HUMMER in a Strong Sales Stride Worldwide

[Variance]

HUMMER in a Strong Sales Stride Worldwide

DETROIT − HUMMER continued to gain momentum with sales in North America during the first nine months of 2006 up 53.5 percent from 2005. The popular midsize H3 can be credited with much of the gain. That model recorded an especially strong calendar year to date, with sales up 158 percent year-to-year.

On a monthly basis, H3 deliveries in September rose 19 percent from one year ago, giving H3 its second highest sales month this calendar year, while the full-size H2 had its highest retail month of the year. The division is on track to sell its 200,000th vehicle this year.

"As people have discovered the H3 for themselves we've seen sales continue to trend upward," explained Martin Walsh, HUMMER general manager. "We believe the vehicle's attractive starting price of $29,995, its easy maneuverability and fuel economy comparable to other midsize utilities, is bringing new customers to the brand."

Walsh says the brand's sales gains are not unique to North America, and that he expects the growth to continue. In fact, since the H2 went on sale in 2002 the brand has experienced a 300-percent sales increase around the globe. Walsh noted that the plan is to expand the HUMMER portfolio with new models that maintain the brand's iconic design and superior off-road capabilities.

2006 Global Sales

Through August of this year, HUMMER's total global sales grew by 62.6 percent. H3 comprised the majority of that volume, with a 177 percent sales jump compared to the first eight months of 2005. In Europe, where the H3 went on sale in the summer of 2005, that vehicle's sales were up more than 200 percent. And, in HUMMER markets within the Latin America, Africa and Middle East region, the brand saw an increase of more than 450 percent overall.

HUMMER's reach into global markets will expand further with the addition of H3 production in Port Elizabeth, South Africa today. Until recently, the H3 was built only in General Motors' Shreveport, La. plant. South Africa-built H3's will be sold in that country and will also be exported to markets in Europe and the Middle East. Next year, the Port Elizabeth facility will begin shipping to Asia Pacific as well. Initially, the vehicles built in South Africa will be exclusively left-hand drive - but a right-hand drive version will be available next year. HUMMER vehicles are now sold in 33 countries with further global expansion on the horizon.

[source: General Motors]

[toesuf94]

Better than expected report...and yet they are stopping production for two weeks on the H2. Good news is good news though, so, keep it up Hummer!

[RJB]

You can get a lease deal on a base H3 for around $178 a month in Detroit. That seems to be saying that they aren't moving so the leases are getting lower. A friend of mine leased an H3 this summer and the cheapest lease offer they could get was close to $400 a month.

Edited October 13, 2006 by RJB