New GM Designers Present HUMMER HX Concept

Anthony Fontanelle
December 13, 2007

Three graduates from the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, Michigan were tested by GM to create their own innovative design for a fun and nimble HUMMER concept. As a result these three new designers - David Rojas, Min Young Kang and Robert Jablonski came up with the HUMMER HX that provides a "vision for the future design of off-road vehicles", according to GM. The new HUMMER HX concept will make its public debut at the upcoming 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit early this January.

In a recent GM press release, Ed Welburn, vice president of global design and product planning said: "HUMMER appeals to young people globally and served as a perfect first assignment for our newest talent. Today's graduates from top design schools are ready to hit the ground running. The HUMMER design challenge gave our newest designers an opportunity to sprint."

To come up with the HUMMER HX design, the three new GM designers were given limited design direction by Carl Zipfel, director of the HUMMER design studio. GM said that with Zipfel's guide, the three designers will ensure that they will come up with design cues that embody the true language of the HUMMER brand. This was a great challenge for the designers as they undergone numerous tasks to create a new design for a nameplate that is known all over the world for its aggressive and bold appearance.

David Rojas commented: "Carl definitely set the tone. While he gave us creative liberty and challenged us to develop innovative ideas, he also defined three HUMMER proportions – wheelbase, approach and departure angles, and stance – and assigned one to each of us. It gave us a chance to collaborate, but also take our own direction."

"Working as a team, you realize it's more than one person influencing the vehicle. You can see the inspiration from each of our designs in the final concept vehicle. We're all proud to have the chance to see our sketches become reality." he added.

David Rojas, Min Young Kang and Robert Jablonski went to the HUMMER studio to do the sketching and sculpting process. The three designers did this together and improved their individual designs. This was followed by keen collaboration of these three creative minds to make the final design of a new concept. Finally, the three newbie GM designers presented a scale clay models to GM vice chairman Bob Lutz and Ed Welburn. The two GM officials chose which design would be the HX concept to roll out in production facilities soon.

"We drew inspiration from one another. As you're designing and sketching you try to absorb what the other designer is doing and try to make it better." said Kang

Jablonski also commented: "While we took inspiration from the HUMMER heritage and DNA, we each wanted to evolve it in a new way. We agreed it should be contemporary, compact and definitely open air. It came out great."

While customers look for auto parts upgrades like Acura CL engine parts, they should watch out for the HUMMER HX include as it features E-85 FlexFuel capability, removable roof panels, removable rear roof assembly, removable doors and fender flairs, and slant back assembly.

Source:  Amazines.com