HUMMER seeks green credentials via Los Angeles Design Challenge
The often renounced-by-environmentalists HUMMER brand has developed a unique solution to carbon dioxide emissions as part of the Los Angeles Design Challenge. By integrating algae into the body panels of the fuel-cell-powered ?HUMMER 02,? the company says harmful carbon dioxide in the environment released due to driving can be converted to pure oxygen.
Currently the concept exists only on paper, and the likelihood of it coming to fruition anytime soon is remote. But even while parked, the vehicle is capable of photosynthesizing carbon dioxide via the algae/water solution, as the body panels extend outward like leaves. Two-way valves in the panels regulate the amount of incoming CO2 to promote the most effective oxygen production. Algae would reportedly be replaced annually.
Source: Green Car Congress and Detroit Free Press
Image: Detroit Free Press
HUMMER will show off H4 concept at Detroit Auto Show, reports Automotive News
As a direct competitor to the Jeep Wrangler, HUMMER will introduce an H4 concept at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, MI this January 2007, reports Automotive News. By 2010, a production model could be in showrooms.
This year HUMMER has experienced significant sales increases due to the popular HUMMER H3 SUV, similar in platform to the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon pickup trucks. No indication has been made regarding the H4?s underpinnings, although a front-wheel-drive setup will not be implemented.
Source: Automotive News
Image: HUMMER/General Motors media
Equipment highlight: what differentiates the street-inspired HUMMER H3x?
HUMMER?s H3 midsize sport utility vehicle (SUV) has sold extremely well and is primarily responsible for the brand?s growth this year. A new model recently debuted, titled HUMMER H3x, which is based on the ?H3 Street? concept shown at the 2005 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show.
Special HUMMER H3x features include chrome exterior accents (including tube steps, front brush guard and fuel filler door), body-colored grille, hard-plastic external spare tire cover, unique 18-inch chrome wheels with special center caps and a standard Luxury Package (featuring leather upholstery, front seat heaters and six-CD audio system). Sonoma Red Metallic and Desert Orange Metallic paint applications are exclusive to ?x? model HUMMER H3s, although nine different paint schemes are offered.
All HUMMER H3 models get an upgraded powertrain for 2007, now producing 242 horsepower from a 3.7-liter inline five-cylinder engine. Both a five-speed manual and four-speed automatic transmission are available.
Source and image: GM/HUMMER media
New HUMMER truck scheduled for 2009, reports Automotive News
Having experienced a 54-percent global sales increase this year through the first nine months, HUMMER is planning a new truck ? or possibly Sport Utility Truck (SUT) - to complement the smaller HUMMER H3 SUV that has accounted for the brand?s 2006 success. Scheduled to arrive in 2009, the truck would ?have unparalleled off-road capabilities? and ?be recognizable from a distance,? according to Martin Walsh, HUMMER General Manager.
While some speculation had surrounded the spin-off of HUMMER from the General Motors family, GM believes the brand essential to its product renaissance. According to Walsh, 60-percent of new HUMMER buyers never owned a General Motors car or truck before, so attracting from other manufacturers is key to building a new loyal customer base.
Source: Automotive News [Subscription required] and Reuters
Image: GM media [HUMMER H3T concept]
