Hummer has been grabbing a significant amount of media attention ever since it first emerged that General Motors may be interested in reviving the marque for a new battery electric SUV.
We’ve already seen outlets like CNBC and Vox take a look back on the rise and fall of the Hummer brand, but now Business Insider has tried its hand at taking a deep dive into the defunct GM nameplate for a video published on its YouTube channel this week.
While Business Insider’s video includes the usual facts about Hummer, such as its military roots and how Arnold Schwarzenegger helped bring the civilian version to life, it also provides some additional insight into one interesting topic that is still relevant today – that being the public’s perception of Hummer. As gas prices rose in the mid-to-late 2000s, many people began to view Hummer as an environmentally damaging gas guzzler and a symbol of America’s excessive lifestyle. According to Business Insider, protestors frequently keyed Hummers, slashed the vehicle’s tires or broke their windows. On one occasion, protesters even set fire to Hummer vehicles at a number of different Los Angeles GM dealerships.
Some believe this negative perception of Hummer still lasts today, as The Detroit Free Press highlighted in a recent op-ed addressing the brand’s rumored revival. Many EV buyers remember when Hummer solely produced gas guzzlers and thus may not warm up to a Hummer EV, while those who would buy another Hummer probably liked the vehicle for its simple, utilitarian nature and macho looks. A Hummer EV may not appeal to either of these consumers, then, potentially making such a vehicle a bit of a risk for GM, which is all too familiar with the pitfalls of having too many brands.
Whether or not the Hummer EV rumors are accurate remains to be seen. For now, hear what Business Insider has to say about the brand in the video embedded below.
Subscribe to GM Authority for more Hummer news and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
f*** the haters, I love the hummer, even as an alternative fuel vehicle, neil young needs to shut the haters up
he maybe a liberal, but I love him, hummer is a great vehicle.
… if you don’t agree, then they’re “haters”?? What are you, 10?
Great language, and anger, for just posting on a car blog.
Unfortunately the internet has given those types of knuckle draggers a voice…
GMgoon: “it’s NOT just a car blog: it’s GM=general Motors Blog (get it right)! So far: Of all the brands who made a short wheelbase suv; the only true competitor to the hummer is a Jeep! The mid & long efforts of 4×4 try’s are NOT STABLE ENOUGH TO MATCH THE ABILITY OF THE HUMMER! The idea drawing-board designer of the hummer [i think] copied from the STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF A TANK & made a hummer! (So i asked the Question: WTF happened to the developers to keep the hummer idea having: BLOOD-FLOW 2 keep it king of the SUV stature)? In my opinion when the hummer brand died; the tanks track idea was developed for any truck or suv!
Let’s get something clear here. The H1 was the real Hummer designed and built by AM General. That vehicle had capabilities and had nothing to to with GM.
GM licenced the name from AM General and built the H2 and H3 which were basically glorified pick-up trucks as they were all built using those chassis. Other than looking like H1 poseurs, they were nothing of any substance at all and mediocre vehicles. Even GM dealers said exactly that.
chevy enthusiass.. maybe it’s time to buy a Chevy, instead of just
being an enthusiass.. I didn’t realize GM made cell phones and bedpans.
You say so much, without saying anything at all. Not enough nurturing
from mommy?
HDHDHD,
Be careful, CE was beaten multiple times to near death as a kid, was sexually assaulted by both the mail and milkman and beaten again in the school yard…
This all explains his behaviour and obviously he’s still traumatized by it all.😉
Zora: who r u? Cause you described my life. During my L1F3; DNA & “SCIENCE” produced my mental mazes! Plus being Kicked in the head during school-yard brawL: it caused: [ptsd; ADHD; GAD; OCD: that’s why my daddy Left me for the Croc’s]!
HDHDHD: Because of the Drawing-board copies of the [wanna-bee’s] SUV’s from chevrolet; My interest goes towards: So far [the L8 model auto’s are coming up short]..my interest is for the chevrolet’s of year’s 1995 & Earlier! All the computer gadgets kill the brand!! If some american branding Company would produce another HUMMER 4dr suv: i’d consider buying! MY DAD LEFT ME FOR THE GATOR’S; (keep this about the grand hummer & not shark digesting prick-m@t4erF*ck3r’s!
https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1126689_hummer-electric-pickup-coming-gmc-news-specs-details
it’s coming, it won’t be long before the H2 Hummer and H3 Make a comeback.
A Hummer EV will be a big Mistake, instead GM should upgrade existing vehicles with better interiors and fix the Silverado to regain second place behind RAM while FORD moves to third.
One can already imaging someone getting one of these things then tear out the electric motor and battery then replace with the guts from a Silverado for small block V8 and gas.
That’s called a downgrade.
Sure, lots of people are doing that to Teslas. NOT!