Today GM released the announcement to its employees and to the public that they have plans to majorly cut production including 4 truck plants. The slow in the economy and high gas prices is obviously a major factor in the decision that GM is making in the upcoming months. Surprisingly Rick Wagoner, GM’s CEO, announced possible closing of plants that make many GM SUV’s and trucks with a mention of a possible removal or sale of Hummer which may remove this brand from the market all-together.

This may come as a surprise when you listen to Rick Wagoner mention the closing of plants that produce the Chevy Tahoe/GMC Yukon. We all know that is a big monster in the SUV market but we also know the SUV market is diminishing very fast mainly due to the fact that SUV’s consume A LOT of gas and the economy just cannot support the high price of such vehicles.

CNN.com posted the news this morning and reads:

GM: Trucks out, cars in

Automaker plans to shut 4 pickup and SUV plants, build more fuel-efficient vehicles, and may dump the Hummer brand.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) — General Motors announced plans Tuesday to shut four truck and SUV plants that employ thousands of workers. It also said high gas prices are here to stay – and, with them, consumers’ growing preference for more fuel-efficient vehicles.

At a news conference in Wilmington, Del., GM Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner announced plans to roll out more fuel-efficient vehicles, including approval to start the production process on a vehicle that can run gas-free for trips up to 40 miles.

But the plant-closing plans are a stunning admission from the nation’s largest automaker that its long dependence on large SUVs and pickups is no longer a viable strategy for a company struggling to end losses from its North American operations.

The plants to be closed include two U.S. facilities: The Moraine, Ohio plant that builds midsize SUVs, such as the Chevrolet Trailblazer and GMC Envoy; and the Janesville, Wisc., assembly line that builds large SUVs such as the Chevy Tahoe and Suburban and GMC Yukon.

In addition, it plans to close a pickup plant in Oshawa, Canada, and a truck plant in Toluca, Mexico.
The Mexican plant that builds medium-duty trucks sold to businesses rather than consumers will close later this year. The other plants will close in 2009 and 2010, with sooner closings possible if sales do not improve. Each U.S. plant has about 2,500 employees.

iReport.com: Still driving a gas guzzler?

The company said it believes that high oil and gasoline prices will be the norm, and that prices are likely to go higher due to strong global demand for oil.

“These higher gasoline prices are changing consumer behavior and rapidly,” said Wagoner. “We don’t think this is a temporary spike or shift. We think it is permanent.”
Goodbye Hummer Wagoner also said GM is looking at possibly selling its Hummer unit as part of a strategic review of the SUV brand based on military vehicles. The Hummer H3 mid-size SUV gets about 13 to 14 miles per gallon in city driving in the most recent EPA ratings. The H1 and H2 are larger vehicles on which EPA does not give mileage estimates.

The brand has become the symbol to many members of the public of a gas-guzzling large U.S. vehicle.
Hello Volt He also announced that GM has approved production of the Chevrolet Volt, a so-called plug-in hybrid vehicle that can run about 40 miles without any use of gasoline. The Volt will be built in GM’s Hamtramck, Mich., plant and is due in showrooms by the end of 2010.

Read more at cnn.com

Hummer H2 for sale

The new, more powerful Hummer H3 Alpha offers the towing capacity that only a V8 can, as the new H3 Alpha broadens Hummer’s range of versatile, do-anything and go-anywhere vehicles. The H3 Alpha is the second member of Hummer’s exclusive Alpha series, representing the pinnacle of performance, both off the road and on it. It comes with a 5.3 liter engine that delivers 300hp and 320lb.ft. of torque, and is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission that enables maximum towing capacity of 6,000lbs., and a faster 8sec. time to 60mph from a standstill than with the standard 242hp inline 5-cylinder engine.

The 5.3 liter small-block V8 engine features an aluminum cylinder block to help reduce overall mass and maintain a more desirable front-to-rear weight balance and includes a deep-skirt cylinder block with cross-bolted main caps, high-flow cylinder heads, electronic throttle control, 58X ignition system, E67 32-bit controller, polymer-coated pistons with full-floating wrist pins, returnless fuel system, lightweight valvetrain, steel camshaft and a low-restriction air intake system and exhaust.

