If you could talk to GM....

[Steve R]

For those of you who don't know me, I used to be far more active in the days of past....back when we got excited seeing an H2 with it's tire atop a 10" rock, or 4" in the air. Please, no jokes...those were infantile times for the H2.

Anyways, at one time I was a full partner in the HMR magazine project, today I'm just a contributing editor...occassionally churning-up small pieces for sport & recreation. I delusionally convinced myself I could write. Anyways, GM has been taking much more interest in the magazine and I think we could actually get some noise in their ears through my articles.

I'd always imagine what I'd ask them to build if I had the chance, I plan to address that in an article or two. I'd like to have some other voices behind me as well. To that end:

I'd like to see a new Hummer perhaps a tad bit wider then the H3 that has gear-driven hubs for awesome clearnace, a CTIS option, some kind of turbo-diesel hybrid-like engine that gets at least 20mpg or better (The VW Jetta has an optional turbo-diesel and it gets 52mpg!!!...can't a 6-cylinder version be made for a Hummer of smaller & lighter size? maybe get 35 mpg??), height-adjustment of greater travel on BOTH front & rear suspension. I know these things will cost, but we need something more energy efficient and versatile.

Any thoughts to add?????

[Steve R]

For those of you who don't know me, I used to be far more active in the days of past....back when we got excited seeing an H2 with it's tire atop a 10" rock, or 4" in the air. Please, no jokes...those were infantile times for the H2.

Anyways, at one time I was a full partner in the HMR magazine project, today I'm just a contributing editor...occassionally churning-up small pieces for sport & recreation. I delusionally convinced myself I could write. Anyways, GM has been taking much more interest in the magazine and I think we could actually get some noise in their ears through my articles.

I'd always imagine what I'd ask them to build if I had the chance, I plan to address that in an article or two. I'd like to have some other voices behind me as well. To that end:

I'd like to see a new Hummer perhaps a tad bit wider then the H3 that has gear-driven hubs for awesome clearnace, a CTIS option, some kind of turbo-diesel hybrid-like engine that gets at least 20mpg or better (The VW Jetta has an optional turbo-diesel and it gets 52mpg!!!...can't a 6-cylinder version be made for a Hummer of smaller & lighter size? maybe get 35 mpg??), height-adjustment of greater travel on BOTH front & rear suspension. I know these things will cost, but we need something more energy efficient and versatile.

Any thoughts to add?????

[DRTYFN]

I'd suggest that they use some of the kinky hybrid engines that they have in their R&D dept.
The thought of CTIS is novel, but also troublesome from a reliability standpoint. I would ask for a compressor with higher output.
Also, I'd ask them to address their seriously lacking headlights. HIDs are the only way to go. I wonder if they could come up with an adaptive headlight system like I had in the 745?

[KenP]

An H1 the size of an H3. Low and fat with tons of clearance. Atleast 37's. And give me all the options of an H2 so I can take it to the club. The ride and equipment has to be great to make huge sales numbers. Keeping it around 50k would kill the H2 market. It'd have to cost more.

OR, go smaller and cheaper. Like what we've read about the H4 or HX. Whatever it is. Make it a hardcore wheeler with some nice road manners.

That's it! I want everything. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[H2Finally]

You guys are thinking only of the off-road prowess -- which is NOT why Hummers sell.

Imho, it's about the looks. Macho, mean, yet sophisticated. Kindda like the modern metrosexual man (or Martha http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif).

The new Hummer gotta go bigger. The soccermoms need to haul 9 teenagers to soccer, not 5.

Of course it's gotta have front locker & CTIS options for the trails. But a chrome hidden winch bumper would sell TONS!! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

Better mileage could perhaps be achieved by making the new Hummer LIGHTER (even if it is bigger). Think of how great those "dent-proof" Saturn PLASTIC body would be the next time you slide sideways to a tree!!

