Tagline: Like Nothing Else
At the first glance at the massive Hummer all-terrain vehicles, it becomes clear that the military could not do without it. Indeed, the civilian modification is based on an army jeep. HMMWV (High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle - Highly Mobility Multipurpose Vehicle), also known as HUMVEE ("Humvee").
In 1979, the US Army announced a tender for the creation of an "ideal" jeep for army needs. Such that it jumps over stumps and does not get bogged down in the dunes, and is able to carry quite serious armor and weapons (and that it weighs no more than 3,5 tons). Many manufacturers took part in this tempting but difficult project, but they managed to win AM General, an Indiana-based company that has historically made ATVs, trucks, and buses. It cannot be said that the victory was easy for her - the competitors were more than serious, but the M 998 all-terrain vehicle turned out to be the best. The result is an order in 1983 for the production of 55,000 of these brutal army vehicles.
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| Hummer H1 |
For the first time, they learned about the M 998 “in civilian life” during Operation Desert Storm, when mere mortals enthusiastically saw massive all-terrain vehicles on TV screens, for which there seemed to be no obstacles (later it turns out that in urban battles massive "Humvee" not very efficient). On the AM General showered with private orders. As a result, the company decided to create a civilian version of the all-terrain vehicle. It was decided to name the new brand Hummer, which was deciphered as High Utility, Maximum Mobility, Easy Riding (Multifunctionality, Maximum Mobility, Easy Management). The name turned out to be all the more successful because it was consonant with the beautiful word Hammer – "hammer, sledgehammer". These all-terrain vehicles (model H1) went on sale in 1992. They differed from their army relatives in their somewhat sleek appearance, comfortable interior and lack of armor. Some minor technical changes have also been made. Despite the very high cost of a massive car quickly became popular. He had his own fans flocking to the clubs.
In 1999, the rights to the Hummer brand were bought by the corporation General Motors (GM). AM General she returned to her former occupations and military orders. GM a second version was developed, with the same uncomplicated name - H2. The model has become completely civilian - both externally and technically. From the military past, only a recognizable design and no less recognizable dimensions have been preserved here. GM started the process of brand globalization. Thanks to good promotion, it was possible to increase sales by 80 times - from 1,000 models a year to 80,000. It was no longer off-road lovers who began to buy cars (the H2 could no longer cope with it so effectively), but everyone who had money and who would not mind it demonstrate again. The revered brand has become the ultimate "pop". Among the admirers there was talk that "the brand is no longer the same."
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| Hummer H2 |
2005 was marked by the appearance of the H3 model, the dimensions of which became somewhat smaller. The SUV finally became "parquet". GM I also thought about the further development of the brand ... And suddenly, as always, the crisis suddenly broke out. Demand for expensive cars that absorb a couple of tens of liters per hundred kilometers has fallen sharply. Yes, and by myself GM things deteriorated sharply. Brand Hummer suddenly became very unprofitable and decided to get rid of it. The buyer was found quickly - a Chinese manufacturer of heavy equipment, the company Sichuan Tengzhong Heavy Industrial Machinery Co. And would become "Hammer" Chinese, but at the last moment the deal fell through. GM was forced to begin the liquidation procedure. In February 2010, the brand ceased to exist. The company promised that it would continue to produce components and provide support for some time.
Due to their recognizable brutal appearance, all-terrain vehicles Hummer attracted unhealthy attention. Disliked by their activists Greenpeace for gluttony and simply envious people who trumpeted everywhere about the fact that such large jeeps are acquired only by owners of small manhood. Everyone struggles with complexes as best he can - some by buying a huge car, and some by spreading obscene conversations and speculation.
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| Hummer H3 |
Interesting Facts
Despite such a large size, Hummer H2 all-terrain vehicles became famous for their very cramped interiors. And if you add here the level of fuel consumption, obviously outdated design and not very good handling, it becomes clear why this model was included in the US list of "10 worst cars in the US in 2007". The same list included H3. Here, the engine caused complaints, obviously sluggish for such a solid car and “bored appearance”. These cars were also criticized because of safety problems. That year was generally sad for GM - out of 10 cars on the list, 6 were produced by this particular corporation.
The debut of the Hummer H2 was almost thwarted by the corporation DaimlerChryslerwho sued General Motors for the use of seven vertical stripes on the grille. The reason was that such grilles have long become a hallmark of an SUV. Jeep. The court rejected this claim.