The new H3 Alpha is the ultimate Hummer H3, delivering all of H3’s renowned off-road capability, but with enhanced performance that is suited to a variety of lifestyles.

In addition to the V8 engine, the H3 Alpha also includes the popular ‘luxury’ equipment package, the chrome appearance package, 16in. chrome wheels, a 4.10 rear axle ratio and special Alpha tailgate badge, horn pad badge and embroidered front headrest with the ‘Alpha’ insignia. You can also order the new H3 Alpha combined with content from the H3 X which includes bright roof crossbars, chrome fuel door, a body-color grille and unique spare tire cover, tires, wheels and center cap, and a brush guard.

The H3 is the newest model to carry the Alpha flag, and represents Hummer’s first Alpha model engineered in conjunction with GM Performance Division.

Hummer H3 and GM Performance Division engineers did more than simply shoehorn a V8 engine into the H3’s engine compartment. Accommodating the new power plant necessitated the execution of a seemingly endless number of technical details-many of which have been implemented across the entire H3 lineup.

The H3’s frame was modified to accept the V8 engine, and a special oil pan was designed to ensure constant oil pressure when driving on steep grades-a hallmark of Hummer’s off-road capability. Also, the engine compartment front of the dash was modified to accommodate the V8, and a new steering system is used on all H3 models to deliver better on-center feel and even more improved off-road reliability.

To support the torque output of the powerful V8, the H3 Alpha’s front differential case is made of cast iron; other models feature an aluminum case. New engine mounts, higher torsion bar rates to support the increased mass, and specific shock valving also are unique to the V8 powered model, ensuring it continues to deliver the unparalleled ride quality-both on-and off-road-that customers expect. That equates to a 37ft. turning circle, a 9.1in. ground clearance and maximum breakover angle of 25-degrees with 33in. tires, making it possible to clear large obstacles in off-road driving. Serious off-road performance is also aided by the maximum approach angle of 39-degrees and maximum departure angle of 37-degrees. Of course the H3 Alpha can ford 24in. streams at 5mph, climb 16in. vertical steps and rocks, and make its way through deep sand and race easily over sandy surfaces.

This new Alpha model is what H3 enthusiasts have been waiting for and is now realized.

COPYRIGHT:2008:HARVEY SCHWARTZ

SPECIFICATIONS

Suspension: Front-independent SLA torsion bar, 46mm monotube gas-charged shocks, 36mm tubular stabilizer bar
Rear-Hotchkiss design multi-leaf, semi-elliptic dual stage leaf spring, 46mm monotube gas-charged shocks, 25mm solid stabilizer bar
Steering: power-assisted rack & pinion with tri-bushing mount design
Brakes: Front-12.4in. vented discs with four-piston calipers
Rear-12.28in. solid discs with single-piston sliding calipers
ABS, Traction Control
Wheels: 16X7.5in. aluminum/265/75R16in. Bridgestone radials
Wheelbase: 111.9in.
Overall length: 186.7in.
Overall width: 85.5in.
Overall height: 74.5in.
Track: f/r-65/65.5in.
Curb weight: 4,854lbs.
Headroom: f/r-40.6/39.9in.
Legroom: f/r-41.9/35in.
Fuel tank capacity: 23 gallons
EPA Mileage Estimates (city/highway): 13 mpg / 16 mpg
Range in Miles (automatic): 299 mi. / 368 mi.
0-60mph time: 8.0 seconds

Move over truck fans, the new Hummer Pick Up Truck is in town. Hummer introduces their new Hummer H3T. I guess you can figure out what the “T” in H3T means. It is really a truck, we swear! Due out later this year, the 2009 Hummer H3T will sport the same counterparts as the current H3 only they will have different “versions” with a top of the line H3T Alpha with a V8. Is this GM’s answer to Toyota having beefy trucks… GM is in the background saying “Pssst, lets turn our Hummer into a Truck, that will teach them”.

