The status of Hummer's acquisition by Chinese company Tengzhong Heavy Industrial Machinery currently reads "ongoing," but Hummer CEO Jim Taylor has plenty to say on the maker's future direction and product lineup. Ever confident that Hummer, the brand that has for years embodied everything environmentalists stood against, can make a serious run in today's more fuel-conscious world, Taylor recently spoke with TheDetroitBureau.com about where his brand is headed.
With regard to the current lineup, Taylor says that both the Hummer H2 and H3 will remain in the stable. The H2 benefits from a strong product image outside of the U.S., where rising numbers of the wealthy in Russia and China remain interested in the large, militaristic SUV. Despite the higher interest levels compared with the U.S., Taylor also states that the H2 would likely evolve into a smarter (read: smaller and more fuel-efficient) form further into the future, should Hummer decide to keep it. The smaller H3 will see its production alongside the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon pickups at GM's Shreveport, Louisiana plant until the end of 2010. By that time, Hummer can remain, leave, or buy the Shreveport plant, depending on the scenario. A diesel version of the H3, which has just launched in South Africa, is looking to make its way onto U.S. soil, but is currently non-compliant with the EPA's diesel emissions regulations.
The Hummer H4, which would supplant the H3 as the smallest Hummer offering, will enter production eventually, according to Taylor. With only "one shot with the rifle," Hummer will need to make sure the H4 is carefully planned and executed. The Hummer HX concept, which bowed last year at the Detroit auto show, provides a glimpse as to how the H4 could potentially turn out.
With federal and state regulations continuing to clamp down on emissions and fuel economy, Taylor has stated that Hummer is committed to some form of powertrain that uses alternative power, whether it's a full commitment to diesel or a movement toward hybrid, plug-in, or full electric. Fully aware of the 100-mpg H3 prototype built by Raser Technologies, Taylor assures us an alternative-powered Hummer will come out within the next five years. The remaining steps are to determine which alternative-power solution is the most financially feasible and how to implement it.
Alternative-power solutions will not be only area where Hummer will make advances. The mass of the vehicles, an ever-important portion of the fuel economy equation, will be revised for the better. Aerodynamics will also be looked at, indicating the iconic front grille may no longer be untouchable. The upright windshields, which create a lot of drag, are also a target for change.
Despite Tengzhong's bid to take control of Hummer, the official stance of the Chinese manufacturing company is to leave the vehicle-end of operations to Taylor and his crew. Hummer will continue to be based in the U.S., although the locations of corporate and engineering offices are still undetermined. According to Taylor, Tengzhong looks to take a "very hands-off" role in Hummer, merely supplying the cash in an attempt to return the former GM division to profitability.
Source: The Detroit Bureau