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Steve,
I definitely understand the exclusivity thing. But don't fault GM for making the H2's affordable so a much as for making the [new] H1's unaffordable.

It's only been in the past few years that I got to the point where I would be willing to throw some money at a hummer. But I've been into them (and humvees) for the past 20. I always figured I could get an H1 with a few options in the $70-80s and be pretty happy with it.

And then the H2 came out. I actually disliked the design at first pretty strongly, H1 biggot that I was. Then I found out that AMG started rolling options into the base vehicle and it's base price started rising prohibitively. More strikes against the H2.

Of course, with a little thought, it all seemed like very sound business practice to me...expand interest in the Hummer brand by making it a little more accessible to the average Joe, in retrospect, I agree, perhaps a little too accessible.

I personally was soured by the fact that I'd no longer be able to afford a new H1. In due time
however, I warmed to the H2 design and now own one. I'll still probably get a used H1 someday.

But for the moment, I'm grateful to be able have my H2. Even if it isn't the beast that an H1 is, it still has some exclusivity of the Hummer brand. Plus I know it really is much more capable if than another of GM's SUVs had simply been outfitted with a new body. That's enough for me right now.

That there are a lot of H2s out there that are prettied up and haven't seen anything but pavement, annoying, but oh well. I take pride in owning a functional H2 rather than a showcase that's like the family pet dressed up in kids clothes against it's will.


Regardless, why should GM be blamed considering numbers? I can certainly see being upset if all they considered were numbers. But it's not as if the H2 is just a Tah.... (remember the Caddy that zigs).

I get really turned off when people blame businesses for watching their bottom line and producing what sells. Duh, this is how they sustain themselves and continue to provide more product and services (provide jobs, pay corporate taxes, fuel the economy, ... oops a political digression here). Perhaps if they make more money on these things, product managers will be able to do some of the more advanced things you want to see in an H2 in the future.

Please, stick to the GM encouragement aspect. I'm not sure GM will appreciate your thoughts as much if you start diving into the evil-corporate sellout bit.