In just two short years, the Hummer H3 has carved out a niche for itself in the mid-size sport utility segment with its unique bold Hummer looks, class-leading off-road performance, in comfort and safety.

This year Hummer introduces a new model, called H3X that is based on the H3 Street Concept model shown at the 2005 SEMA Show which showcases the entire automotive aftermarket and is held each year in late October, early November, at the giant Las Vegas Convention Center .The 2007 H3X injects new energy into the Hummer lineup by appealing to buyers with an interest in a customized appearance available directly from the factory. The H3X begins with an H3 equipped with leather seats and a six-disc changer with Monsoon sound system, chrome tube steps, a chrome appearance package with chrome sideview mirrors, chrome door handles, bright roof crossbows, and a chrome fuel filler door. The package also includes a body-color grille, chrome brush guard, unique spare tire cover, tires, wheels and center cap. The interior features custom leather seating with contrasting gray piping, headrests with embroidered H3 logo, stitched leather door trim, center console with two cupholder and dual-tier storage bin with matching padded leather, and matching custom front and rear floor mats and rear cargo mat with gray piping. Besides the eight exterior colors, H3X owners can also choose from two exclusive colors, Sonoma Red Metallic and Desert Orange Metallic, the color that my H3X was painted.Wow! This new H3X really turned heads and got only positive comments as I passed by other drivers, or when I stopped and parked to take care of one of my many daily chores. Another improvement to the 2007 Hummer H3 is a new, more powerful Vortec 3.7 liter DOHC, all-aluminum, Inline 5-cylinder engine with VVT. This new, inline 5-cylinder engine offers an excellent combination of power and efficiency, delivering 242hp at 5,600rpm and 242lb.ft. of torque at 4,600rpm. This new engine is mated to a standard five-speed manual transmission or you can option for the proven GM Hydra-Matic 4L60 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. Either transmission are seamless and powerful and hooked up to the fully electronically controlled 4X4 drive system with automatic 4X4, 4X4 high and 4X4 low. The system also includes traction control that can be turned off, underbody shielding, an optional rear locking differential, and StabiliTrak stability control. H3X comes with specific off-road tires, the Bridgestone 33in. 265/64R18in. Dueler A/T, wrapping around uniquely styled18X8in. chrome wheels. Like all Hummers, the H3X delivers exceptional rock crawling and climbing performance. The H3 was engineered for off-road leadership among midsize sport utility vehicles. Among its off-road credentials, the H3 can ford 16in. of water at 20mph, or 24in. streams at a 5mph pace, climb 16in. vertical steps and rocks, make its way through deep sand and race easily over sandy surfaces. There’s no stopping a Hummer. H3′s more maneuverable size provides advantages, such as a 37ft. turning circle making it easy to park and in tight turns when off-road. The 9.1in. ground clearance and maximum breakover angle of 25-degrees with the 33in. tires both make it possible to clear large obstacles in off-road driving. Serious off-road performance is also aided by the maximum approach angle of 40-degrees and maximum departure angle of 37-degrees. These approach and departure angles permit the H3 to drive into a hole and back out again, without getting hung up in the front or rear. The H3′s suspension is just right for serious off-road fun and on-road driving smoothness. Up front is an independent SLA (short/long arm) torsion bar setup with 46mm mono-tube gas-charged shocks and a 36mm tubular stabilizer bar. The rear is a live-axle ‘Hotchkiss’ design multileaf, semi-elliptic dual-stage leaf spring setup with 46mm mono-tube gas-charged shocks, and a 25mm solid stabilizer bar. The H3′s brakes are big and strong steel discs to quickly stop this 4,700+ SUV. Up front are 12.4in. vented discs clamped with four-piston opposed (fixed) calipers, and 12.2in. solid discs clamped with single piston sliding calipers. ABS and dynamic rear proportioning help keep you in control during severe braking situations. The brake pedal felt very linear and the braking force came