New model features all the capabilities of H2 ... and then some

Dubai, United Arab Emirates  - 25 November 2004 - The long awaited HUMMER H2 SUT has finally arrived in the Middle East with its first showing at this year's Beirut Motor Show. Developed from the original HUMMER, the H2 SUT is the next evolution of the H2 which was introduced in 2003.

The H2 SUT is built for individuals with a rugged spirit, going anywhere to do anything.  It is unmatched for its unbelievable, class-leading, off-road capabilities.  In short, the H2 SUT is the ultimate off-roader.

"Like its brother the H2 SUV, the SUT draws from its military heritage as the next evolution of the HUMMER brand," said Fadi Ghosn, Regional Marketing Manager for HUMMER.  "The H2 SUT is functional, versatile and almost endlessly reconfigurable, exceeding even the most demanding consumer's standards.

"While the SUT certainly carries on the traditions of its predecessors, it has a level of unique design, functionality and capability that offers owners a real sense of freedom that appeals to their active lifestyles."

Expandable cargo capacity
H2 owners can already carry passengers, cargo or a combination of the two. With the SUT, HUMMER adds even more flexibility.  When SUT owners have to carry four passengers, the bulkhead at the rear of the passenger compartment remains upright, still providing over 850 litres of cargo-carrying capacity.

However, when cargo requirements dictate the need for more space, the rear window can be powered into the Midgate, and the Midgate and the rear seat folded forward, offering a massive 1.2m by 1.8m cargo bed.

Absolute versatility
There's more to the H2 SUT than merely cargo-carrying capacity. At the push of a single button, the driver can lower all four side windows and the rear window. Using a separate switch, the standard sunroof can also be opened, giving SUT a truly open-air feeling, like driving a convertible.

Unique and luxurious interior

H2 SUT's interior is as inviting as it is innovative, featuring premium leather seats with eight-way driver's and front-passenger seats, four-way lumbar supports and memory settings for two drivers.  With an all-black appearance throughout, the high end interior features leather on the instrument panel and door trim grab handles, covering the console lid, door trim armrests and the door trim surround.

The door sill plates have an aluminium appearance, complementing the chrome finish of the aircraft-style shifter.  The metallic look is also incorporated into the inside door handle, which features a chrome finish. The result is an interior that epitomizes luxury and precision.

Every inch a HUMMER
H2 SUT's exterior is as rugged as its interior is refined. The HUMMER DNA is quickly evident from the exterior design of the SUT, embodying square shapes: flat, chiselled surfaces, hard peak lines and flat glass panes. These combine to create a significant amount of interior room.

The rear bumper includes large, HUMMER-style retrieval loops while the front bumper includes tow loops. Both bumpers have access holes for the hitch receivers attached to the chassis that can accommodate a winch, which can be plugged in, locked (just like a trailer hitch) and hooked up with an electrical connection.

Because it is based on the H2 SUV, the SUT enjoys short overhangs, for radical approach and departure angles and exceptional ground clearance for minimal impact on trails. The 17-inch wheels and heavy-duty independent front suspension and five-link rear suspension provide superior handling, carrying and towing capability.

Powering the H2 SUT is GM's 6.0-liter, Vortec 6.0 liter V8, which delivers 325 horsepower at 5200rpm. The Vortec 6000 is mounted longitudinally and mated to a heavy-duty Hydra-Matic 4L65-E four-speed automatic overdrive transmission with full-time all-wheel drive.

-Ends- 

About Hummer
General Motors Corporation, the world's largest vehicle manufacturer and AM General reached an agreement in December 1999, in which GM acquired exclusive ownership of the HUMMER brand name worldwide. The iconic HUMVEE is the original HUMMER, the cornerstone of the brand. 

In 2003, HUMMER introduced H2, reflecting an evolution of the brand and making HUMMER more accessible to a wider civilian audience. The HUMMER H2 SUT is an evolution of the H2 which adds even more flexibility for cargo requirements.

The HUMMER H3, a more compact model was recently revealed to the media in California, and is due to be introduced in different markets in 2006.

For more information:
Saada Hammad                                              Paul Venn 
Communications and PR Manager                       Account Director
General Motors Middle East                              Hill & Knowlton
Tel: (009714) 3143350                                    Tel: (009714) 3344930
saada.hammad@gm.com                                  paul.venn@hillandknowlton.com

© Press Release 2004