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Ward's Auto World, Jul 1, 2005
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Suppliers Help Differentiate H3
by Brian Corbett
Ward's Auto World, Jul 1, 2005
The Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon midsize pickups are struggling in the market, so General Motors Corp. faced a big
challenge regarding parts sourcing decisions for its Hummer H3 program.
The three vehicles share the GMT355 platform and are built on the same line at GM's Shreveport, LA, assembly plant, which
limited the auto maker's options for differentiating the entry-luxury H3 from the more affordable Colorado and Canyon.
The H3, with a starting price some $14,000 higher than its platform mates, needed to maintain Hummer's bold exterior styling
while significantly upgrading interior appointments. Judging by the initial market response, GM has succeeded.
"(The H3) shares very few components (with the Colorado and Canyon)," says Brooks Stover, Hummer H3 vehicle line director.
"We were trying hard to avoid the phrase, 'derived from the 355.'" Less than 15% of parts are common across all three vehicles.
The 3.5L 5-cyl. engine is the same but recalibrated for the H3.
Much of the H3 program focused on the interior. "Everything is new," says Stover. GM worked with Intier Automotive Inc.
(instrument panel carrier and door trim), Collins & Aikman Corp. (carpet), Johnson Controls Inc. (seats) and other suppliers
to ensure good fit-and-finish, comfortable seating and an upscale atmosphere.
The H3 cabin recently won the Interior of the Year Award for popularly priced trucks at the 2005 Auto Interiors show
presented by Ward's.
On the exterior, Stover credits Siegel-Robert Automotive, which supplies the signature grille. Achieving a clean fit with
the expansive hood was a challenge. Siegel-Robert was up to the task, Stover says.
"It's certainly one of the biggest plated plastic parts in the industry," Stover says. "This is all one piece."
The H3 also needed ample fender flares to accommodate 33-in. tires and a tight turning radius. GM wanted the flares to be
plastic but to look like steel. Accepting the challenge was Flex-N-Gate Forming Technologies LLC.
"This is the largest plastic piece that's been used by GM, integrated with the vehicle," Stover says.
The supplier also worked around-the-clock to solve a fit-and-finish problem that surfaced late in the program.
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