Hummer closure could be death of 4×4 limos

Just as there seems to be a way forward for the 4×4 limousine in the UK, GM has announced it is to stop making the Hummer brand.

A rush of buyers of existing units is now expected following the sale of Hummer to Chinese company Tengzhong collapsed and GM bosses decided to wind down the business.

The controversial gas guzzler has caused a storm within the limousine market over the past six years and dealers in the UK are now making Certificate Of Initial Fitness conversions to make them fully legal to operate.

Danny Cawley from Hummerzine, which carries out the COIF conversions, commented; “It is sad news for both the industry and Hummer lovers. Prices of the current model H2 has been increasing dramatically on the forecourts in the U.S, so I would expect that to continue.”

He added; “There is absolutely nothing to replace it. Later this year, all limos designed to carry more than eight will have to be built to IVA specifications. As far as I know, there isn’t a manufacturer developing a new limousine to meet these requirements, so who knows what the future holds for the market.”

GM will apparently continue to honour Hummer warranties, while providing service support and spare parts to current owners around the world. It could however mean good news for those who already have H2 or H3 limousines in the UK as prices are expected to rise as long as the vehicle remains desirable.

Richard Silvester, Managing Director of HummerHummer, UK’s Hummer specialist told thechauffeur.com; “It is a sad day for GM although on reflection the close of the Hummer brand will in time only increase its following from within its strong, underground fan base.  On a smaller scale I am confident this news will spurn opportunity for Hummer fanatics such as ourselves to help maintain its iconic status and reinvent the brand for any generations to come.”

It is unknown as to what the closure of Hummer will actually mean to the industry, but it is hoped another manufacturer will enter the market over the coming years with a vehicle which creates the demand the H2 generated.