Hummer

2006 Hummer H3 H1 and H2

GMC Hummer EV

2002-09-11-Marbella-22

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Hummer H2 front 20070928

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Hummer-H3

Hummer was a brand of trucks and SUVs, first marketed in 1992 when AM General began selling a civilian version of the M998 Humvee. In 1998, General Motors (GM) purchased the brand name and marketed three vehicles: the original Hummer H1, based on the military Humvee, as well as the new H2 and H3 models that were based on smaller, civilian-market platforms.

History

The Hummer brand originated from the military High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV), colloquially known as the Humvee. This vehicle was created by AM General, a subsidiary of American Motors Corporation (AMC), in response to the U.S. Army's requirement for a high-mobility, multi-purpose wheeled vehicle. The Humvee became a symbol of American military power during the Gulf War in 1991, which sparked civilian interest in owning a similar vehicle. AM General began selling a civilian version of the Humvee, called the Hummer, in 1992.

In 1999, GM acquired the rights to the Hummer brand and expanded the lineup. The H2, introduced in 2002, was built on a modified General Motors SUV platform, which made it more practical for everyday use than the larger H1. The H3, introduced in 2005, was even smaller, based on the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon pickup trucks, making it the most accessible vehicle in the Hummer lineup.

Decline and Discontinuation

Despite initial popularity, sales of Hummer vehicles began to decline in the mid-2000s due to rising fuel prices and growing environmental concerns. The brand became a symbol of excess and environmental irresponsibility, leading to decreased demand. In 2008, GM announced plans to sell the Hummer brand as part of a restructuring effort to focus on more fuel-efficient vehicles. However, the global financial crisis of 2008 and 2009 complicated these efforts, and a proposed sale to a Chinese company was blocked by Chinese regulators in 2010.

GM officially discontinued the Hummer brand in 2010. The last Hummer H3 rolled off the line at the Shreveport plant in May 2010.

Revival

In 2020, GM announced the revival of the Hummer nameplate, not as a separate brand, but as a series of electric vehicles marketed under the GMC brand. The GMC Hummer EV, introduced as a 2022 model, marks a significant departure from the original Hummer vehicles, focusing on electric powertrains and environmental sustainability. The new Hummer EV features impressive off-road capabilities, a zero-emissions electric powertrain, and innovative technologies such as the "CrabWalk" feature, which allows the vehicle to move diagonally.

Models

• Hummer H1: The original Hummer, based on the M998 Humvee, produced from 1992 to 2006.
• Hummer H2: A smaller, more civilian-friendly model introduced in 2002 and produced until 2009.
• Hummer H3: The smallest model, based on the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon, produced from 2005 to 2010.
• GMC Hummer EV: An all-electric vehicle introduced for the 2022 model year, featuring advanced technology and off-road capabilities.

Cultural Impact

The Hummer brand has had a significant cultural impact, symbolizing both American military might and, later, consumer excess. Its vehicles have been featured in numerous movies, music videos, and as part of celebrity culture. The brand's revival as an electric vehicle manufacturer reflects changing societal values towards sustainability and environmental responsibility.