No more H1

[PARAGON]

It's official now and has been publicly announced.

DETROIT - If you want a big Hummer, you?d better get it now.
The 2006 model year will be the last for the H-1, the hulking, gas-guzzling status symbol that has attracted celebrities and off-road enthusiasts but has drawn the ire of environmentalists.
General Motors says it will no longer make the H-1, based on the military?s Humvee. It?s the foundation for the automaker?s Hummer brand, but GM expects it will build the last one next month.
The H-1 has attracted well-heeled drivers looking for a military-style vehicle with an intimidating stance. For the 2006 model year, the H-1 was offered as a high-performance H-1 Alpha that costs between $130,000 and $140,000.
Hummer general manager Martin Walsh says Hummer plans to focus on models with broader appeal instead of the niche-market H-1.
Since taking over the Hummer name in 2000, GM has introduced the still-hefty H-2 and a midsize H-2 sport utility vehicle.

[PARAGON]

Hulking Hummer H1 headed for end of the road

Associated Press

DETROIT -- The 2006 model year will be the last for the Indiana-built Hummer H1, the hulking, gas-guzzling status symbol that has attracted celebrities and off-road enthusiasts but has drawn the ire of environmentalists.

General Motors Corp. announced plans today for the H1, which is the foundation for the automaker's Hummer brand. Based on the military's Humvee, the about 12,000 put on the road since 1992 defined the Hummer name.

"It's a reflection of where we're going with the Hummer brand," Hummer general manager Martin Walsh said of the decision. "The Hummer DNA still resides in the Humvee. ... It will always be the core from where we come."
GM expects the last H1s to be built next month.

Walsh said Hummer plans to focus on models with broader appeal instead of the niche-market H1. Since taking over the Hummer name in 2000, GM has introduced the still hefty H2 and a midsize H3 sport utility vehicle.
The H1 gets about 10 miles per gallon, but Walsh said rising gas prices didn't factor into GM's decision. He noted that H1 buyers typically have been less sensitive about gas prices than most other drivers.

The H1 attracted well-heeled drivers looking for a military-style vehicle with an intimidating stance. For the 2006 model year, the H1 was offered as a high-performance H1 Alpha that costs about $130,000 to $140,000.
The vehicle first was marketed to the public as the Hummer in 1992 by AM General, which also makes the military version. Under a 1999 deal, GM bought marketing rights to the Hummer name and called the vehicle the Hummer H1.

Last year, GM sold 374 H1s, down 16 percent from 447 in 2004.
AM General, which builds the H1, H2 and Humvee in Mishawaka, Ind., said in a statement that it doesn't plan to cut any jobs as a result of the decision. GM said workers there were expected to be shifted to military production.

[ree]

Sad . I suppose this is going to result in higher prices in the used H1 market as well as higher maintenance costs due to dwindling supply of parts.

[H2Oguy]

I guess my goal of getting a new one in 07 is out of the question now

[ROX]

SHOOT! I was hoping to get a new one someday. I wish they'd drop the price a little to get rid of inventory.

[Aubs]

I guess we should have seen this coming... Well, so much for getting one. They'll be investments now.

[PARAGON]

Originally Posted by PhilD

You may find a new '06 still on the lot in '07

or '08. Some dealers might "add value" to some to gouge those that's willing to pay whatever.

[Bishop]

This can't be good to the overall Hummer name.......

[KenP]

Originally Posted by PhilD

I saw the press speculating on this a few weeks ago, but didn't think they'd be dropping the H1 this quick. I thought they'd keep it as the flag ship Hummer.

X2, so did I. How many Maybach's are sold each year?

[Aubs]

Maybe we'll get lucky and the H1 will actually drop in price if interest is low (which current sales might show). So in the next five years, you might be able to pick them up cheaply, and then I suppose after that they may start to appreciate in value. Hard to say though.

Perhaps GM will release a new H1 in 2010 area, and make the next H2 a little cheaper, maybe around $45,000 starting price. Then they could place an H1 at $60,000 where it might be more appealing price wise. The only problem: What platform would GM build the H1 on? I think it would be hard to retain it's off-road prowess on most platforms. I suspect though that something will fill the H1 slot eventually. It would seem odd to leave that flagship spot open. However, the platform will have to be something shared with GM I suspect, otherwise design and production would be too expensive to make a profit....

That's just my theory.

[vador99]

WHATTTTTTTTTTTT!

[DDWH]

DAMN!!!!! Doesn't make since, even if the numbers have declined some. They are still moving and with that kind of a price tag, its not an everyday purchase!

[trashguy]

that really dosent make sense,oh well i guess we own the "Big" hummers now

[MovinH2]

That sucks. Stupid tree huggers.

[Andy C]

Whooo hoooo - bought one just in time

[GeneseeMtn]

Originally Posted by Andy C

Whooo hoooo - bought one just in time

I owned a LR D-90 when Land Rover discontinued importing them. They went up ~$5k in a very short time & kept creeping up from there. Even 10 years later, they still sell for more than the original sticker price. The latter year production in stock condition still fetch the highest price.

I imagine the H1 story will be the same. Snatch them up while you can. Lower cost used H1's will be a thing of the past very soon. If I had a dealership, I'd raise the $140k sticker priced ALPHA H1 (that I would have sold for $115k yesterday) to at least $150k today.

[HummBebe]

This is very sad. The H1 one is the sole reason for the existence of the H2 and H3

It's kind of like losing your Grandpa.

[DRTYFN]

Originally Posted by HummBebe

This is very sad. The H1 one is the sole reason for the existence of the H2 and H3

It's kind of like losing your Grandpa.

Or your obese cousin.