There are several clichés that could be used here, but the one that first comes to mind is the "higher you climb, the harder you fall." To say that Hummer sales have fallen is an understatement. I'm not sure what the best word for a 60 percent sales decline would be, but "nosedive" is the best that I can think of at the moment.
Speaking of Hummer, GM has hired Citibank to evaluate offers from those wanting to buy the Hummer brand. So, that appears to be the direction GM is headed; that is, selling the brand, rather than revamping it...
As always, nothing is official until GM says so.
Other GM truck news
The General will be slashing 2009 truck production 170,000 units. That's almost double what Ford just announced.
Full story here.
Here's AutoObserver's take: GM Enlists Citibank in Hummer Effort
Other GM truck news
The General will be slashing 2009 truck production 170,000 units. That's almost double what Ford just announced.
Full story here.
Here's AutoObserver's take: GM Enlists Citibank in Hummer Effort
brn says:
07:27 AM, 06/24/08
The whole Hummer thing was silly to begin with. They were originally purpose built vehicles and should have stayed that way.
orangutan says:
08:57 AM, 06/24/08
Turning it into a Jeep would be the best way, but GM isn't exactly known for its good decisions. One might even say they're "cutting and running" on Hummer.
desmolicious says:
06:16 PM, 06/24/08
One problem with the H3 is that it's direct rival, the Toyota FJ, costs about $10K less. So it would have to drop a whole chunk of change before it is even competitive with that vehicle. And the FJ isn't selling at it's much lower price.
stovt001 says:
08:49 PM, 06/24/08
GM should have turned it into a Jeep competitor immediately upon purchase. Now, though, they allowed a bad image to solidify and there is just no saving it. A new owner may have enough money to change its image, market it right, and give it the products it needs to survive.
estreka says:
05:20 AM, 06/25/08
The thing is, Hummer made millions for GM. Even with this downturn, GM made a lot more money the way they ran the company as opposed to making it a Jeep fighter.
Besides, Jeep isn't exactly doing well either.
desmolicious says:
02:11 PM, 06/25/08
"GM should have turned it into a Jeep competitor immediately upon purchase. Now, though, they allowed a bad image to solidify and there is just no saving it."
No kidding. By releasing the H3x - all blinged out with chrome wheels and other shiny bits - they brought this upon themselves.
orangutan says:
07:37 PM, 06/25/08
estreka: Jeep isn't doing all that well because they're peddling crappy products produced by Chrysler. The Liberty is no Cherokee replacement while the Grand Cherokee is thirsty and short. We needn't even discuss the Compass and Patriot.
firstwagon says:
08:17 PM, 06/25/08
Wrangler is doing great and the Grand just needs a re-do (or a return to the much better 1999- 2004 WJ version).
Hummer did make millions on the Hummer because they went for the quick buck by aiming for the trendy Bling crowd instead of going for the loyal off road crowd like Jeep does.
In short, they squandered the terrific name the H1 had built in the name of a fast buck.
SubyTrojan says:
11:44 PM, 06/25/08
Stick a fork in 'em. They're done, baby!
tryan says:
03:26 AM, 06/26/08
Underpowered, overpriced, no utility (payload/internal-wise), the Hummer commercial offerings have always been fashion statements with wheels. It's not surprising that they've fallen from grace...
I still remember the news story of Ah-nold being the first to convert a military-spec H1 to civilian road use over a decade ago. I guess Hummer's fate was sealed when the Gover-nator himself sold off his $1M Inventory last year.
ateixeira says:
12:22 PM, 06/30/08
I agree, they're done. In fact I think the name "Hummer" right now is more a liability vs. an asset.
Never mind sales, I don't even see as many driving around on the roads any more. Are owners parking them and driving other vehicles now?