I'm not sure if anyone else noticed this, but with the release of the H3 I think Hummer has effectively predicted its own demise. By creating a midsize Hummer, they've acknowledged the public's growing desire for smaller, gas-efficient vehicles. They're deliberately transitioning marketing towards these types of cars. In fact, I have a feeling they're predicting their own demise and just trying to soften the blow. The only way they may be able to sell in the future may be to move into the sedan market?
In an interview with The New York Times, Iacocca, who is appearing in a series of commercials for the DaimlerChrysler (Research) unit, said that GM (Research) was foolish to have added the Hummer brand of huge Sport/Utility Vehicles and in not making more of a commitment to fuel-efficient hybrid gas/electric vehicles.
...but then the source was the New York Times.
I've asked this question before: Of what practical use is a civilian Hummer as a commute vehicle? I have not seen them full of a lot of people or things, something vans or pickups can do more efficiently.
While I guess such a car is better than having an SUV, it seems like the size and power thing is an obsession. I can't help thinking that a significant population needs to spend three to six times the amount of gas I do on a trip so they can feel significant - even at $2.50 a gallon.
Yep. But just imagine how important they are going to feel when gas is $4/gallon :-)
R2-E2, 2G Prius.
Highway/City/Husband/Wife MPG: 56.5, as of 12/2005, 26K miles
Jac Nasser, Ford President: "We are planning to launch a hybrid version of
this car [P2000] within this year [1998]. We will also make FCEV available in
2004."
EricGo, I just realized the Chrysler 300 is one of several cars that tries to look like an SUV. While I guess such a car is better than having an SUV, it seems like the size and power thing is an obsession.
They're just doing what they were taught to do. Get a job... Get promoted... Rise to the top... And then rub it in your neighbors' noses with big cars. Like a peacock.
The car is better than the SUV, because it has to meet cleaner standards for exhaust emissions.
I can't find it on Google, but one of the first H3 reviews was pretty down on it. It started with the assertion that the target market (which is 75% male BTW) wants something bigger, not smaller. It goes on to make a suggestion that could be heresy to Humvee lovers - keep it huge but improve the fuel economy by offering a hybrid version.
Actually, military hybrid Humvees sound like a good idea as it might improve and cheapen hybrid technology.
Hummer Predicts Own Demise?
