 Hummer versus Jeep, Round 1
Posted by mike on 2001/2/18 23:00:00 (336) reads
|
 Can you tell the difference between a Jeep and a Hummer? Sure, it's easy with this year's model Hummer - but how about the next Hummer, the "H2". According to DaimlerChrysler lawyers, you won't be able distinguish between the two brands. We think it might have something to do with the 7-slotted Hummer grill. Here's the story from Yahoo! News:
General Motors Corp. and DaimlerChrysler AG filed competing federal lawsuits 11 minutes apart this week over a grille design intended for a new GM Hummer. The Hummer H2 sport utility vehicle is scheduled to be launched next year. DaimlerChrysler contends the grille is too similar to Jeep's grille and will confuse consumers. ``In fact, we believe General Motors is targeting Jeep vehicle customers who are interested in rugged, go-anywhere, do-anything vehicles,'' said Jay Cooney, a DaimlerChrysler spokesman. GM, which acquired the brand name Hummer from AM General two years ago, contends that no one will confuse the H2 with a Jeep. ``Any 10-year-old can tell the difference with or without the grilles,'' GM spokesman Brian Akre said Wednesday. ``It's sort of like saying Arnold Schwarzenegger looks just like Mr. Rogers because both of them have nice smiles.'' The Jeep grille looks as though the seven slots have been punched through a sheet of metal. DaimlerChrysler says the look is recognized by the public because of tens of millions of Jeeps that have been sold and billions of dollars in advertising spent over the past 50 years. GM says its grille design is very wide and very short, with seven short vertical slots. In its lawsuit filed Tuesday in South Bend, the company said AM General received a trademark for the grille in 1996 and should be allowed to use it. In its lawsuit filed in Toledo, Ohio, DaimlerChrysler alleges trademark infringement, asks the court to block GM's use of the grille, and seeks unspecified damages. Want to see more? Here's a link to an entire gallery of Hummer H2 photos.
Reader Reactions
The comments are owned by the poster. We aren't responsible for their content. You must login or register to post a comment.
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
 Originally posted by: Griff Is anyone at DC Jeep worrying about building Jeeps that aren't trying to be explorers or RAV-4's. There are tons of possiblities Jeep can persue but no. Lets see, a new Scrambler, keeping the XJ and improving on the few things that need work, what about that big fullsize that was going to be badged Grand Wagoneer, they could make full size J-10/Honcho-esque trucks. But instead they are looking at possiblities of IFS on Wranglers, building KJ's, and trying to build every thing off of one platform that is shared with Dodge n' friends.
Also I fully recommend that if Jeep keeps going the way of the trendy hipsters, that everyone look into Land Rover. There are tons of affordable Range Rovers, Discos, Defenders, and Series I & II out there that can hang with a Jeep anyday. Don't get me wrong I like Jeeps more because they are more practicle but new Jeeps aren't going to be much to talk about in 15 years. There are as many aftermarket companies for LR that can hook you up with great accesories just like there are tons of Jeep aftermarkets companies. About the V8's, they're sorry because they are just heavily modified versions of the designs they bought from Buick for V8's long ago. So give LR a break, I have a 95 classic range rover and it is great, I also have Jeeps they are great, but who knows how long Jeeps will still be great. Old Jeeps will always be great, as for new ones, its hit or miss (Mainly miss).
LONG LIVE THE SOLID AXLE
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: Gary here is my comment
I don't think any vehicle with independent front suspension should have the honor of wearing the 7 slot grill, whether it's a Hummer, Jeep or whatever. Maybe Jeep owners should file a class action suit against DC, since the introduction of an independent suspension vehicle (Liberty, and soon VJ) with a Jeep nameplate tarnishes the go anywhere image of our vehicles and thus reduces their value.
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: CrazyJeep I like the Rover products. But they cost better than twice the amount of the comparable Jeep offering. Even then, why would I by a $74,000 Land Rover Discovery when I could buy a Tahoe with the "Family conversion kit" (3 tv's, V
's, leather...) for under $50,000? I was at a recent local autoshow and saw the current stickers for all the SUV offerings!!
All I was trying to say is that the Rover products are priced out of the league for the average Jeep buyers. I can't imagine paying 50 grand for a Defender and then bumping it in to a tree the next day! Nor can see an 18 year old driving the same Defender to their first day of college classes!
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: Andy Verplank Jeep died in 84 when the last CJ came off the line. The Defender is the only truck that has what made Jeep so great. The Defender came from The Series I and II. These were copies of the original Jeep. The Wrangler should be like the Defender. Go anywhere, do anything, spartan style. You want a cup holder, bolt one on. If Ford brings that truck over it will replace Jeep. The 7 slot Jeep edition Caravan will be soon to follow.
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: jaxk The hummer looks more like a jeep than jeeps do. chysler will quit making jeeps when they stop making the cherokee. interesting the jeep help to beat the germans in WW1 and 2 now the germans have defeated the jeep by purchasing it and running it into the ground. Only in America.
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: Jason here is my comment I think Daimler has bigger things to worry about than a grille. Maybe they should start thinking about what is going to keep the Jeep brand alive when all the loyal Jeep buyers bail because of the Cherokee's demise. If I wanted to drive a RAV 4, I'd buy one. Get a clue Daimler!!
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: Sean aka:99XJFLA If DC / Jeep were still committed to designing and selling capable off-road vehicles then this might make a difference. If DC would pull their head from between their legs they would realize that a grill does not make a Jeep, ability does, and the ability of the new Jeeps is lackluster at best! This is just my opinion, some may agree, some may not. At least GM knows how do design a good looking, capable, off-road vehicle... made for off-road not just looking like it is... (KJ liberty). Question is, who has the patent on the 8 slot grill used on early model XJ Cherokee Jeeps? What if GM used 8 slots, would DC complain about that too? Get over it DC!