Oh yeah, did I mention more chrome?? http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[KenP]

Yeah, just replace the door panel with each dent. Hell, that may be workable. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

HUMMER sells because of it's reputation for offroad, nonstop abilities. I bet the better it offroads, the better it will sell. The tougher it looks, the better it will sell. Even if the buyer just wants to put chrome flames on it and drive around the mall. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Look at all the NBA/rappers that buy the H2 just to lower it. But hey, they have a HUMMER. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Steve R]

My arguement is that Hummer is to the offroad world what Porsche or Ferrari are to the sports car world: an icon of offroad exotic. There's a degree of performance that must be maintained....or the brand is doomed.

Yeah, it's fine if GM wants to make some watered-down cheapy mall-runner to compete with other SUV's and sell to the masses who would likely give-up their 4-wheeldrive ability if the name Hummer were ablazed in bigger, bolder and chrome letters across every panel of the vehicle....BUT they really need to maintain some flag-ship that can deliver BIG-TIME...and it's my contention that people will pay for it.

And don't get me wrong, there's a special place in my heart for the mighty H1...but it's time to innovate. The military had that thing spec'd as a Highly Mobile Multi-Wheeled Vehicle: it was designed to be an ambulence, machine-gunner, small missle-launcher, personel transport, fuel-truck, water-truck, etc, etc.

For crying out loud: it's a mobile platform intended to adapt for a multitude of purposes. It wasn't really intended to be squirreled around through tight trails and offroaded like a Jeep...when you try to, the breakdown & maintainance factor is off the scale. I dunno, I love the H1 for what it is, but hate it for what it isn't...hard to explain and confusing at best. But make no mistake, one day someone thought it would be cute to outfit a Humvee with an interior, an A/C and a few amenities and see if some milionaires would pop the bucks to cruise in 'em.

Anyways (did I mention that I was known for writing novels?)....it's time to innovate the best of the H1 into something the size of an H3 and make it more fuel efficient.

Btw, Horace...all's I heard in your post was something about a front-locker and winch http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif But you may have something with those plastic disposable panels!!!

[PARAGON]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by H2Finally:
You guys are thinking only of the off-road prowess -- which is NOT why Hummers sell. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>I'd have to disagree with this. The only reason Hummers sell is because of their ability, now and before with the H1 and HMMWV. People would not be buying them and pimping them out if there was not some positive association with it to begin with.

If the H2 was the same truck but 2 wheel drive, with 31" tires, it would not sell to the pimpers. There has to be some sort of validity to the vehicle before the "pimp my ride" people will embrace it and make it iconic. In case of Hummers, it is the perception of being the offroad King.

With all that said, GM has to look at the bottom line right now and produce what will make the most money. Maybe in a few years it can afford to produce a vehicle that is tailored more towards the small market of off-roaders who will buy a stock vehicle and put it on the trail right off the dealer lot. There are 2 things here, what you wish GM produced and what is practical.

[CLAYDOG]

You guys need to help Steve out; the design side of the business would want to try and include most of what you’re asking for in future products. We do spend a bit of time in Mishawaka getting the trucks dirty just to help understand what makes a good off road vehicle. The problem is convincing the bean counters and product planers that there is a business case for what we want. Hearing from owners “what I’d like to see” in print helps to convince them that the features are worth the investment.

[PARAGON]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by DRTYFN:
The thought of CTIS is novel, but also troublesome from a reliability standpoint. I would ask for a compressor with higher output. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>I don't think this is necessarily true anymore. Many large military vehicles employ CTIS and a company called Hutchinson Inc. (http://www.hutchinsoninc.com/) has been designed new wheel assemblies for the military that is more reliable.

I think CTIS is mandantory for the ultimate vehicle. Personally I don't care to run around airing up/down my tires when the ultimate off-roader could have it built in "reliably." Key word being reliable.

Stick a 5 gallon air tank under there somewhere and have a quick air disconnect also for some air tools, to go along with that improved compressor.

