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Why didn't GM recall fire-prone Hummers earlier?

As early as 2009, motorists reported fires in the Hummer H3. In a complaint filed that March with the regulatory agency in charge of vehicle safety, one motorist said they leaped into a smoldering vehicle and drove it away from gas pumps moments before it was engulfed in flames. Three months later, another motorist described how a fire spread from behind the glove box and consumed their H3. Dozens of car owners filed similar complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the six years that followed, detailing car fires of varying severity that originated in the HVAC systems of their Hummer H3s. But General Motors didn't issue a recall for any of the affected cars until last week, prompting fresh questions about how the company treats safety concerns in the wake of an ignition-switch flaw that went unaddressed for years and, at latest count, is responsible for killing at least 124 motorists. In recall documents filed with NHTSA last week, GM initially said it knew of three fires associated with the defect. Within hours, the company said it knew of 42 fires associated with the problem and three injuries sustained by vehicle occupants. A company spokesperson attributed the inconsistency to a "misstated" number in the original documents and that the higher number comes from NHTSA complaints, reports to GM and TREAD data. Beyond that discrepancy, the documents show General Motors, which has touted a revitalized attitude toward safety concerns since the ignition-switch recalls, did nothing upon determining there was a problem with the H3s. Prompted by two complaints the company received in September 2014, General Motors says it launched an internal investigation related to melting blowers in the HVAC system on December 8, 2014. In that investigation, the company says it confirmed a problem existed, finding that "mismatched electrical conductivity could result in overheating and melting of the blower motor connector module." But even with that conclusion, the company opted to close its internal investigation on April 29, 2015, without taking any action. It wasn't until NHTSA officials met with GM representatives in a meeting on June 18, 2015, that General Motors was prompted to reconsider.

My year in EVs: 8 electrics that are changing the car industry

The year 2021 will go down as an inflection point in the auto industry’s transition to electric vehicles. It's when many much-anticipated models became reality. No longer sketches or sketchy prototypes, electric vehicles appeared from all corners with everything from the Lucid Air to Ford Mustang Mach-E changing how we think about transportation. I managed to drive a lot of them, and as I went through my notes, I realized IÂ’ve got a mini memoir of the seminal EVs of 2021. HereÂ’s my take on eight of them. Hummer EV Easily the most over-the-top EV I tested this year. The 1,000-hp super truck lived up to the hype with its domineering presence, stupendous power and simply being a reincarnated Hummer. I took it for a short spin on- and off-road at the General Motors Proving Grounds in Milford, Mich., and was impressed with the airy cabin, removable sky panels and expansive touchscreens. Yes, I crab walked, which felt like steering a pontoon boat, though I can see why it would be useful. Lucid Air Dream Performance The most beautiful sedan I tested all year, EV or otherwise. Unlike the futuristic Mercedes EQS — which is quite attractive — LucidÂ’s car is a blend of mid-century modern interior aesthetics and classic European exterior styling. When I walked up for my test drive, someone who IÂ’m pretty sure was comedian Jon Lovitz was sitting inside and taking it all in. As it sat in the valet of a hotel in a wealthy suburban enclave north of Detroit, the Lucid drew more attention than any of the Mercedes, Cadillacs or Lexus models passing by. The driving experience was enveloping. Starting at $169,000 for the Performance model (reservations are closed), the Lucid I sampled packed 1,111 hp and 471 miles of range. From the precise steering to the comfortable suspension, the dynamics were spot-on. It's a formidable product, and all the more impressive given itÂ’s LucidÂ’s first. Chevy Bolt EV The Bolt was the most pleasant surprise for me. It handled well, offered low-to-the-ground hot hatch dynamics and the steering was dialed-in. Adding a crossover variant for the new generation was a smart play. On a summer morning where I went to a first drive of the Ford Bronco at an off-road course, my hour-long commute in the Bolt was an enjoyable appetizer.  The Bolt was also my biggest disappointment due to its extensive recalls for fire risk. Ironically, I had the Bolt in my driveway when the initial recall went out for the previous generation (2017-19).

Watch the 2022 GMC Hummer EV launch using its Watts to Freedom mode

It’s nearly the July Fourth weekend, and GM is celebrating Independence Day a little earlier than most. The celebration comes in the form of a GMC Hummer EV demonstrating Watts to Freedom, or WTF, mode for us on video. You can watch it at the top of this post, but the idea is rather simple. ItÂ’s just a video of a Hummer development vehicle accelerating as quickly as it can from 0-60 mph and beyond. GMC claims its 1,000-horsepower electric Hummer is capable of hitting the 0-60 mph mark in “approximately 3 seconds,” which is borderline terrifying for how large of a vehicle it is. The super-quick time is possible when using the Watts to Freedom launch control mode, which “channels the propulsion systemÂ’s tremendous power into acceleration bursts.” The truck will still be plenty fast when accelerating normally, but WTF mode is what you should use to unlock its full potential. GMCÂ’s video shows us the graphics it uses in the digital cluster to signal Watts to Freedom is activated, and the whole sequence looks like it leans on U.S. military themes for both design and phrasing. For example, GMC lets you know that Watts to Freedom is ready via an “Armed” message in the cluster.  The 2022 GMC HUMMER EV is a first-of-its kind supertruck develop View 40 Photos Instead of a rumbling exhaust and screeching tires, the Hummer appears to silently launch with all four tires grabbing on and catapulting the truck away. It looks quick as it throws all of the weight rearward into an accelerative squat. And in case you missed it, thatÂ’s a lot of weight — GMC says itÂ’ll tip the scale at 9,046 pounds. GMC has previously said that production will begin in late 2021, and this video continues to confirm that timeframe with a note saying “initial availability Fall 2021.” Do keep in mind that only the sold-out Launch Edition is coming at that time. Other cheaper variants will follow in the years to come. Related video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. GMC Hummer EV reveal