GM drives its 'Alpha' Hummer into the sunset

0 Comments | AFP, May, 2006

WASHINGTON (AFP) — Faced with fewer buyers and soaring oil prices, General Motors Corp. has decided after a 14-year run to drive its gargantuan Hummer "Alpha" 4X4 into the sunset and shutter its production.

GM announced on Friday that production of the giant 4X4 known as the "H1", based on a vehicle designed for the US Army, will cease in June.

The US automaker cited a decline in high-end customers willing to shell out up to 150,000 dollars for the huge four-door Hummer, which weighs in at up to 8,114 pounds (3.7 tonnes), packs a 6.6-liter engine and has a 25.5-foot (7.8-meter) turning cirle.

The company, however, will continue to produce and sell its smaller range of Hummers which are also more fuel-efficient.

Since 1999, the Hummer "Alpha" has been...