Sydney Motor Show: Holden Launches Hummer H3 Down Under

**JoeT** · 10-26-2006, 02:57 AM

HUMMER Continues Global Expansion Down Under

GM Media
26 October 2006
www.media.gm.com

HUMMER will enter the Australian market with its midsize H3 SUV next year.

The announcement was made by GM Holden Executive Director Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, Alan Batey, at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney.

The first H3s will begin arriving in Australia in mid-2007. Those vehicles will be built at GM’s Port Elizabeth facility in South Africa.

Earlier this month that plant began assembling the H3 for sale in South Africa and certain export markets. Both left-hand and right-hand drive models will be manufactured there.

Initially, the H3 will be available in Australia with a 3.7-litre inline five-cylinder petrol engine, producing peak power of 180kW @ 5600rpm and peak torque of 328Nm@4600rpm. A diesel version could also be offered at a later date.

Full details regarding the distribution network and pricing are yet to be finalised.

“HUMMER’s pedigree is ideally suited to Australia’s diverse and challenging off road environments. The H3 is designed to deal with extreme conditions which local off-roaders enjoy and seek out,” Mr Batey said.

“Given the H3’s midsize proportions, which are comparable to popular medium and large SUVs in Australia, it is equally at home on city and suburban roads.

“HUMMER has developed a passionate following because of its unmatched style and capability. The H3 extends that appeal by making the brand accessible to a broader range of potential owners.

“That is what makes H3 the perfect model to introduce HUMMER in Australia.”

HUMMER H3 Overview

The H3 delivers authentic HUMMER style and off-road capability in a more accessible, midsize package. It can navigate city traffic and also deliver HUMMER’s trademark crawling and climbing capability.

The H3 is powered by the 3.7-litre Vortec 3700 five-cylinder engine with dual overhead cams and variable valve timing. Specifically designed for this type of vehicle, the Vortec 3700 offers an excellent combination of power and efficiency.

H3 will offer an MA5 five-speed manual transmission or 4L60-E electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission, depending on specification.

The H3 achieves fuel economy under the US EPA city/highway measurement of 15/20 miles per gallon for the manual and 15/19 miles per gallon for the automatic. Fuel efficiency testing under the relevant Australian Design Rule will be carried out in due course.

The H3’s electronically controlled four-wheel-drive system features traction control, underbody shielding and StabiliTrak control system. Safety features include roof rail-mounted side curtain air bags and rollover protection system.

Among its off-road capabilities, the H3 can ford 407mm of water at 32km/h or 610mm streams at an 8 km/h pace, 407mm vertical steps and rocks, and make its way through deep sand and race over sandy surfaces.

H3’s size provides advantages such as an 11.3 m turning circle which is comparable to relevant SUV segment leaders. The 216mm ground clearance and maximum break-over angle of 23.5 degrees make it possible to clear large obstacles in off-road driving.

Serious off-road performance is aided by the maximum approach angle of 37.5 degrees and maximum departure angle of 34.6 degrees.

In addition to its uncompromised off-road capabilities, the H3 also provides the refinement, comfort and convenience required for enjoyable driving.

H3’s bold looks make it readily identifiable as a HUMMER. Features such as its wide track width, short overhangs and huge tires provide stability, outstanding ground clearance and quick rock-climbing capability in off-road driving.

The H3’s flat, chiseled surfaces, upright windshield and windows, signature seven-slot louvered grille, round headlamps housed inside square openings, and pronounced fender flares are all pure HUMMER.

More details will be provided when H3 is released in Australia next year.

HUMMER background

The H3 made its debut in North America in May 2005, and helped make HUMMER the fastest growing automotive brand in the United States.

The H3 has made the HUMMER brand more accessible with its smaller, more efficient package, while still retaining all of the characteristics that make a HUMMER unique, such as iconic design and unparalleled off-road performance.

The H3 has proven so popular that through September this year, HUMMER’s total global sales were up by 54 per cent. H3 comprised the majority of that volume in the U.S. and other countries.

H3 sales were up 120 per cent compared to the first nine months of 2005. In North America alone, H3 sales for 2006 have grown 53.5 per cent compared to the same period in 2005.

In Europe, where the H3 went on sale in the summer of 2005, that vehicle’s sales were up more than 200 per cent. Within the Latin America, Africa and Middle East region, the HUMMER brand saw an increase of more than 450 per cent overall.

