Is There a Future for Hummer?

Two new concepts suggest "maybe"--but GM won't commit...

I confess, I thought General Motors' new Advanced Design Pasadena Studio was already open, but apparently it wasn't "official" until just a few days ago. In their apparently unofficial capacity, they've been busy, having done one of three Corvette concepts last year, and now two new Hummer X concepts (an SUV and a pickup). These vehicles are smaller than the existing Hummer EVs, and showcase some intriguing features and technologies that could show up in future GM products:

🔹 FLEX FAB – essentially 3D printing for metal – enabling small-batch production

🔹 "Stackable" interior displays

🔹 Design-for-disassembly, replacing adhesives with snap fits and mechanical fasteners

🔹 Removable fenders, 35" or 37" tires, and over 13" of ground clearance to enable go-anywhere capability

The company missed an opportunity in the market trend toward offroad SUVs when they attached the legendary Blazer name to a crossover, and it's not clear how "official" the rumored return of the Jimmy is. Perhaps a new hybrid SUV off the Colorado/Canyon using some of the ideas presented here could show up as a premium midsize off-road SUV. The current Hummer debuted almost six years ago (and continues to be a controversial product), and this does seem to raise the question of what the future of Hummer is – if it even has one.