[usetosellhummer]

Whatever the H4 is I would like to see a pick-up or small wranger type small truck that can do all the 2 and 3 can but in a price point starting at 16k. This would be a truck aimed at young males and as a novility for the older demos (toy). GM spent a ton of cash for a name and then backed it up with off road perfomance stock. I would like to see AM General build it using Gm parts like the H2. The reason the H3 was so late comming to market is the way GM does things. I'm not saying it's bad but they are always late to capitolise on the hot product.When I was in the biz the H3 was suppose to be out in 04 to follow up the H2 quickly. I will own one someday but I cannot put that kind of money into a daily driver (45+each day) becasue of fuel prices plain and simple. Build the H4, great Gas milage, off road mo-fo, start it at 16 or below.

[ssgharkness020147]

What has you guys so down on CTIS? Every time CTIS comes up here its put down for being un-reliable. The CTIS system used on the H1 is very well thought out and designed. The one real short coming that it used to have was rubbuer lines, AMG corrected this by putting braided stainless lines on some time ago. The lines do not hang down anywhere under the truck, infact the only place that they are exposed is where the connect to the hubs, yes you CAN break them off road, but the chance of it happening is very minimal. I'm on my second H1 now, I had a couple of very small problems with the CTIS system initially on my 98, once fixed the system NEVER gave me a problem. That truck never lost a pound of air. My new truck leaks a bit in the rears though is still within AMG's specs. Once I get around to trouble shooting it and fixing it, I expect that I'll have no problems with it.

[PARAGON]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by sfox:
I think my biggest problem with it Carey is that you almost never hear anyone that didn't at least have the "small" problems that you are having. The expense of a CTIS system when considered with the overall reliability and added complexity (let's face it, how hard is it to air up or down using more conventional methods) make it more of a gimmick than a necessary feature IMHO.

S </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Not everyone is on an obstacle all of the time they are on the trail. There are those like me that use my truck in situations where you have obstacles occuring in between long stretches of rides on dirt roads which you can travel 40 and 50 MPH. It would be nice to easily air down to traverse the obstacle and then air back up to continue traveling.

It's about having more precise control, not novelty or gimmick. Personally, I would use the hell out of CTIS.

[aggiehummer...er]

The H2 soft top will be awesome. Notice the tense there. Will.

[H2_SUT_SC]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by PhilD:
The wish list would include a soft top SUT and turbo diesel </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

There you go. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[KenP]

Steve, it seems many people on this forum are looking for the same, general things: Larger tires, beefier suspension, soft top, vinyl, no carpet, etc. They could be incorporated in a true Adventure Package available on all the HUMMER vehicles.

[KenP]

http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[PARAGON]

That has yet to be approved!

[Steve R]

Wow....lots good info!!

Yeah, CTIS....it's controversial:

Con: More cost, more to go wrong, they ALL leak a bit and quite frankly, most owners of Hummer could entirely do without it. Only a frequent offroader who encounters varying degrees of trails would find the CTIS very useful.

Pro: it's a Hummer...the top of the line and primiere "go anywhere" offroad vehicle: such a a super-cool, modern feature....belongs on a Hummer.

Conclusion: improvement & innovation means bringing in new features AND not getting rid of features to make something less "capable". CTIS should be an option, simple as that. I don't care of the base-strippy cost $20k and the top-of-the-line decked-out model is $55k

[Longhorn]

Turbo Diesel! - Even small displacement! Its got the torque, the fuel economy, it runs fine of camber or upside down and it can idle all day long on 4 gallons.

Do it.

[wilfred]

Whatever happened to the little pickup H3T? Of course it had a lot of things that would never made it to production but it was a concept so it had to have some gadgets for shows. But i thought it was a great idea for starter.

And I am sure GM would have no problem borrowing parts from the current H3. I must add I think they did a great job on the interior! For the engine, like most have mentioned, diesel is the way to go! Especially for a pickup i think. Given GM owns part of Isuzu, which is the biggest diesel engine manufacturer in the world, I am sure it wouldn't be hard to find a 4 cylinder diesel to fit in. I say 30mpg can be done and with a starting msrp of $20K or so, it will sell!!!