Last year, in total 56,353 HUMMER vehicles were sold globally. Since the first H2 went on sale in 2002, the brand has experienced annual sales increases in three of four years.

“We’re energized about our global expansion plans,” noted Martin Walsh, general manager for the HUMMER brand. “We intend to broaden the HUMMER portfolio with new models that maintain HUMMER’s trademark iconic design and superior off-road capabilities.”

HUMMER (www.hummer.com) is a division of General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world’s largest vehicle manufacturer, which employs about 321,000 people globally. The HUMMER product line-up consists of the H2, H2 SUT, and H3.

Peak power and torque figures SAE certified

Holden To Sell Hummer H3

Garth Montgomery
26 October 2006
www.carsguide.com.au

The most testosterone-fuelled military vehicle will be available to Australian buyers from mid 2007 with the announcement that Holden will import the infamous Hummer H3.

The General Motors-made vehicle is considered one of the largest and least fuel efficient SUVs in the world and comes at a time when vehicle sales in that segment have dropped 23.1 per cent in the year to date.

But that's irrelevant to the appeal of a Hummer, which Holden says needs no explanation.

"There's nothing like it anywhere in the world," a spokesman said after the announcement at the Australian International Motor Show. "What it represents needs no explanation."

Click here to continue article

Holden Defends Decision To Launch Hummer

Glenn Butler
26 October 2006
www.drive.com.au

SUV sales are down, petrol prices are front-page news, and Holden decides to launch the world's biggest four-wheel drive brand.

Holden saved the biggest for last when it took the wraps off sixteen new models at the Sydney motor show in 2006. Centre stage was dominated by a huge curtain which, when it finally fell, gave Australians their first glimpse of the Hummer H3, an off-road vehicle based on the Humvees used by the American Army in the Desert Storm invasion of Iraq.

Holden believes the time is ripe for Hummer to come to Australia; a brand it says stands for "iconic design and absolute, unparalleled off-road ability".

One H3 model will be available initially, powered by a 3.7-litre five-cylinder petrol engine. Other engine and bodystyle derivatives are under consideration, but Holden marketing director Alan Batey says "there are no plans as yet".

Click here to continue article

Holden Confident Over Hulky Hummer H3

Marton Pettendy
2 November 2006
www.goauto.com.au

Holden doesn't expect the public to recoil over its plans to introduce Hummer.

Australia may well be experiencing unprecedented fuel price instability, a shrinking SUV marketplace, increased environmental awareness and negative media focus on fatalities involving SUVs, but Holden does not expect a public backlash to plans it will introduce General Motors' legendary truck brand Hummer here in mid-2007.

"I think it's a great time to launch Hummer," said GM Holden executive director sales, marketing and aftersales Alan Batey in Sydney on Thursday.

"You look at how well the aspirational brands have been going in Australia over the last four or five years. It's a great time launch the brand. I think the response to it is going to be awesome."

Asked whether Holden expected a negative reaction from some public quarters, Mr Batey said: "No, not really. It is what it is, so we’re not really concerned about a backlash.

"I think it would be naïve to say that I don't expect there will be a comment out there, so we need to put our case forward very precisely. No I don’t think there will be a major backlash, but there will be comments and we expect that," he said.

Click here to continue article

Drive.com.au Hummer H3 Video

redimpss5 · 10-26-2006, 03:24 AM

As long as it sells and being RHD, all is well.

Aych Es Vee · 10-26-2006, 03:30 AM

GREAT.
99.999% of SUVs here are too similar, and this looks much different, and good imo.

asim · 10-26-2006, 05:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aych Es Vee

GREAT.
99.999% of SUVs here are too similar, and this looks much different, and good imo.

A departure, eh?

samkung · 10-26-2006, 05:34 AM

looking forward to see them on the street!

hq308 · 10-26-2006, 06:08 AM

It looks different from everything we have here and I think that's a good thing. It looks big in the picture, how does it compare in size to say a Toyota Landcruiser? It looks like it could handle some serious off-roading.

samkung · 10-26-2006, 07:26 AM

i m wondering when is Cadillac coming down under?

Butz · 10-26-2006, 07:43 AM

Does is come with a Navi? This H3 needs a turbo charger not a V8.
It will do well in Australia though the 3.7 engine might hurt the sales since most competition has more power and torque.

