2006 Hummer H3 Preview

Slimming Down in Time for Next Summer

Without a doubt, the world's most iconic sport utility vehicles are created by Hummer. Based off the backbone of military DNA and

The H3, unveiled at the California International Auto Show in Anaheim, is classified as a midsize sport utility vehicle. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

technology, the original Hummer, now dubbed H1 were war machines: unstoppable, unshakable and nearly indestructible. But now that General Motors has taken over the brand, its identity has shifted in the view of the public. Now Hummer H1s and H2s are symbols of status and wealth, yet despite being in the spotlight they still offer as much off-road capability as they do rugged styling. But unlike many rival SUV manufacturers which keep building larger and larger models, Hummer is now concentrating on scaling the size factor down.

Just a few short days after the H2's hydrogen-powered H2H sibling was announced, Hummer pulled the wraps off the latest addition to

The smaller, lighter and more environmentally-friendly H3 hopes to reach a new audience. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

the family. The H3, unveiled at the California International Auto Show in Anaheim, is classified as a midsize sport utility vehicle. A smaller, less expensive entry should help boost Hummer sales, which have been slipping at an alarmingly quick rate as of late.

The H3 will also help Hummer rebuild its "eroding" image, from battle warrior to planet offender number 1. By capturing all of the style, some of the off-road capability and a fair bit of the road presence from larger Hummers, the smaller, lighter and more environmentally-friendly H3 hopes to reach an audience which previously would only have dreamed about Hummer ownership.