received a mixed review from the public. For some, it is the symbol of pure power, utility, and all-American. While for others, it was an icon of full consumption, excess, and downright extra. But love it or hate it, nobody can deny that it is one of the most recognizable vehicles of all time. This GM-made monster was a hit around the world for a decade and a half, but since then, they have experienced a steady decline. So whatever happened to Hummer? And what's its future going to be now that the rumor of its electric comeback is spreading? You will just have to find out!
The History and the Rise of Hummer
90s kids could probably still remember the old days when they watched a crucial game on TV, and the Hummer commercial came on. "Conquer the world," the ad says. And a big, bulky, armorial vehicle car comes along. I guess it could conquer the world - and somehow, they did. But did you know that the Hummer was a product of an actor's imagination? Indeed, it was Terminator himself, Arnold Schwarzenegger, who came with such an idea and presented it to General Motos to sell. So how did all of that happen?
It all started in 1992 when AM General revealed the Hummer as a civilian's answer to Humvee. A lot of people in public, including Austrian-American Actor Schwarzenegger, demanded that the Humvee should be available for public consumption. But since the Humvee is a military-grade vehicle, driving it for civilian and casual purposes is illegal. When this came to Schwarzenneger's attention, he went to AM General and implored them to create a civilian version of Humvee. Thus, the Hummer was born.
And the rest, as they say, is history. Hummer became one of the most famous American vehicles in the 90s. Taking advantage of its rising popularity, AM General continued creating the said vehicle - which they now called the Hummer. In 1998, AM General sold the Hummer rights to GM - by then, they now called it the H1. GM offered three variations for the H1. These are the Alpha Wagon, the convertible soft top, and the four-door SUV - all three varieties became a hit to the public.
H2, H3, and the Fall of Hummer
In the hopes of continuing the Hummer's success, GM released H2. The model concept first came to the public's attention when GM presented the H2 at the North American International show back in 2000. The car manufacturer garnered praises from the public - Hummer became a combination of luxury and utility; the vehicle became a status symbol for America. The public raved over its "luxurious" features, which include sound system by BOSE, climate controls, and heated seats, among others. All of these features included while still retaining its boxy, intimidating exterior.
2000 after the H2's concept release, GM introduced yet another model for Hummer - the H3. This is the Hummer that GM designed and built for the first time, the other two being an AM General design. GM got its inspiration for the third wave of Hummer on a modified GMT355, a chassis also used by the GMC Canyon and the Chevy Colorado. Although it still looks like boxy like the rest, it's small in size. Back then, in 2008, you could choose your H3 either as a midsize pickup or a midsize SUV.
By 2006, GM enjoyed the Hummer's highest sales peak - a whopping 54,052 units sold. Just when they thought the popularity won't wane, the sales dropped by 2007. It went down spiral for Hummer then as the vehicle's charms were losing, and people were starting to have a dislike for the brand. Also, Hummers are known for a gas-guzzling machine; it can run for only 7 miles per gallon. This fact didn't leave a great taste in the environmentalists' mouth. Because of that - as well as because gas prices skyrocketed in 2008 - many people started to frown upon GM's prized model. From more than 54,000 units, the Hummer sales plummeted dramatically and painfully. By 2008, GM sold only 5,487 units. By 2010, GM was left with no choice but to close the production down.
The Future of Hummer
It's been more than 9 years when the last wave of Hummer H3 units rolled out of the Shreveport base. But lately, there's a rumor that the iconic vehicle is going to make a comeback soon. According to Forbes, the Hummer may come back two years from now, as an electric pickup, or an electric SUV. The rumor is based on a Reuters report on the "BT1 electric truck/SUV" program. But, to keep up with more socially-aware times, Hummer might go on an electric route.
Do you think it's a good move for GM to release the new generation of Hummer? Please let us know in the comments section.
