GM exec: We need more new Hummers

**voivod** · 09.28.06, 06:10 PM

Paris (Reuters) -- General Motors Corp.'s Hummer brand needs to double its product lineup by adding two or three more models, the executive charged with GM's product planning told reporters on Wednesday.

"Hummer needs some more products. It needs two or three more products to give it sufficient market coverage," General Motors Vice Chairman Bob Lutz told reporters at the opening of a Hummer dealership in Paris.

Lutz said making a Hummer-branded pickup truck, which would have ample passenger seating, remained an "option."

Earlier this year GM (Charts) faced pressure from activist investor Kirk Kerkorian to consider spinning off Hummer, which began as a high-mobility vehicle produced for the U.S. military.

But GM executives have argued that the brand is central to the automaker's strategy as it moves to cut costs, shore up market share and return to profitability in the U.S. market.

Sales of Hummer were up almost 50 percent in the first eight months of this year. By contrast, GM's overall sales were down 12 percent.

Hummer currently has three models: the H2, H2 SUT and H3. GM announced earlier this year it is stopping production of the original H1 Hummer, which was larger than the full-size H2.

The H2 SUT has short pickup-style truck bed.

The H3, which is built on GM's midsize pickup truck platform, accounts for about three-quarters of the brand's current sales. It is similar in size to a Nissan Pathfinder or Toyota 4Runner and is powered by a 5-cylinder engine.

GM executives have said previously that a smaller vehicle, similar in size to a Jeep Wrangler, is also being considered for the brand.

Hummer, which GM bought in 1999, has acquired both fervent fans like California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and outspoken critics, who see the brand's heavy SUVs as a symbol of American consumer excess and dependence on foreign oil.

**jimmy** · 09.28.06, 08:22 PM

Gotta love American car companies....kind of reminds me of record labels....what ever's hot...they're signing 4 more....fast.

Too many plants, making too many models, with too many employees. There's a reason why Honda only made the Civic and Accord in the early days.

**voivod** · 09.28.06, 08:48 PM

Or are they just trying to meet market demands?

**twonabomber** · 09.28.06, 09:00 PM

the expensive part of developing a pickup platform is done...the new Chevy and GMC's are rolling out. to skin them as a Hummer won't cost much, and it'll maximize profits since the platform is already in use.

GM keeps saying they want to get away from "brand management" (i.e. six versions of the Trailblazer, with different grilles/bumpers and brands) but they don't act like they want to. i'm waiting for them to decide that Chevy or Buick needs a version of the Solstice/Sky/Opel roadster.

**voivod** · 09.28.06, 09:12 PM

Originally Posted by twonabomber

i'm waiting for them to decide that Chevy or Buick needs a version of the Solstice/Sky/Opel roadster.

2008 Chevy Monza

2008 Buick Skyhawk

**LLFHS** · 09.28.06, 10:16 PM

Good christ......a Hummer is nothing more than a Members Only jacket with tires.

**Axxman300** · 09.28.06, 11:31 PM

They should design an economy coup, like those first small Hondas.

They could call it "The Bummer"

**LLFHS** · 09.29.06, 12:11 AM

Originally Posted by Axxman300

They should design an economy coup, like those first small Hondas.

They could call it "The Bummer"

Heheheheh

**Rick5150** · 09.29.06, 10:27 AM

Oh, that kind of hummer

**smithjc** · 09.29.06, 11:26 AM

Originally Posted by voivod

2008 Chevy Monza

2008 Buick Skyhawk

wtf did they do to the Monza??

It looks like any other piece of crap new car! Neither of these cars look like they should.

IMO of course.

btw - is the Monza packing anything good under the hood?

**twonabomber** · 09.29.06, 11:29 AM

probably the same four-banger the Solstice has.

**smithjc** · 09.29.06, 11:50 AM

wow that sucks.

Think I'll stick with my little 75 2+2 with the v8. It's an automatic but oh well.

**voivod** · 09.29.06, 04:15 PM

Originally Posted by smithjc

wtf did they do to the Monza??

It looks like any other piece of crap new car! Neither of these cars look like they should.

IMO of course.

btw - is the Monza packing anything good under the hood?

Guys Guys Guys... Those two cars are only a sarcastic take on GM's rape-badging of anything that's successful... There is no Monza or Skyhawk, for the time being...

**voivod** · 09.29.06, 04:16 PM

Originally Posted by smithjc

wow that sucks.

Think I'll stick with my little 75 2+2 with the v8. It's an automatic but oh well.

Please post pix...

**smithjc** · 09.29.06, 04:24 PM

Originally Posted by voivod

Guys Guys Guys... Those two cars are only a sarcastic take on GM's rape-badging of anything that's successful... There is no Monza or Skyhawk, for the time being...

For the umpteenth time I ain't no guy.

And I'll see what I can dig up as far as pics go.

T/G there's nothing in the works for these two models. They already ruined the 'Stang for criminy sake.