(Bloomberg News) The Hummer has been knocked by environmental groups for its fuelish ways, but don't expect a hybrid gas-electric version of this General Motors SUV anytime soon.
"Should we immediately go and get on the hybrid bandwagon? No, that's not appropriate for us," said Susan Docherty, general manager of the Hummer Division.

"We need to be true to what we are from a Hummer standpoint. We're a real masculine, rugged, irreverent brand," she said Tuesday.

Hummer's sales are up 87 percent to 42,657 this year through October, thanks to the popularity of the new H3, the brand's smallest model. But fuel economy is not among the top 10 issues buyers have when considering a 6,400-pound H2 and is only ranked 10th for owners of the H3, Docherty said. The H3 gets up to 20 miles per gallon.

 

I can see a point to not offering a hybrid Hummer. The engine is only a part of why hybrid vehicles get better fuel economy. Everything about the aerodynamics and weight of a Hummer is a fuel waster.

 

Plus the fact that there would be no market for them..... although I have seen Hummer's with environmental license plates here in Indiana.... go figure.

 

I can understand their plates. It's kind of like the bumper stickers that say , "Protect the Baby Seals, more for me to eat later".

I'm thinking the statement said by her roughly translates into, "GM is in the red and we don't want to spend the $ on product development".

 

I SAW a Hummer today with "hybrid" on the sides and back! This was in Austin, TX. I don't know if it's for real or not, but it had regular TX license plates, and didn't appear showroom new. Anyone know anything about this?

 

well, that's sure a good reason to trash the environment........

 

Hi Delta_Flyer:

___And to think I was waiting on the edge of my seat to purchase a pair of the H2/H3 hybrids too … What a relief!

___Now that I do not have to wait for GM’s press release on future H2/H3 models, maybe I can put my time to better use by discussing hybrids and their attributes most of us really want and drive instead

___Good Luck

___Wayne R. Gerdes

 

Actually, there are several choices of remote-controlled Hummer toys on sale at Walmart. You might say these are EV Hummers.


I'm a bit steamed that all the remote-controled toys are Hummers and similar vehicles - I do not think this is something to encourage the kids to do when they grow up.

 

I suspect he thought it was funny. I have pictures of a Honda Civic with Mustang 5.0 badges on it, but a stock 1.5 liter engine (it was an older model). A lot of folks get a kick out of badging their cars with something that it would be rather silly to have.

 

They are just following the McDonald's formula of marketing: target the youngest segment, start that relationship early so they are easier to manipulate as they get older and remain 'loyal' customers.