As GM tries to steady itself while its US sales continue to plummet and bankruptcy predictions are being made, good news for local Hummer fans is that the range of H2 vehicles is now available in South Africa.
As GM tries to steady itself while its US sales continue to plummet and bankruptcy predictions are being made, good news for local Hummer fans is that the range of H2 vehicles is now available in South Africa.
While South Africa’s fuel tanks are running dry and the American fuel crisis continues to cripple manufacturers of large SUVs and MPVs, it seems excess Hummer H2 stock will now being sold in South Africa.
Following the announcement early this year that the Hummer H3 will be manufactured and sold in South Africa from 2007, Toits Motor Group recently announced that it would be distributing the Hummer H2 range of SUVs and SUTs. The H2 may not be the prettiest vehicle with a price tag of a cool R1,4 million, but at least it will do much to impress the neighbours…
“The Hummer H2-range is fully imported and homologated for South African conditions, and has also already received the SABS stamp of approval,” said Renier Swart, managing director of the Toits Motor Group. “The current limited stock of Hummer H2s is a tantalising appetiser for the range’s official launch early in 2006.”
The H2 is fitted with a powerful 6,0-litre petrol V8 engine that delivers 237 kW of power and 488 N.m of torque.
The H2 suspension system includes an independent front tension bar and rear coil springs that provide excellent ride comfort as well as a high degree of control and rear-axle articulation off-road. Reports are that though the Hummer is ungainly and rather unstable on the road, its sheer size makes it a formidable off-road vehicle.
Despite its bold, chunky exterior, the H2’s cabin is luxurious, though rather cramped and dark due to its relatively low roofline and small glass areas. Dashboard follows a military-style with large controls and big easy-to-use buttons.
“Hummer’s H2-range can be a lot of different things depending on what the owner wants and needs. Of course, luxury and performance are constants,” said Swart. “When you drive one you’ll see that the H2 SUT and SUV are a true Hummers – both in looks and performance.”
For more information contact the Toits Motor Group on 0860 10 TOITS or visit www.toits.co.za.
The Hummer, once hugely popular in the US, has recently fallen out of favour as consumers, concerned about the price of fuel, are choosing smaller vehicles over big SUVs and MPVs.
Poor performance by GM over the past few quarters has seen several US analysts suggesting that the continued financial deterioration raises concerns about the General’s bankruptcy risk.
And while GM has lost nearly $4 billion (R25 billion) this year, a US spokesperson said the world’s largest vehicle manufacturer has no plans to declare bankruptcy. Instead, the manufacturer hopes a revitalised vehicle line-up will appeal to customers, particularly in its home market, where a range of full-sized SUVs will go on sale early in 2006.