01cavalier · 10-26-2006, 07:47 AM

Nice, great to see Hummer being sold in yet one more country. Seems to be a good fit to me.

prototype66 · 10-26-2006, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 01cavalier

Nice, great to see Hummer being sold in yet one more country. Seems to be a good fit to me.

Totally agree.

Z28x · 10-26-2006, 08:07 AM

H3 defiantly needs a diesels for over seas markets

chakis24 · 10-26-2006, 10:15 AM

do they already have the h2 there, if not, why not? and why not the h1? expand the h1 so they can start making it again so i can get one some years from now.

benroethig · 10-26-2006, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Z28x

H3 defiantly needs a diesels for over seas markets

They need a diesel for here.

mbukukanyau · 10-26-2006, 12:09 PM

Hummer is truly like nothing else!
Love this truck!

bcjohnso99 · 10-26-2006, 01:19 PM

I like the H3 alot but I find it unacceptable that GM put the effort into upgrading the engine for 2007 without adding a 6spd auto.

A diesel option in NA would be a great addition too!

B.

10-26-2006, 02:57 AM	#1 (permalink)
JoeT GMI's Holden Moderator Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Wollongong, Australia Drives: 2003 Holden Monaro CV8 Posts: 4,851	Sydney Motor Show: Holden Launches Hummer H3 Down Under HUMMER Continues Global Expansion Down Under GM Media 26 October 2006 www.media.gm.com HUMMER will enter the Australian market with its midsize H3 SUV next year. The announcement was made by GM Holden Executive Director Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, Alan Batey, at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney. The first H3s will begin arriving in Australia in mid-2007. Those vehicles will be built at GM’s Port Elizabeth facility in South Africa. Earlier this month that plant began assembling the H3 for sale in South Africa and certain export markets. Both left-hand and right-hand drive models will be manufactured there. Initially, the H3 will be available in Australia with a 3.7-litre inline five-cylinder petrol engine, producing peak power of 180kW @ 5600rpm and peak torque of 328Nm@4600rpm. A diesel version could also be offered at a later date. Full details regarding the distribution network and pricing are yet to be finalised. “HUMMER’s pedigree is ideally suited to Australia’s diverse and challenging off road environments. The H3 is designed to deal with extreme conditions which local off-roaders enjoy and seek out,” Mr Batey said. “Given the H3’s midsize proportions, which are comparable to popular medium and large SUVs in Australia, it is equally at home on city and suburban roads. “HUMMER has developed a passionate following because of its unmatched style and capability. The H3 extends that appeal by making the brand accessible to a broader range of potential owners. “That is what makes H3 the perfect model to introduce HUMMER in Australia.” HUMMER H3 Overview The H3 delivers authentic HUMMER style and off-road capability in a more accessible, midsize package. It can navigate city traffic and also deliver HUMMER’s trademark crawling and climbing capability. The H3 is powered by the 3.7-litre Vortec 3700 five-cylinder engine with dual overhead cams and variable valve timing. Specifically designed for this type of vehicle, the Vortec 3700 offers an excellent combination of power and efficiency. H3 will offer an MA5 five-speed manual transmission or 4L60-E electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission, depending on specification. The H3 achieves fuel economy under the US EPA city/highway measurement of 15/20 miles per gallon for the manual and 15/19 miles per gallon for the automatic. Fuel efficiency testing under the relevant Australian Design Rule will be carried out in due course. The H3’s electronically controlled four-wheel-drive system features traction control, underbody shielding and StabiliTrak control system. Safety features include roof rail-mounted side curtain air bags and rollover protection system. Among its off-road capabilities, the H3 can ford 407mm of water at 32km/h or 610mm streams at an 8 km/h pace, 407mm vertical steps and rocks, and make its way through deep sand and race over sandy surfaces. H3’s size provides advantages such as an 11.3 m turning circle which is comparable to relevant SUV segment leaders. The 216mm ground clearance and maximum break-over angle of 23.5 degrees make it possible to clear large obstacles in off-road driving. Serious off-road performance is aided by the maximum approach angle of 37.5 degrees and maximum departure angle of 34.6 degrees. In addition to its uncompromised off-road capabilities, the H3 also provides the refinement, comfort and convenience required for enjoyable driving. H3’s bold looks make it readily identifiable as a HUMMER. Features such as its wide track width, short overhangs and huge tires provide stability, outstanding ground clearance and quick rock-climbing capability in off-road driving. The H3’s flat, chiseled surfaces, upright