[4churchill]

I would like to see HUMMER offer more distinction between the Base LUX and Adventure models. Make the base, base, the LUX luxurious to Range Rover and BMW Status, and make the Adventure as close to the H1 as possible.

[ree]

Definitely put a diesel option in the H2 and H3 lines.

[H2HH]

Steve,
As for improvements:
1) Rubber floor covering like my old pick-up, much easier to clean and won't trap water.
2) Better undercarrige protection with higher ground clearance.
3) Easier access to the roof for routing power and antenna cables.
4) A switch panel to land wiring that wouldn't look like an afterthought.
5) Heat the front windscreen, ending the icing.
6) Put on a real locking Gas cap cover door.
7) Give me a no Chrome option
8) Shield the exhaust even more to preclude grass fires.
Thanks,
H

[Denny Crane]

It's siomple really and can be done quite easily....

Drum Roll

Create a Special Vehicle Option Group.

Offer everything mentioned upto this point and allow the buyer the choice of options.

After time the program will either support itself thru obvious sales or reduce the options to the majority of parts sold over time.

There shouldn't be a reason i can't build my H2 with a Diesel, OPEN TOP, Interior delete, Chrome Delete - monochromatic paint, CTIS, HID, Winch/Grill, 4-wheel steering, 37" tires 20" wheels or 24" wheels and 3" tall tires, 2" - 8" lift or lowering kits, and last but not least a Supercharger or additional engine performance accessories. So what if it's 95,000.00 when i get it, i won't care as i'll be doing most of the before mentioned upgrades myslef, so GM should get the monies or at least give me the option.

RUF does Porsches, Dinan does BMW, calloway does Vetts Etc Etc Etc.

This would possibly make the H1 obsolete, they sell 300 of them a year at 130K + so a 95K fully customized H2 should sell at least 300 year.

Make HUMMER the most customizable vehicle in GM/FORD/DODGE history.

Then an H2 could be literally as unique as it's owners.

Hummer, the most Individually Unique vehicle in GM's history.

D

[Steve R]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by sfox:
I think the problem with the whole "talk to GM" concept, is that you have to keep in mind that they probably will not create a whole new platform just for one vehicle... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I agree...but bitching, moaning and complaining is an American past-time and we must not only embrace it, but celebrate it. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif Besides, how crazy would it sound 4 years ago to suggest GM buy the rights to HUMMER and start producing a model called an H2? Ya never know Seth...stranger things have happened!

There are some really good ideas here. I'll admit that we off-roaders are in the minority and that big sales numbers to the general blingy-public are the prime concern to GM....but at the same time GM really should take an interest in staying true to what made the HUMMER brand so unique AND CONSEQUENTLY desireable: it's offroad ability and being the ultimate utility vehicle.

GM has done well, but they can do better.

[KenP]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Steve R:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by sfox:
I think the problem with the whole "talk to GM" concept, is that you have to keep in mind that they probably will not create a whole new platform just for one vehicle... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I agree...but bitching, moaning and complaining is an American past-time and we must not only embrace it, but celebrate it. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif Besides, how crazy would it sound 4 years ago to suggest GM buy the rights to HUMMER and start producing a model called an H2? Ya never know Seth...stranger things have happened!

There are some really good ideas here. I'll admit that we off-roaders are in the minority and that big sales numbers to the general blingy-public are the prime concern to GM....but at the same time GM really should take an interest in staying true to what made the HUMMER brand so unique AND CONSEQUENTLY desireable: it's offroad ability and being the ultimate utility vehicle.

GM has done well, but they can do better. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>As I said, a True Adventure package.

[Steve R]

You're spot-on Ken! couldn't agree more.

Mercedes has their McLaren, Ferrari has their Enzo: very few are made, even fewer can afford it BUT there it is to stand as a tribute to excellence.

