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09/11/2005: "H-bombshell at 4x4 dealers"

Controversial showrooms for American off-road brand Hummer could be thundering their way to the UK, it has been revealed.

The dealerships have already sparked local planning battles in many US towns, where residents objected to the massive convex roofline and dramatic 'H' above the entrance.

Several earmarked sites were even refused the go-ahead by council bosses. Now, Ray Schmit, director for Hummer Europe, has told Auto Express there are plans for one or two British sales centres. They will sell the company's smallest model, the H3, in right-hand drive from 2007.

"We would certainly consider that new style of dealership," explained Schmit. "The buildings are very important to us; they are a way of communicating that the Hummer brand is unique and different."

He added that getting approval would depend on where the company tried to put the new showrooms. "If a potential location already has unique architecture, we will have problems," said Schmit. "But we'll work with what we have, to be in the right place."

It's expected that London will be selected for one Hummer showroom, with Manchester also on the cards.

(this article was taken from autoexpress.co.uk)