windshield and windows, signature seven-slot louvered grille, round headlamps housed inside square openings, and pronounced fender flares are all pure HUMMER. More details will be provided when H3 is released in Australia next year. HUMMER background The H3 made its debut in North America in May 2005, and helped make HUMMER the fastest growing automotive brand in the United States. The H3 has made the HUMMER brand more accessible with its smaller, more efficient package, while still retaining all of the characteristics that make a HUMMER unique, such as iconic design and unparalleled off-road performance. The H3 has proven so popular that through September this year, HUMMER’s total global sales were up by 54 per cent. H3 comprised the majority of that volume in the U.S. and other countries. H3 sales were up 120 per cent compared to the first nine months of 2005. In North America alone, H3 sales for 2006 have grown 53.5 per cent compared to the same period in 2005. In Europe, where the H3 went on sale in the summer of 2005, that vehicle’s sales were up more than 200 per cent. Within the Latin America, Africa and Middle East region, the HUMMER brand saw an increase of more than 450 per cent overall. Last year, in total 56,353 HUMMER vehicles were sold globally. Since the first H2 went on sale in 2002, the brand has experienced annual sales increases in three of four years. “We’re energized about our global expansion plans,” noted Martin Walsh, general manager for the HUMMER brand. “We intend to broaden the HUMMER portfolio with new models that maintain HUMMER’s trademark iconic design and superior off-road capabilities.” HUMMER (www.hummer.com) is a division of General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world’s largest vehicle manufacturer, which employs about 321,000 people globally. The HUMMER product line-up consists of the H2, H2 SUT, and H3. Peak power and torque figures SAE certified Holden To Sell Hummer H3 Garth Montgomery 26 October 2006 www.carsguide.com.au The most testosterone-fuelled military vehicle will be available to Australian buyers from mid 2007 with the announcement that Holden will import the infamous Hummer H3. The General Motors-made vehicle is considered one of the largest and least fuel efficient SUVs in the world and comes at a time when vehicle sales in that segment have dropped 23.1 per cent in the year to date. But that's irrelevant to the appeal of a Hummer, which Holden says needs no explanation. "There's nothing like it anywhere in the world," a spokesman said after the announcement at the Australian International Motor Show. "What it represents needs no explanation." Click here to continue article Holden Defends Decision To Launch Hummer Glenn Butler 26 October 2006 www.drive.com.au SUV sales are down, petrol prices are front-page news, and Holden decides to launch the world's biggest four-wheel drive brand. Holden saved the biggest for last when it took the wraps off sixteen new models at the Sydney motor show in 2006. Centre stage was dominated by a huge curtain which, when it finally fell, gave Australians their first glimpse of the Hummer H3, an off-road vehicle based on the Humvees used by the American Army in the Desert Storm invasion of Iraq. Holden believes the time is ripe for Hummer to come to Australia; a brand it says stands for "iconic design and absolute, unparalleled off-road ability". One H3 model will be available initially, powered by a 3.7-litre five-cylinder petrol engine. Other engine and bodystyle derivatives are under consideration, but Holden marketing director Alan Batey says "there are no plans as yet". Click here to continue article Holden Confident Over Hulky Hummer H3 Marton Pettendy 2 November 2006 www.goauto.com.au Holden doesn't expect the public to recoil over its plans to introduce Hummer. Australia may well be experiencing unprecedented fuel price instability, a shrinking SUV marketplace, increased environmental awareness and negative media focus on fatalities involving SUVs, but Holden does not expect a public backlash to plans it will introduce General Motors' legendary truck brand Hummer here in mid-2007. "I think it's a great time to launch Hummer," said GM Holden executive director sales, marketing and aftersales Alan Batey in Sydney on Thursday. "You look at how well the aspirational brands have been going in Australia over the last four or five years. It's a great time launch the brand. I think the response to it is going to be awesome." Asked whether Holden expected a negative reaction from some public quarters, Mr Batey said: "No, not really. It is what it is, so we’re not really concerned about a backlash. "I think it would be naïve to say that I don't expect there will be a comment out there, so we need to put our case forward very precisely. No I don’t think there will be a major backlash, but there will be comments and we expect that," he said. Click here to continue article Drive.com.au Hummer H3 Video Last edited by JoeT : 11-02-2006 at 03:55 AM.