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: MalcomXJ While I don't have an opinion on the merits of the DC's case against GM (it seems silly on the surface, but they may have a point), it seems like DaimlerChrysler is spending more time in litigation about the visage and less time on the engineering. The grill doesn't make the Jeep, the capability makes the Jeep. In my opinion (and this is just my opinion), with every new model DC is moving farther away from the Rubicon trail and closer to main street. As a Jeeper to the core, I'm not sure I want to take the Liberty into the rough, seven-slot grill or not.
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: babs Bobby, You don't know what you are talking about... DC fired 10% of the worst employees. call it manditory cleaning.
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: Bobby I was born and raised loving chryslers and their products, i think that the merger has ruined a lot of fine products for chrysler. Now DC is firing all of the american designers and other workers and their bringing in all of the german workers which is killing the name.The idea to kill off the cherokee was the worst move i've seen any company do at all, that is what made the entire SUV name known as a household name.Sales are still very high for the model that is basically the same as the first one off of the production line, thats some good success. DC needs to redesign the cherokee and keep the liberty as another line, having only three models to choose from isn't helping DC.Saying the Liberty isn't a nice Jeep is wrong, this vehicle has already proven its off road ability at the rubicon and is one of the best built jeeps yet, all the reviews of this new vehicle are only good with attention to detail and off road ability. One thing that should show you people how chrysler is changing from DC is that the commercials on tv(at least on the east coast) are with both chrysler and jeep, this hasn't happened before and usually doesn't with companies, secondly, jeep is aiming this new liberty at people who won't focus on off road ability but on road manners - that is something else that jeep hasn't really put special attention to before. If you buy a jeep, your buying the best off road vehicle made, period, I'm just hoping that jeep doesn't come out with a new version made off of the same platform as a chrysler town and country to compete with the acura and mercedes, oops chryslers already thinking of that. Keep on jeepin'
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: MalcomXJ CrazyJeep, while I don't necessarily disagree with your main point I would point out that the Series II Discovery *doesn't* cost $70,000. You can pick up a nicely appointed one for around $35,000. Check it out. It is quite capable, but lacks the performance of the Cherokee or Grand Cherokee (0 to 60 times are dismal). While this isn't the raison d'ete of the Discovery (or Jeep), it is noticeably annoying at a traffic light. Of course, Rover isn't immune to the dilution that has set upon the industry, as the introduction of the Freelander in North America will show.
Although, as I mentioned, I agree with your primary point about the vacuum that will be left after the last Cherokee leaves the assembly plant in Toledo. What will I drive? Jeep. It may not be a new Jeep, but it will be a true Jeep.
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: rich I think CrazyJeep is getting a bit carried away
when he says the Rover is not quite in the same
league. Rovers have stood the test of time all
over the globe. The Defender is a true offroad
vehicle as is(even though I loath it) the Range
Rover. I'm not saying I would purchase these over
a Jeep, even if I could afford one, but they can't
be considered subpar to a Durango!!!I don't see
alot of Durangos offroad even though it's a fine
family SUV.
It is sad that one has to pay nearly $100,000 for
a vehicle that atleast looks rugged or Jeep-like,
while all the others (including Jeep) put out more
minivan SUV's to keep pampered consumers and auto-
critics asses happy.
Rich
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: CrazyJeep Besides being the parent company, the only thing that makes the Hummer GM is the engine!! And even that is a dog!! If you ask me, GM makes the MOST lack luster 4X4 sport utilities in the world! When they dismissed the 2 door full sized blazer, it was a sad day for them. The Hummer should not EVER be classed in the same world as a Jeep. When you pay 98 grand for a Jeep, you let me know. And I know of plenty of trails that ALL the Jeeps could go on that the Hummer could not, namely due to width and turning radius. The Hummer is built to be a brute, plain and simple!
For all of you who are saying that you won’t buy a Jeep because of their new direction, consider this. Who will you go to? Blazer, Explorer, Xterra, RAV4, 4-Runner, Monterro???? The new Lexus, BMW, and Mercedes mid sized ‘utes are merely minivans with 4 wheel drive and a big price tag. None of those vehicles could compare to a Jeep. And the Liberty costs less than most of them with more rugged capability! Don’t say Rover, Suburban, Land Cruiser, or Expedition cause they are not in the same league! The only vehicle that I think would be comparable is the Durango which is made by the same damn parent company!!
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: Andy Verplank I had no idea that GM has ever made a good looking off road vehicle. Silverado, Tracker, Aztec? Non of these are great off road vehicles. Aren’t they all IFS? GM did not design the Hummer. The H2 is a prototype and so far it hasn’t been shown going over a speed bump.
There is a saying "GM is the largest company because they need someone to by GMs"
|
|
|
| Poster |
Thread |
| Anonymous |
Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00 |
| |
Originally posted by: Andy Verplank Hummers are Jeeps. Reasoning: 1)both trucks came from the US Army saying build us this. Strictly function not form. 2) AM General's granddad is Willys overland.
Liberties are H2's. Reasoning 1)both trucks came from designers who had no goals. They took the greatest purpose built trucks ever and made them purposeless. 2)the same people that think the Aztec is a design triumph designed the H2. Chrysler had a clue, DC does not. GM is, and looks like it always will, be clueless.
|
|
|
|
|
Digg This Story
Save This Page to del.icio.us