GM shouldn't make a "True Adventure" model just to reap the financial benefits of selling a couple hundred or a thouand per year.....no: they should make it to stand as an icon of HUMMER excellence and to celebrate the concept of diversity that the American spirit examplifies. Ewwww....catchy!!!! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[CLAYDOG]

Some good stuff here guys, I'm forwarding a link to this thread to the Hummer Design Manager.

[devilsfan]

I personally would like to see fewer corners cut. It's a $60,000 vehicle - it should LOOK like one. I want better paint - I have at least 20 rock chips at 22,000 miles, which is 19 more than I had on my previous GM truck (which also had 50,000 more miles on it!). I want the interior to be nicer - the seams on the carpet finished, no more rust on my accelerator/break/glovebox, no more cheap plastic breaking parts. It should be as refined as the interior of the Escalade. And I don't want faux wood trim and all that crap - just attention to details would be nice! GM also needs to address the rust issue on the undercarriage. Also, I like Phil's idea - there should be more options that come integrated into the H2 from the factory for off-roaders, like stronger tie rods, lifts, tires, lockers, etc. And these should be UNDER WARRANTY. If the truck is marketed for off-road use, then off-road use should be covered - without question!

Stacy

[1BADH2]

DIESEL, DIESEL, DIESEL

[wilfred]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by 1BADH2:
DIESEL, DIESEL, DIESEL </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

ditto, ditto, ditto http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

AND I STILL THINK THE H3T WOULD BE A GREAT ADDITION!!! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif

[Efrain]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by devilsfan:
I personally would like to see fewer corners cut. It's a $60,000 vehicle - it should LOOK like one. I want better paint - I have at least 20 rock chips at 22,000 miles, which is 19 more than I had on my previous GM truck (which also had 50,000 more miles on it!). I want the interior to be nicer - the seams on the carpet finished, no more rust on my accelerator/break/glovebox, no more cheap plastic breaking parts. It should be as refined as the interior of the Escalade. And I don't want faux wood trim and all that crap - just attention to details would be nice! GM also needs to address the rust issue on the undercarriage. Also, I like Phil's idea - there should be more options that come integrated into the H2 from the factory for off-roaders, like stronger tie rods, lifts, tires, lockers, etc. And these should be UNDER WARRANTY. If the truck is marketed for off-road use, then off-road use should be covered - without question!

Stacy </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
I agree wholeheartedly with Stacy. They should do quality work and charge accordingly. Also, they should keep the price high so not everybody would by one (like those F-150's) Cause if I saw a Hummer in every corner, then I wouldn't buy one.

[Steve R]

Efrain,

I was one of the first to own the H2...well, at least within the first weeks of new owners. It was awesome...people starred, marveled, admired, gathered, even followed me. The "honeymoon" only lasted about 9 months...then the general public turned on us.

Anyways...months before I took delivery I had actually anticipated spending years explaining to people that they were looking at the newest model of Hummer, an H2. I actually thought it would be as rare as the Humvee or H1. I wanted something different, unique....even an "exotic" of sorts. Well....NOT

I'll tell ya straight, I wish this thing had gear-driven hubs, CTIS and some other kickass features like night-vision and other offroad capable gimmicks....and had it cost $90k, I'd have tossed my money at it anyways. Frankly, I was counting on price being a barrier to ensure exclusivity.

Just the other day I was returning from a jaunt of mountain biking, when I pulled upto an intersection, there were 2 other H2's, and this was just a residential neighborhood. Course, mine was the only one with a trashed skid-plate, no side-steps and chunks missing from the tires...but still, it rather upset me.

GM is only interested in numbers, or so it would seem.

[PARAGON]

Quite frankly, why the hell does it matter what others are doing with their vehicle and why WOULDN'T GM be interested in numbers. They are a business and are trying to create a product to sell, not one to create exclusivity and produce in low numbers so that it can't have it's own dealer network, or own vehicle division.

My H2 is 3 years and 2 months old and I had placed the order for it in the spring of that year. I had no illusions of the vehicle and was buying it for what it was stating it offered not some image crap.