quickly and smoothly as I depressed the pedal. Easily guiding the H3 around slow city traffic, at speed on the freeways and when off-road is the new power-assisted rack & pinion steering system with a tri-bushing mount design. It gave me added confidence with quick, pinpoint accuracy and great feedback from the road. The beefy, leather wrapped and tilting steering wheel felt great in my hand as and made me feel even closer to being one with the H3. The H3X’s bolder looks still make it easily identifiable as a Hummer. Features such as it wide track; short overhangs and huge tires and wheels provide stability, outstanding ground clearance and quick rock-climbing capability in off-road driving. The H3X’s flat, chiseled surfaces, upright windshield and windows, signature 7-slot louvered grille, round headlamps housed inside square openings, and pronounced fender flares are all pure Hummer. Power and strength emanate from its cube-like metal billet form. The H3X’s interior is inviting and modern, blending premium cues with world-class craftsmanship. Upscale touches include the perforated, leather wrapped and stitched steering wheel and automatic shift handle, bright-accented instrumentation, brushed, machine-finished trim plates, chrome door release handles, chrome bezel for the automatic transmission shifter, and chrome H3 emblem in the center of the steering wheel. The H3X also provides the refinement, comfort and convenience required for enjoyable on-road driving please as well. It offers premium options such as heated leather seats, a large electric express open/close sliding sunroof, Monsoon 7-speaker audio system and a DVD navigation system. All H3 Hummers come standard with front/rear tow hooks, A/C, 60/40 split fold-flat rear seats, five assist handles, cruise control, auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass heading and outside temperature, power windows/door locks, map pocket on the front seat backs, power-remote sideview mirrors, and swing-gate with mounted spare tire. The H3 incorporates structural enhancements and advanced safety systems to assist in crash avoidance and protection, including a reinforced passenger compartment safety cage that helps provide protection in the event of side and frontal impacts. The strong, rigid steel structure surrounds the passenger compartment, runs from the A-pillars to the roof rail, back to the D-pillars and includes the bottom rocker panels, under-floor longitudinals and frame. The all-steel body panels and exceptionally strong frame further help protect occupants in a collision. The fully welded, ladder-type frame optimizes crash performance, in addition to standing up to rigorous off-road requirements. Standard safety features include front airbags, 3-point safety belts for all seating positions with pretensioners/load limiters up front, tire pressure monitor, and an optional roof rail-mounted, side curtain airbags that drop down to the belt line to help provide head and rollover protection for the driver and front passenger. The H3 Hummer remains the midsize SUV’s ‘king of the off-roads’ and the new H3X gives it more appeal to more consumers looking for the best combination of styling and performance in the segment. NEW 2007 HUMMER H3X “MORE POWER, PERFORMANCE AND BLING”   COPYRIGHT:2007:HARVEY SCHWARTZ – EDITOR, AUTOMOTIVE ADDICTS   Price MSRP: $38,375 Invoice: $35,305 Type: Midsize SUV Where Built: United States EPA Class: Sport Utility Vehicles Dimensions Exterior Length: 186.7 in. Width: 74.7 in. Height: 73.7 in. Wheel Base: 111.9 in. Ground Clearance: 9.1 in. Curb Weight: 4700 lbs. Gross Weight: 5850 lbs. Interior Front Head Room: 40.6 in. Front Hip Room: 53.9 in. Front Shoulder Room: 54.4 in. Rear Head Room: 39.9 in. Rear Shoulder Room: 53.5 in. Rear Hip Room: 53.5 in. Front Leg Room: 41.9 in. Rear Leg Room: 35 in. Luggage Capacity: 29.5 cu. ft. Maximum Cargo Capacity: 56 cu. ft. Maximum Seating: 5 Performance Data Performance Base Number of Cylinders: 5 Base Engine Size: 3.7 liters Base Engine Type: Inline 5 Horsepower: 242 hp Max Horsepower: 5600 rpm Torque: 242 ft-lbs. Max Torque: 4600 rpm Maximum Payload: 1301 lbs. Maximum Towing Capacity: 4500 lbs. Drive Type: 4WD Turning Circle: 37 ft. Fuel Data Fuel Fuel Tank Capacity: 23 gal. EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway) Range in Miles: (City/Highway)