"Launching the H3T is Valuable for Us, Whether We Opt to Keep the Brand or Not, and to a Potential Buyer, Whether They Buy the Brand or Not"

Robert Farago
by Robert Farago

So, what? You buy an H3T and you get the whole company? I kid. A bit. I mean, I'm not sure how HUMMER GM Martin Walsh makes that analysis. I guess it all depends on how you define the words "valuable" and "us." For sure, the new HUMMER pickup gives all the brand's executives and dealers something to do whilst they wait for the end, my friend. But there's no disguising the fact that the 14/18 mpg $31,495 H3T is about to arrive with a splat. OK, there's some disguising it, 'cause that's what GM PR does for a living these days. Uncharacteristically, Automotive News Jamie Lareau handles The General's whirling dervishes with kid gloves. "General Motors insiders admit high gasoline prices and a decline in U.S. pickup sales make the H3T a tough sell. They hope the H3T will sell well overseas until the market here recovers." And the punchline is… missing. But the humor is there, if you know where to look. "Walsh characterized the [ad] spending as significant but 'proportionate to the volume and the impact it'll have on the market. It's a niche player. It's not something we'd overspend on.'" Martin sets 'em up and Jamie leaves 'em alone. "Despite the tough economy and decline in truck demand, Walsh said a market exists for the pickup. Hummer is targeting males in their 30s who earn $90,000 or more and are into outdoor activities." If I were them, I'd duck.

Robert Farago
Robert Farago

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  • Eggsalad Eggsalad on Aug 19, 2008

    Maybe if they throw $30k on the hood. Seems like a sharp truck for around two grand. Looks a lot like an old International Harvester crew-cab pickup.

  • Kericf Kericf on Aug 19, 2008

    This is actually a nice looking vehicle that has some utility to it. The only bad part is the price. $30k BASE?!?! Are you serious. Make it under $20, maybe $18 and they would sell like hot cakes, not matter what stigma there is attached to the name. The H2 and H3 really are cramped inside for such huge SUVs, but this truck is cool looking and at least has a full size bed. That old H2 truck abomination should have been aborted. Too bad it's too late for this truck.

  • Radimus Radimus on Aug 19, 2008

    So, what can a H3T do that a Colorado with a factory off-road package, an aftermarket lift kit, and some better tires can't?

  • PanzerJaeger PanzerJaeger on Aug 19, 2008

    LR3 for the win...

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