Can Hummer go green?
Since shortly after it's introduction in 2003, the Hummer H2 has been a lightning rod for people critical of General Motors' environmental policies. Although the H2 had a hefty thirst for fuel it was by no means the worst. However the militaristic styling that caused it to stand out from the crowd drew the kind of attention GM was not keen on in the wake of the EV1 shutdown. After sales peaked in the first two years of production, it has been in a downward spiral ever since. GM subsequently introduced a smaller H3 model but its excess weight and underpowered engine meant that it got only marginally better fuel economy than the larger H2.
Toward the end of this decade GM will be adding some new engine options to the H2 and H3 that will help a bit, but until these vehicles are completely redesigned on lighter platforms, it probably won't be enough to turn most people around. GM will be adding flex-fuel capability to the H2 in 2009 with the H3 getting it in 2010, but why isn't it there now? The newly announced 4.5L diesel will also go into the H2 at the same time. If the H2 does continue into the future, and that is by no means a given at this point, it may inherit the two-mode hybrid system coming later this year starting on the Tahoe/Yukon.
Most likely the only way that Hummer will be transformed from an environmental pariah to at least respectable would be to follow Jeep's lead and come out with smaller lighter vehicles like the Compass and Patriot. However, Compass sales haven't been anything to write home about so far and there is no guarantee that something similar to the Compass would have any appeal at all as a Hummer. GM's best bet might be to just let the H2 and H3 live out their lifespan and then let the brand die.
Related:
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. req'd]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Joseph 2:02PM (6/18/2007)
Wait, are you saying that the HUMMER brand is suffering? Three people in my neighborhood have HUMMERs!
Reply
Ron Fischer 5:37PM (6/18/2007)
GM: please build an e-Flex serial hybrid Hummer! Its one application where unsprung weight in hub motors may be acceptable and the stump pulling torque of electric drive lines up with the application. Drop in a modern biodiesel genset with full emissions controls; could be quite sweet.
Reply
kballs 5:37PM (6/18/2007)
Why not an e-flex Hummer? Coupled with a lighter weight chassis it could be significantly more efficient (and possibly even better off-road because you could get rid of the differentials and re-structure other ground-scraping suspension components). For the green Hummer options of the future just look at the prototypes being researched by the US military (they are mostly e-flex type vehicles - electrically driven with various range extenders - and have better 4wd off-road performance than an H1 Hummer).
Reply
JamesWB 7:29AM (6/19/2007)
It seems stupid to me that the H2 hasn't had a diesel since the start. There are a few with Duramax/Allison conversions that have more power, way more torque and get almost twice the mpg as standard.
Also the VM Motori (GM Daewoo has worked with them recently) RA630 would be a great diesel for the H3. 247hp 369lb-ft, not bad from a 3 ltr V6.
Reply
Katalina 2:53PM (8/13/2007)
In 1983, by the United States Army came first war and smuggle V, which were called HUMVEE (high-mobility, multi-wheeled vehicle vysokoprohodimoe, multipurpose, wheeled vehicle). Civilians shown to the sudden interest. And in 1992, came to light legendary Hummer H1. Technically, the military version of civilian little different. Unfortunately, the H1 is not very well blended with the city life, and it was not only that it is too cumbersome and poorly suited to navigate the streets of the city, but that the salon H1 is a minimum of comfort and convenience. In 2002, the market became the second city-version Hummer H2. At this time, the producers used all the mistakes and come to a new version much seriously. The original Hummer H2, only better able to survive in today's mega-cities.
More: http://review-hummer.blogspot.com/2007/08/hummer-h2-review.html
More: http://review-hummer.blogspot.com/
Reply