Hummer H2

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Hummer H2 SUV
Manufacturer	AM General
Production	2003–present
Class	Full-size SUV
Body style	4-door SUV
Platform	FR/AWD GMT800 FR
Wheelbase	122.7 in (3117 mm)
Length	204.6 in (5197 mm)
Width	81.2 in (2062 mm)
Height	82.7 in (2101 mm) (with roof racks)
Curb weight	6400 lb (2903 kg)
Related	Cadillac Escalade Chevrolet Tahoe GMC Yukon Chevrolet Suburban Chevrolet Avalanche
Similar	Jeep Commander Lexus LX Land Rover Range Rover Mercedes-Benz G-Class

The H2 SUV/SUT/Hydrogen is the second vehicle sold under the Hummer marque of General Motors. It is a large truck (lighter and slightly slimmer than the Hummer H1, while slightly longer and slightly taller) with room for six passengers (including driver). The rearmost part of the H2 SUV was modified to a pickup truck bed for the 2005 H2 SUT ("Sport Utility Truck").

Contents 1 Overview 2 Capabilities 3 Application 4 Fuel economy 5 Tax benefits 6 Criticism 7 2008 Update 8 External links

[edit] Overview

The H2 is built under contract by AM General at a specially constructed plant in Mishawaka, Indiana, USA. Although it shares GM's GMT820 truck platform with the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon, those vehicles differ in many ways and are constructed in three other GM plants. The H2's final frame assembly is made up of 3 sections: The front uses a modified GM 2500-Series utility frame, the mid-section is all new and is completely boxed, and the rear section uses a modified GM 1500-Series frame which is upgraded for the 8,600 pound (3629 kg) gross vehicle weight.

H2 sales were initially strong, but fell to 28,898 for 2004 and 23,213 for 2005.^{[citation needed]}

The H2 was nominated for the North American Truck of the Year award for 2003.

Engine:

• 2003–2005 6000 6.0 L (366 in³) V8

[edit] Capabilities

With its high ground clearance, protective underbody plates, and low gearing, the H2 is capable of climbing over a 16-inch-high (0.4 m) vertical wall^{[citation needed]} (without the sill steps shown in the pictured example). A massive truck frame and slightly wider-than-average track may offer stability against overturning compared to some of the more common light truck SUVs, although objective tests have not been performed by the government or other outside parties due to its specialised vehicle class.

The H2 is also capable of fording 20" of water, traversing a 40% side slope, ascending/descending a 60% grade, and towing 6,700lbs.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Application

The H2 is marketed as both a general purpose vehicle and as an off-road vehicle. Because of mass marketing by GM, it is primarily used as a passenger vehicle on typical roads.

[edit] Fuel economy

For typical travel on improved roads, users report fuel economy of between 15 and 25 miles per gallon, which converts to between 17 and 24 L/100 km. Worst case urban driving is said to be in the range of 8 to 14 U.S. mpg (17 to 29 L/100 km). Although General Motors does not provide official H2 fuel economy ratings, most reviews have observed high single to low double-digit mileage, similar to the numbers above.

[edit] Tax benefits

Under the United States income tax code, the cost of vehicles over 6,000 pounds (2722 kg) can be deducted from income. This deduction was enacted decades ago to assist self-employed people in purchasing a vehicle for business use. The weight minimum was intended to limit the deduction to commercial-type trucks. For many years, the deduction remained below the average cost of a new vehicle, since large trucks were relatively inexpensive. Since it is a reduction in taxable income, the actual value of this deduction averages 30% of the price of the vehicle in question.

The increasing popularity of these vehicles in the last decade, however, pushed their average price to nearly double the average passenger car cost. In response, the 2002 Tax Act increased this "Section 179 depreciation deduction" to US$75,000, and it rose again to US$102,000 for the 2004 tax year. This is more than three times the current average cost of a passenger car in the United States and covers a large number of luxury models, including the Hummer H2. In late 2006, the deduction was again reduced to US$50,000.

[edit] Criticism

The Hummer H2 is one of the most severely criticized civilian vehicles on the market today. Critics have expressed concern at the fuel economy which they cite as being among the most inefficient of vehicles. The Environmental Protection Agency does not test them for fuel economy since they are categorised as light trucks because of their weight, and thus are not bound to fuel economy standards.

The Hummer H2 is criticised for contributing towards petroleum consumption in the United States. In addition, H2 drivers are criticized for obstructing the views of other drivers behind them with their large vehicles. Criticism is also leveled at the H2 by safety advocates who have expressed concern that their size and height make them far deadlier to smaller vehicles as well as bicyclists, and pedestrians since the front of the Hummer H2 will likely strike the head and/or chest where injuries are far more life-threatening instead of the knees where regular cars are most likely to impact a pedestrian.

[edit] 2008 Update

For the 2008 model year the H2 will get an updated interior as well as the 6.2L V-8 in the Escalade and a 6-speed automatic transmission. It will debut at the New York Auto Show.

[edit] External links

Official Sites

• GM's Official HUMMER site
• AM General's Official site