Although none of the Hummer models are really all that worse than any other body-on-frame SUV powered by a large engine, the ex-military marque is considered by many to be the anti-green brand. If that's how you feel, you'll likely be glad to hear that Hummer models are languishing on dealer lots all over the country. Hummer spokeswoman Joanne Krell suggests that the downturn in sales is directly related to the upturn in fuel prices. That makes sense, now doesn't it? Maybe not... Acura is the only brand that has seen similar drops in new registrations with nary a V8 engine in sight. All of this raises a few questions: Is the Hummer brand is just plain falling out of favor? If so, would flex-fuel engine options help their cause?

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

As our brothers at Autoblog like to say, it's "officially official." GM has confirmed their plans to offer all Hummers with biofuel-capable engine options. According to Automotive News, a Hummer official has said that the 2009 H2 and H2 SUT will be equipped with flex-fuel engines capable on running on gasoline or ethanol, making them the first such Hummers available. The 2010 Hummer H3 will be offered with a flex-fuel version of GM's direct injection 3.6L V-6 and we've heard plenty of rumblings regarding diesel Hummers too. Currently, the Hummer H3 is offered with a five-cylinder gasoline engine and a 5.3 liter small-block V8, both of which struggle to get fuel mileage in the mid-to-high teens. The H2 is available only with a larger 6.2 liter V8, which, as you can probably surmise, offers dismal fuel economy, and it would use even more fuel if it were running on ethanol. Emissions would probably be improved, but we're still talking about lots of fuel being burned here. We'll be on the lookout for more information on the biofuel capabilities of the Hummer brand, but we remain firmly in the bandaid-on-a-broken-arm camp on this particular announcement.

[Source: Automotive News (sub. req'd)]

You've heard the saying that a picture is worth a thousand words, so I guess I don't need to write too much about this photo of a Hummer with a customized license plate. In this case, the photo speaks for itself, wouldn't you agree?

Related:

• What can we say about this license plate that it doesn't already say?

[Source: COOLPL8Z]

Sebastian has debated the merits of bidding on and winning the Hummer which was previously owned by Fergie. The issue is whether or not the vehicle should stay on the road, being that the proceeds of the auction are going towards a green charity. My .02 is this: if the vehicle is being driven in a manner which demands the Hummer's off-road credentials (which would be...?), then so be it. If not, well... there are surely better choices with which to commute back and forth to work. Like, say... a Vespa. Since we are on the subject of eBay auctions, why not check out the "MTV Staying Alive Celebrity Autographed Vespa" which is currently on the auction block. This machine is sure to do better when it comes to gas mileage than Fergie's old Hummer H2, and while the proceeds are not going to a green charity, they are going to a good cause. And, don't forget that your total cost of ownership on the Vespa will be way less than with the Hummer. From the initial purchase to filling the (very small) gas tank to insuring it - you'll come out way ahead.

Oh yeah... did Mena Suvari sign this thing twice or something?

Related:

• eBay find of the day: Fergie ditching her Hummer to help the planet
• Where is Fergie's love for her HUMMER? Will Will.i.am blow his up, as promised?

[Source: eBay]