News From the Auto Industry

By September or October, H2 sales should begin elsewhere in Europe. GM is finalizing distribution plans there, as well as in the Middle East and Japan. DiGiovanni forecasts combined overseas annual sales totaling 500 units. There are no plans for right-hand-drive versions.

The new markets add to Hummer’s growing brand identity. The nameplate is preparing to roll out the H2 sport/utility truck, due in dealerships by late May 2004. Combined H2 SUV and SUT sales in the U.S. should total 40,000 units annually, says DiGiovanni.