There are plenty who have and do buy it for the looks or whatever and pimp it out, that's fine, it's not my deal, but it's fine. GM selling more vehicles that way makes it better for me as a consumer as my vehicle ages.

[ree]

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.

[HummerNewbie]

For all those that are worried about the exclusivity of the H2, it is probably time to move on to another vehicle. As the H2 starts to age, you will see more and more every year on the used market and more and more on the road. I love them for their looks and capabilities. Of coarse I also love the fact that it isn't the same SUV as everyone else has but that isn't an exclusivity thing but a being different thing.

[H2Finally]

Frankly speaking, I always view the H2 as just a truck, 'cause IT'S JUST A TRUCK!! -- albeit one with exceptional styling and capabilities.

The biggest advantage to me is actually socio-economical. I feel as special driving this $50K vehicle as I do driving a $100K Mercedes -- if not more so. Any other car I can buy for that price would feel.. inferior, if that makes sense. The off-road prowess, the safety issue (surviving crashes, etc), the security issue (mobility in natural disasters, etc), are all +ve extras.

So, no, the H2 is not exclusive, but it allows me to belong to the (much more expensive) exclusive circles. Imho, you don't hit "truly exclusive vehicles" category until at least $125K anyhoo.

Now, if only GM can make the H2 more quiet on the inside -- that would be AWESOME!! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[brndray]

I'm glad there are more H2's around. I was only lucky enough to buy one because the prices came down. Look at all of the aftermarket parts and accessories available because of the number and variety of owners. If you want a $90k vehicle buy an H1, or dump $40k into your H2, then it will be more unique. I'm proud of mine and could care less how many others there are. No manufacturer will ever be able to offer a "custom" car. If you want a custom you have to make it that way.

[ROX]

I heard GM was thinking of changing the interior by eliminating the raised air vents in the dash. IMO, that would be a Step in the Tahoe direction. The interior is different than anything else on the market and changing it to a smooth dash will make it look too much like everything else out there. Offer an option that doesn't have the carpet and leather seats. Some folks want an easy to wash interior.

This is an off road line of vehicles. Keep the theme. CTIS would be a good option to offer. Can you imaging the toys people could put on their rigs with an airtank to run them? That would be good for people that run on the Street and Off Road alike. The H2 especially has the aftermarket accessories attention. If it has problems, fix them. One good place to start is the navigation system. Right now if you use it to navigate, you don't have a CD player. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif Program it with topographical data, that can be used when navigating remote areas. These trucks aren't just used for playing off road or commuting. Thousands of folks use them for Hunting, camping, Fishing and riding Mtn bikes and motorcycles, and even for riding/finding cattle and getting to the damned remote areas they can find.

Make a decent place to put wires through the firewall for adding aftermarket components like lights and horns and the like.

If Hummer wants to build a new line of more affordable vehicles, then make a good platform to start from, and let people make their rig what they want it to be. Hummer started out as a military vehicle, and GM should not stray too far from that theme. As Steve R said earlier, the H1 was designed for military uses, but it wasn't made to go down the tight trail of a Jeep. It is my argument, that if they had made the HUMVEE first, Jeeps would be complaining that the trails are to wide. Keep on truckin, and the trails will widen out.

I don't want to be driving down the road three years from now, and say is that a Tahoe, Yukon, or Hummer? Keep it square. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[devilsfan]

Ok, I'm at a loss at the exclusivity thing also - it's a $50,000 truck, what did you expect? It's hardly unaffordable, you see how many Escalades are running around, those are a good $10,000 more!

Sure, the H2s LOOK different, which may deter some buyers, but they're different in a GOOD way. Those who don't understand the difference bought Pontiac Aztecs. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

My big wish for GM is to not screw this up. I bought the H2 because it's hands-down the coolest looking truck I have ever seen. I always felt that trucks should be big, boxy and mean, not sleek and tailored like a sedan. Glorify what it is - a monster - and that's what Hummer did. If they start making this thing more aerodynamic and streamlined like everything else on the market, then I will find another vehicle - or just keep the one I have.

Stacy