GM to discontinue Hummer brand? And close more plants

Now surely there a vehicles much more fuel efficient than the Hummer H2 right? Of course. So many in fact that we haven't seen an H2 actually driving on the road in well over 3 weeks. I caught wind of this little quote in an article released by the Associated Press this morning. GM CEO Rick Wagoner has announced the closing of 4 more GM plants in the United States and Mexico.

This is in efforts to save GM an additional $1 billion a year by 2010. By 2010 GM is hoping to have cut costs by $15 billion a year. The plants affected are Oshawa, Ontario; Moraine, Ohio; Janesville, Wis.; and Toluca, Mexico. The closing of these plants eliminates 2500 jobs, but in an act of good faith. They can return later this year thanks to 19,000 buyouts and early retirments that will leave towards the end of 2008.

Now what caugt me, was the mention of GM discontinuing the Hummer brand. It's mentioned by GM, but is not quoted anywhere in the article by Rick Wagoner. Of course it's no surprise since gas is nearly $5 a gallon in parts of the country. And the shift to smaller, economical cars is permanent said Wagoner.

But what about Hummer? You'd figure if the CEO actually dropped this bomb in an interview with MSN that there would be a quote in there somewhere outlying the fate of Hummer. So who knows how much truth there is to the article other than the plant closings, confirmation of high gas prices, and yet another confirmation that we'll see the Chevy Volt in 2010. We'll keep following this one til we get some answers. In the meantime, here's the article. Read it and draw your on conclusions as to how AP missed this one.

Source: MSN

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2008 Hummer H3 Alpha. Finally, V8 power!

Since the introduction of the Hummer H3, there has always been one thing lacking for the performance nuts. A V8 engine. Starting in 2008 the General has given us our wish. A 5.3 Liter V8 will be available in the Alpha edition, which was last seen on the Hummer H1.

The new small-block V8 puts out 295 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, a very welcome increase over the Inline 5's 242 horses and 242 lb-ft of torque. The available V8 gives the small Hummer a maximum towing capacity of 6,000 pounds.

Inside, the H3's interior remains essentially unchanged for 2008. Though it will include an "Alpha" badge on the steering wheel. It's well-appointed to begin with, as the H3 Luxury Package is part of the greater Alpha trim level. Roof rail side curtain airbags, an option on the 2007 H3, is now standard equipment. Like the big brother H2, all 2008 H3s get silver-painted lower front bumpers. The Alpha package can also be combined with the H3X to give the maximum bling H3 the newfound V8 punch as well. Look for the H3 Alpha to hit showrooms soon.