A Note from HUMMER: Let the Speculating Begin

June 16, 2008, 15:02 UhrAndy

By Martin Walsh
General Manager, HUMMER

In preparing for the announcement about General Motors’ putting HUMMER up for strategic review this week, we anticipated that subsequent rumors and speculation about the brand’s fate would soon begin. They have, and we can expect these things to swirl while we examine possible outcomes. But I want you to know that in the end I believe the HUMMER name, and its line-up of iconic vehicles, will still be purchased and enjoyed by customers around the world.

Globally, in eight short years, the HUMMER name has become one of the strongest brand names in the automotive industry. Today HUMMER vehicles are sold in 37 different countries around the globe. And outside the US, where the world has been living with high fuel prices for the past decade, 2008 sales through April were up 34.8% compared to 2007. It is a high-end product that holds inherent profit potential and already has a loyal and vibrant customer base. And, with nearly 60 % of HUMMER customers coming from outside GM product lines, it has highest conquest rate of any brand in the GM portfolio and HUMMER buyers are among GM’s youngest and most affluent.

HUMMER’s products are unlike anything else on the market. In addition to unmistakable, distinctive bold design, the trucks boast unparalleled off-road capabilities and fuel economy that is comparable to, or better than, most of their competitors in the market. The newly introduced 2008 H3 Alpha has won numerous awards, including Four Wheeler Magazine’s 2008 Four Wheeler of the Year and Truck Trend’s Best-in-Class: Hardcore 4×4.

And for 2009, the products and portfolio become even stronger. Already in production, the 2009 H2 offers even more interior luxury with available rear-seat captain’s chairs and Bluetooth connectivity.

The 2009 H3 and H3 Alpha deliver increased off-road capability with an available front-locking differential and standard Hill Start Assist. And this September we will introduce the new 2009 H3T, HUMMER’s first midsize truck. The H3T will appeal to the consumer who wants the towing and hauling utility of a full size pickup combined with the capabilities of a midsize HUMMER. In fact, the H3T is already earning significant media praise from industry experts including the editors of Four Wheeler and Pickuptrucks.com.

Four Wheeler Editor, Ken Brubaker, says, “The Hummer H3T is hands-down the most off-highway capable pickup in its class.”

And looking toward the future, the biofuel HX concept introduced at the 2008 North American International Auto Show injected consumers with renewed enthusiasm about the future potential of the HUMMER brand.

I wholeheartedly believe that HUMMER can have a bright future. It is growing globally and fills a niche in the automotive spectrum that delivers unparalleled off road capabilities in a luxurious package.

In any outcome, there is no denying the potential of a brand which holds such a vivid place in today’s culture.

Taken from GM’s FastLane Blog.