The Company Formerly Known as “Old GM” is Dead at Age 103

It was long overdue, but it was bound to happen: the company lawyers named Motors Liquidation Co. but which we came to know as "old GM" during the 2009 government bailout period, died on Thursday, December 15.

Though it had a very long lifespan of 103 years, no one really noticed its demise. After all, this was just U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Robert Gerbert signing the death certificate. Giving birth to the “new GM” two years ago was a very painful process – and one that most of those involved would like to forget.

It meant the sacrifice of three of its brands (Pontiac, Hummer and Saturn) and getting rid of another (Saab, which ironically is now in a similar position), closing 13 plants along with 900 dealerships. GM also had to reduce its U.S. workforce from 91,000 to 68,500 employees, which either way, is a far cry from the 525,000 workers it had in the States and another 100,000 outside the country in 1955.

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Naked Hummer Limo Thief Attempts to Run Away from the Police but is Caught by Dog [Video]

And just when you thought you've seen and heard it all, you run across another crazy story. According to ITN News, this latest bizarre incident took place in southern California on Saturday night when a naked man reportedly stole a Hummer stretch limousine at gunpoint.

After the vehicle's chauffeur notified the police, officers on the ground with the help of a police helicopter from above were somehow able to quickly spot the stolen Hummer (as it turns out, a stretch Hummer isn't as inconspicuous as the thief may have thought…) and began pursuit.

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A Chinese Man Builds an Eco-Friendly Hummer from Scratch for $630

Chinese regulators may have had little affection for the Hummer brand when they shunned the deal between General Motors and Sichuan Tengzhong Heavy Industrial Machines Co., Ltd. in early 2010, but there's at least one man in the world's most populous country that has a lot love left for the maker of the H1.

His name is Qu Zhibo and he is from the city of Zhigong in China's Hainan province. For three years, Zhibo worked on a special project to develop the most eco-friendly Hummer you will ever lay eyes upon.

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Hummer H3R Off Road Concept, 2007

Hummer H3R Off Road Concept, 2007

 

Primarily to the efforts of the Team HUMMER racing team, led by Rod Hall, the HUMMER H3 has quickly proved to be a formidable off-road competitor. It runs - and wins - in stock-class off-road races, where racers must rely on production chassis and powertrains. The H3R pays homage to the racing SUV while pushing the envelope on what could be considered "stock" - supposing the factory decided to drop in the 505-horsepower, 7.0L V-8 from the Corvette Z06. In addition to the high-powered engine, the H3R also sports a number of racing-inspired exterior modifications and an interior that blends racing functionality with boulevard comfort and convenience. No, a production H3 equipped with an LS7 engine isn't in the cards, but for 2008, HUMMER offers the H3 Alpha, which is powered by a new, 300-hp 5.3L all-aluminum V-8.

Vehicle highlights
    * H3R concept
    * LS7 7.0L V-8 with 505 horsepower and Hydra-Matic 4L60 electronically controlled four-speed transmission
    * Custom valve covers and ignition coil covers
    * New, forward-tilting hood with Lexan see-through insert
    * Power-operated hood hinges
    * Custom air induction system with dual air boxes
    * Racing-inspired paint scheme with custom badging
    * Off-road lighting package with unique light bar
    * Custom rear dual exhaust system with four outlets
    * Wheel flares with quick-remove fasteners
    * HID headlamps from Starr Lighting
    * Clear front corner lamp lenses
    * Front bull bar
    * Body-color "Jerry" can mounted on the spare tire carrier
    * Twenty-inch wheels
    * Mickey Thompson Bear Claw 35-inch off-road tires
    * Rotora high-performance brake package
    * Fixed quarter window inserts
    * Eaton front locking differential
    * Enhanced cooling system with larger radiator
    * Modified suspension with Tenneco/Rancho four-inch lift package and Rancho reservoir shocks
    * Re-trimmed interior with brushed metal accents and trim
    * Front racing seats with five-point safety harnesses and weather-resistant seat material
    * Simpson window safety net
    * Washable rubber floor covering replaces carpeting
    * Navigation radio system
    * Off-road integrated display gauge package with compass, inclinometer, altimeter and timer
    * Auxiliary performance gauges
    * Auxiliary 20-gallon fuel tank
    * Second-row seats deleted
    * Cargo-area spare tire mount

GM Accessories (production and concept)
    * Rocker protectors
    * Underbody shield
    * Side-window weather deflector
    * Roadside assistance package
    * First-aid kit
    * Hitch receiver cover
    * Body-color grille

Hummer H3X, 2007

Hummer H3X, 2007

 

DETROIT - Less than a year after the H3 went on sale, HUMMER is unveiling a new model called the H3x. It is based on the H3 Street concept shown at the automotive industry's annual Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in November.

The 2007 H3x, designed to appeal to buyers with an interest in a customized appearance, injects new energy into the HUMMER lineup, while delivering the brand's trademark iconic bold design and unmatched off-road prowess.

The H3x begins with an H3 equipped with the Luxury package, chrome tube steps, chrome appearance package and chrome fuel door. The package also includes a body-color grille and spare tire cover, unique tires, wheels and center cap, and a brush guard. The interior features embroidered headrests.

Consumers can further personalize their H3x with any of the H3's eight exterior colors and three leather interiors. The model is scheduled to arrive in dealerships in late summer of 2006. It will be available only in the United States and Canada.
* H3X was initially called the H3 Street.