10-26-2006, 03:24 AM	#2 (permalink)
redimpss5 6.0 Liter Vortec V8 Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 1,627	Re: Sydney Motor Show: Holden Launches Hummer H3 Down Under As long as it sells and being RHD, all is well.

10-26-2006, 03:30 AM	#3 (permalink)
Aych Es Vee 3.9 Liter V6 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Canberra, Australia Drives: RB25det powered 1987 Holden VL Berlina & a 2004 Fo Posts: 886	Re: Sydney Motor Show: Holden Launches Hummer H3 Down Under GREAT. 99.999% of SUVs here are too similar, and this looks much different, and good imo.

10-26-2006, 05:34 AM	#5 (permalink)
samkung 6.0 Liter Vortec V8 Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Melbourne Drives: Mazda 2 Posts: 1,514	Re: Sydney Motor Show: Holden Launches Hummer H3 Down Under looking forward to see them on the street!

10-26-2006, 06:08 AM	#6 (permalink)
hq308 3.8 Liter V6 Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Sydney Australia Drives: VT Commodore 5.0L VZ Commodore Wagon 3.6L HFV6 H Posts: 483	Re: Sydney Motor Show: Holden Launches Hummer H3 Down Under It looks different from everything we have here and I think that's a good thing. It looks big in the picture, how does it compare in size to say a Toyota Landcruiser? It looks like it could handle some serious off-roading. __________________ Current rides 1998 VT Holden Commodore 5.0 V8 2005 VZ Commodore Wagon HFV6 1974 HQ Holden 308 V8 http://www.hq308.com

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10-26-2006, 07:26 AM	#7 (permalink)
samkung 6.0 Liter Vortec V8 Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Melbourne Drives: Mazda 2 Posts: 1,514	Re: Sydney Motor Show: Holden Launches Hummer H3 Down Under i m wondering when is Cadillac coming down under?

10-26-2006, 07:47 AM	#9 (permalink)
01cavalier 6.0 Liter LS2 V8 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Portland, OR Drives: 2007 Cobalt Posts: 4,818	Re: Sydney Motor Show: Holden Launches Hummer H3 Down Under Nice, great to see Hummer being sold in yet one more country. Seems to be a good fit to me.

10-26-2006, 08:07 AM	#11 (permalink)
Z28x 3.8 Liter Supercharged V6 Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 650	Re: Sydney Motor Show: Holden Launches Hummer H3 Down Under H3 defiantly needs a diesels for over seas markets

10-26-2006, 10:15 AM	#12 (permalink)
chakis24 5.3 Liter LS4 V8 Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: CT Drives: 2005 chevy silverado 1500 5.3 EC LB Z-71 Posts: 3,236	Re: Sydney Motor Show: Holden Launches Hummer H3 Down Under do they already have the h2 there, if not, why not? and why not the h1? expand the h1 so they can start making it again so i can get one some years from now. __________________ 2005 Chevy Silverado 1500 5.3 Z-71 EC LB 3" P.A. Body lift, 305/70/17 Nitto Terra Grapplers, 17x9 Pro Comp Extreme Alloy Wheels, Halo Projector headlights w/ HID conversion and LEDs, halo projector fog lights, Pace Edwards tonneau cover, Fire and Ice LED light bar, "Patriot" back window decal, JDM black chrome bumper lights w/ LED, Putco Crhome handle covers, Billet-grille emblem, iPOD jack...

10-26-2006, 12:09 PM	#14 (permalink)
mbukukanyau 7.0 Liter LS7 V8 Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: In front of my computer Drives: 2006 HHR 2002 Corolla-Before I saw the light Posts: 8,051	Re: Sydney Motor Show: Holden Launches Hummer H3 Down Under Hummer is truly like nothing else! Love this truck! __________________ Before Understanding comes Faith "Legislatures represent people, not acres or trees"-Earl Warren

10-26-2006, 01:19 PM	#15 (permalink)
bcjohnso99 3.8 Liter V6 Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Drives: '03 Pilot, '03 Vibe Posts: 354	Re: Sydney Motor Show: Holden Launches Hummer H3 Down Under I like the H3 alot but I find it unacceptable that GM put the effort into upgrading the engine for 2007 without adding a 6spd auto. A diesel option in NA would be a great addition too! B.

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