This is important for HUMMER, as it's very survival revolves around beating Jeep at its own game, more or less, and Jeep plays
heavily in the entry-level side of the business, with only two of its vehicles, the Grand Cherokee and new Commander, competing directly with HUMMER's new H3 and H2 respectively. Jeep showed a concept a couple of years ago, the Rescue, that would target HUMMER's H1 Alpha if produced, while its Gladiator, expected to be introduced in production trim at some point, would be the H3 pickup truck's likely opponent. Am I the only one seeing a major HUMMER/Jeep rivalry starting up here? It's not just simple competitiveness either, but a deep-rooted grudge that began when HUMMER won the right to use the seven-slat grille after a long court battle - AM General, HUMMER's owner (GM merely owns marketing rights), was once owned by American Motors Corporation (AMC) which also owned Jeep, before being sold to Chrysler Group.
Anyway, HUMMER needs to increase its model lineup by more than just three (two in Canada as the H1 Alpha is no longer available here), and by more than merely offering special editions and styling packages. No doubt, however, the H3x will be popular among H3 buyers when it goes on sale in dealerships across the country in mid-2006. Prices and Canadian specific features will be made available closer to the launch date.
Preliminary Specifications:
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| Hummer could really use a hybrid electric powertrain, possibly the system being fitted to the all-new 2007 Chevy Tahoe? And yes, that Governor Schwarzenegger in the driver's seat. (Photo: General Motors of Canada) |
Anyway, HUMMER needs to increase its model lineup by more than just three (two in Canada as the H1 Alpha is no longer available here), and by more than merely offering special editions and styling packages. No doubt, however, the H3x will be popular among H3 buyers when it goes on sale in dealerships across the country in mid-2006. Prices and Canadian specific features will be made available closer to the launch date.
Preliminary Specifications:
- Price Range (estimated MSRP): $43,000 - $55,000
- Body Type: 5-door SUV, ladder frame
- Layout: front engine, 4WD
- Engine: 220-hp, 225 lb-ft of torque, 3.5L, 20-valve, DOHC I-5
- Transmission: 5-spd manual gearbox (optional 4-spd auto)
- Dimensions (L/W/H/WB): 4,742 / 2,171 / 1,893 / 2842 mm (186.7 / 85.5 / 74.5 / 111.9 in)
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS
- Curb Weight (estimated): 2,132 kg (4,700 lbs)
- Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 14.7 / 11.4 L/100 km
- Warranty (mo/km): 36/60,000 comprehensive
- Direct Competitors: Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Land Rover LR3, Mitsubishi Montero, Nissan Pathfinder / Xterra, Suzuki XL, Toyota 4Runner, Volkswagen Touareg
- Web Site: www.gmcanada.com
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