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]

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No, I don't get this story either.

Apparently, someone has turned an actual Hummer H3 into a remote control vehicle. That someone is Engineer Dr James Brighton from Cranfield University, who spent a month adapting the iconic vehicle into something you can control from your hands. What's the green angle here? In a few years, H3s running on biofuel and diesel will be available. Sure, we knew this already, but now any of you who are interested in having the largest RC on the block can imagine it filling up your toy at the local biodiesel co-op. Hehe.

I double-checked, and there isn't an April 1 embargo date on this story. The Mischief PR agency put the release out and, for what it's worth, they claim to be "the most straight talking agency in the industry."

From the perspective of the average environmentalist, the Hummer brand and its products personify everything that is wrong with the automobile industry. The reality is Hummers remain thirsty, brutish and not particularly utilitarian vehicles. The H2, which is based on the platform of the previous generation Chevy Tahoe, has less interior room than its parent and is less useful to those who actually have a need for a big SUV. Over the next couple of years, Hummer will be taking a baby step toward being a little less environmentally abusive. By 2010 all Hummer products will be capable of running on biofuels, either biodiesel or ethanol depending on the engine choice. The H2 will be getting the new 4.5L DuraMax diesel as an option in 2009 and all the gas engines will be made E85 capable. It isn't much, but it may be better than nothing (depending, of course, on the biofuel and how it's made).

[Source: Hummer]