartley]

nothing but good news! this excites me.

I'm glad they are determined to keep the AWD and rugged image. The Hummer people are probably watching what Jeep is doing and laughing their heads off.

I thought H3 Alpha was out Q4 2007?

Edited April 17, 2007 by jbartley

[Oracle of Delphi]

John Heinricy, General Motors director of high performance vehicles, told GoAuto that GM’s engineering plants across the globe are intertwined in their new-model developments.

"At GM, we work together like it's one engineering organisation, so I can tell you that on various programs - not particular with Hummer - I'm in conversation with Holden on a weekly basis," he revealed.

"We're sharing knowledge, we're sharing engineering. Holden does engineering for the US... it all fits together seamlessly."

However, a Hummer insider admitted to fearing that its hard-won hardcore off-road image may be irreparably harmed if GM decides to go "soft" with the H4.

This is an odd statement "At GM, we work together like it's one engineering organisation, so I can tell you that on various programs - not particular with Hummer - I'm in conversation with Holden on a weekly basis," he revealed."

He should have said "At GM we work as one engineering team no matter where we are located in the world"

All this is, is GM-Speak for, Holden is helping us dumb down Hummer's image so it will be more acceptable to the Tree-Hugging Crazies of the World.

It looks like GM is caving in to Global Warming and Cafe!

Edited April 17, 2007 by Pontiac Custom-S

[Northstar]

I don't think the Holden statement applies to Hummer. He says, "on various programs - not particular with Hummer - I'm in conversation with Holden on a weekly basis." I don't think that means that Hummer is in conversation with Holden, but rather GMNA is in conversation with Holden on various programs (Alpha, Zeta).

[thegriffon]

Not a good article, and factually wrong in many areas. For one thing GM has already anounced which diesel will go in the H3.

[RJB]

Not a good article, and factually wrong in many areas. For one thing GM has already anounced which diesel will go in the H3.

Which diesel engine?

Get rid of the AWD in the Hummers and fuel consumption would skyrocket. I personally would rather have the option of when to use the system of the vehicle, but then again some people don't know how to use these options or want it chosen for them so they don't have to think. They better not make the H4 soft, I'm depending on this new vehicle to change my mind about getting a Jeep Wrangler. I'm going to have to pool my resources and found out whats really going on.

[gm4life]

That is good news... Now you can be like Arnold for not alot of dough.

[Camino LS6]

Ya know, an H3 regular cab pickup could be fun. I think I've purchased my last plow truck so the next truck could be a bit smaller and more fun-oriented.

Just a thought in passing.

[Robert Hall]

Not a good article, and factually wrong in many areas. For one thing GM has already anounced which diesel will go in the H3.

Yeah, and the line 'The H3’s short nose precludes most V6 installations' makes no sense--a V6 is shorter than a V8 or the I-5...

[Robert Hall]

Which diesel engine?

Get rid of the AWD in the Hummers and fuel consumption would skyrocket. I personally would rather have the option of when to use the system of the vehicle, but then again some people don't know how to use these options or want it chosen for them so they don't have to think. They better not make the H4 soft, I'm depending on this new vehicle to change my mind about getting a Jeep Wrangler. I'm going to have to pool my resources and found out whats really going on.

An H4 that is Wrangler-like could be very nice... but an H4 pattered after the Compass, not so...

[Z-06]

I am thinking H4 more on the lines of Wrangler. Because, Wrangler has a free pass to this unique market with absolutely no competition.

I think GM will let Chevy handle those smalls utes.

[91z4me]

Yeah, and the line 'The H3’s short nose precludes most V6 installations' makes no sense--a V6 is shorter than a V8 or the I-5...

Add in the fact that GMT355 Rodeos are using the 3.6 HF V6 in Aus as we speak.

[RJB]

An H4 that is Wrangler-like could be very nice... but an H4 pattered after the Compass, not so...

Agreed!

Add in the fact that GMT355 Rodeos are using the 3.6 HF V6 in Aus as we speak.

Are the Rodeos Holdens?

[RJB]

Nevermind, they are Holdens. I found them on their website, they are rated at 157kw or 210hp.

http://www.holden.com.au/www-holden/action...ew?modelid=9006

[Mule Bakersdozen LS]

Um...er....Nissan Murano is A) a mid-size SUV, and B) Its a car-based crossover model which has absolutely nothing in common with any current GM offering, with exception of the Chevrolet Equinox/Pontiac Torrent duo, but of course, has more power and features, and style, though Equinox/Torrent still have a lot going for it and are stylish in their own right. Hopefully Hummer won't lose any credibility here, however.

[91z4me]

Um...er....Nissan Murano is A) a mid-size SUV, and B) Its a car-based crossover model which has absolutely nothing in common with any current GM offering, with exception of the Chevrolet Equinox/Pontiac Torrent duo, but of course, has more power and features, and style, though Equinox/Torrent still have a lot going for it and are stylish in their own right. Hopefully Hummer won't lose any credibility here, however.

I know Lambda is larger but it is a car-based crossover model with power, style, and features.

[GMTruckGuy74]

Does anyone know if the Holden Rodeo is based more on the Isuzu D-Max than the Canyon/Colorado twins?

[91z4me]

Does anyone know if the Holden Rodeo is based more on the Isuzu D-Max than the Canyon/Colorado twins?

Rodeo. It is built along side the D-Max in Thailand IIRC.

[ketch]

"He insits that Hummer needs to maintain its 4WD reputation by ensuring that all its vehicles have a separate chassis, short overhangs, class-leading approach, breakover and departure angles, ample ground clearance and signature Hummer styling cues."

How about the need to just be able to safely pass others on a uphill stretch? My in-laws just got an H3 and I drove it for several days. I hated it. Cartoonish looks, slower than slow, sucks gas even for a 5, nearly 2.5 tons, and very hard to see out of those tank slit windows. I got back in my Vue and realized just why I got it.

They have had it two weeks and already are complaining about it. Neverless, they brag to even strangers 'that's my Hummer'. What a joke.

[RJB]

You should have enough common sense going in on buying a Hummer that it is not going to set mpg records! People that buy them use for commuting yes, but for other outdoor related activities as well. Its not supposed to compete with a Toyota Prius. If and when the H4 comes out or the diesel option, or hybrid for that matter, then there should be an improvement in mpg figures.

[Windy-57]

You should have enough common sense going in on buying a Hummer that it is not going to set mpg records! People that buy them use for commuting yes, but for other outdoor related activities as well. Its not supposed to compete with a Toyota Prius. If and when the H4 comes out or the diesel option, or hybrid for that matter, then there should be an improvement in mpg figures.

Agreed. Hopefully the brass at GM realizes this too and doens't dilute the brand with vehicles that don't fit the brand image. If they keep Hummer true to its core buyers, the brand will do just fine. If they try to appeal to the mainstream and environmentalists, they will fail miserably.

For that matter, I hate what Jeep did with the Compass. The Patriot is OK, but the Compass dilutes their image and is going to piss off a lot of Jeep loyalists.