Hummer (stylized in all caps) is an American brand of pickups and SUVs launched in 1992 when AM General began selling a civilian version of the M998 Humvee.[1] Although discontinued in 2010, Hummer returned as a model under GMC in 2020. In 1998, General Motors (GM) purchased the brand name from and marketed three vehicles: the original Hummer H1, based on the military Humvee, as well as the new H2 and H3 models, which were based on smaller, civilian-market GM platforms.
By 2008, Hummer's viability in the economic downturn was questioned. Rather than being transferred to the Motors Liquidation Company as part of the GM bankruptcy in 2009, the brand was retained by GM, to investigate its sale. No final deal was made, and in 2010, Hummer dealerships began shutting down.[2][3][4]
The nameplate returned to the marketplace for the 2022 model year, not as a separate brand but as an electric pickup truck and an SUV, both sold under the GMC brand as the "GMC Hummer EV".[5][6] The pre-production versions of the EV began in November 2021, after a $2.2 billion investment to build a variety of all-electric vehicles in GM's Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant.[7]
History
Origin
AM General had planned to sell a civilian version of its Humvee as far back as the late 1980s. Having the same structure and most mechanical components, the civilian Hummers were finished in automotive gloss paint, adding passenger car enhancements such as air conditioning, sound insulation, upgraded upholstery, stereo systems, wood trim, and convenience packages.[8] The civilian model began in part because of the persistence of Arnold Schwarzenegger, who saw an Army convoy while filming Kindergarten Cop in Oregon and began to campaign and lobby for a civilian version to be available on the market.[9]
In 1992, AM General began selling a civilian version of the M998 Humvee vehicle to the public under the brand name "Hummer".[10] The first two Hummer H1s to be sold were purchased by Schwarzenegger.
GM purchase
Models
Hummer H1
The first vehicle in the Hummer range was the Hummer H1, based on the Humvee. Released for the civilian market in 1992, this vehicle was designed by American Motors' AM General subsidiary to meet U.S. Military specifications that were issued in 1979.[38] By 1982, Renault (which was partially owned by the French government) took controlling interest in AMC, and the AM General division was sold in 1983 to Ling-Temco-Vought (LTV), because US regulations barred ownership of defense contractors by foreign governments.[39] American Motors itself was acquired by Chrysler in 1987.[40] Production of H1 civilian versions continued throughout 2006.
Concept vehicles
Hummer HX
The Hummer HX was developed in 2008 as an open-air, two-door off-road concept car, smaller than other Hummer models.
Plug-in hybrid
Raser Technologies (formerly of Utah)[41] was to use technology similar to that of the Chevrolet Volt. The company unveiled the prototype to the 2009 Society of Automotive Engineers World Congress in Detroit.[42] The E-REV (Extended-Range Electric Vehicle) powertrain technology was claimed to power the vehicle for up to 40 mi on its battery, and then a small 4-cylinder internal combustion engine would start to generate more electricity.[43]
Racing
Team Hummer Racing was created in 1993. Led by off-road racer Rod Hall, Team Hummer competed in the stock classes of both BitD and SCORE, with specialized racing shock absorbers, tires, and other modifications, along with mandatory safety equipment. Team Hummer stock-class H3 was driven by Hall who finished first in class with the H3 in the 2005 Baja 1000. Team Hummer earned 11 production-class wins at the Baja 1000.
A highly modified, two-wheel drive Hummer was raced by Robby Gordon in 2006 (did not finish), 2007 (8th place), 2009 (3rd place), 2010 (8th place), 2011 (did not finish), 2012 (disqualified), and 2013 (14th place) Dakar Rally.
Stretch limousines
The Hummer H2 has been stretched by third-party companies into a variety of limousine versions.[44] The Hummer H2 was cut behind the cab, and the chassis was extended to create a passenger section for 14, 16, or even 22 passengers. Sometimes the back doors would be replaced with gullwing doors
Production
- AM General Hummer H1 Assembly Plant, Mishawaka, Indiana – 500000 sqft opened in 1984 to build HMMWV (HUMVEE) and began production of the H1 in 1992. Production ceased 2006, but HMMWV production continues.
- AM General Hummer H2 Assembly Plant, Mishawaka, Indiana – 673000 sqft opened 2002. H2 production ended 2009. Plant sold to SF Motors, maker of electric vehicles, in 2017.[45]
- General Motors South Africa Struandale Assembly Plant, Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, South Africa – built in 1996, expanded to 75625 sqm to build H3 models. H3 production ended 2009.
- General Motors Shreveport Operations, Shreveport, Louisiana – in 2005, to accommodate the production of the H3, an additional 296000 sqft was added to plant built by GM in 1981. In July 2009, GM had shut down Hummer production of the H3, but the automaker had a special fleet order from Avis Rent a Car System.[46]
Criticisms
Criticism of Hummers mirrors the criticism of SUVs in general, but to a higher degree. Specific criticisms of Hummers include:
- Size:Hummers (specifically the H1 and H2) are significantly bigger than other SUVs, which can cause problems parking, driving, and fitting in a garage. Their large size may also pose a serious threat to smaller vehicles and pedestrians.[47]
- Poor fuel economy:Even compared to other heavy passenger vehicles, Hummers have very poor fuel economy. Because the H2 is built to the over-8500-lb GVW, its fuel economy is neither published by the U.S. EPA nor counted toward Corporate Average Fuel Economy.[48] For example, H2 in one engine configuration averages an estimated 14 mpgus on the highway and 10 mpgus in the city.[48] It has a curb weight of around 6400 lb.[48]
Licensing
GM is active in licensing the Hummer. Various companies have licensed the Hummer trademarks for use on colognes, flashlights, bicycles, shoes, coats, hats, laptops, toys, clothing, CD players, video games and other items. An electric quadricycle badged as a Hummer was produced in the UK.[51][52]
See also
- GMC Hummer EV
- Humvee
- List of defunct United States automobile manufacturers
- VLF Automotive
External links
References
- Marketing: AM General Forbes, 2002, retrieved December 7, 2017^
- Austin Ramzy. A Deal Sours, and the Hummer Bites the Dust Time, February 25, 2010, retrieved April 6, 2015^
- Jim Meenan. Hummer's days are dwindling: Sale unlikely; dealerships begin process of winding down