GM to cutback SUV production. rethinking Hummers

The problem with the Americans is that they refuse to focus "out of the box".

GM have set up a manufacturing plant in South Africa to produce a right hand drive version of the Hummer H3 (not a hulking SUV) for export to Europe and Australia.
All indications are this model is successful, with orders in Australia for instance, outstripping supply quotas.

All they need to do now is draw from their European expertise and put a bloody diesel donk in it and they wouldn't need to close down plants in America, or anywhere else.

Unfortunately, the American bred perception of (previously) unlimited "gas" (petrol) supply, has given them a very narrow focus on automotive requirements.
GM are finally getting around to planning a diesel engine for the Commodore, but are probably a couple of years away from possible implementation. Meanwhile, they are tooling about with "hybrid" engined vehicles, which are OK for the cities, but certainly not for country use.

To obtain cash flow, GM have sold their interest in Isuzu and as a result have relinquished their sales and interests in the Rodeo marque, a highly successful vehicle in Australia. This along with the previously popular Jackaroo (yeah, I've still got one) has left them extremely vulnerable in the 4WD (not SUV) market.

The imminent release later this year of the GM Californian as a replacement has yet to be judged and proven as a viable alternative for a 4WD vehicle suitable for Australian conditions.
I'll bet they won't release this with a diesel option either.

Bill.