Area dealer holds out hope

NILES — Scott Tyler was disappointed when he heard that a deal to sell the Hummer brand to a Chinese company had apparently fallen through. Tyler, a partner in Tyler Automotive, has reason to be upset. After all, Tyler Automotive opened a new Quonset-hut-style Hummer dealership at 1810 S. 11th St., Niles, in 2006 to sell the brand. And there was a good deal of pride in being the only local dealership selling and servicing the Hummers that initially were produced only by South Bend-based AM General at plants in Mishawaka. "But I'm especially disappointed for AM General and its employees," Tyler said. "We need them to remain strong. Hummer was and is so unique." AM General, which has declined to comment on the Hummer situation, hasn't made the H2 for more than a year. However, the company was hopeful it could resume production of the vehicle along with a handicapped-accessible vehicle it will begin building later this year for Vehicle Production Group. Tyler said he's still hopeful that a buyer will be found for the brand. General Motors, which acquired Hummer about 10 years ago, has indicated it still will entertain offers, but potential investors will have to act fast. "Though Hummer's future looks bleak, it's not completely over with," Tyler said. "I'm hoping for a different buyer. Maybe something will come about the way Saab was saved." GM also thought the Saab brand was dead but then worked out a deal with Netherlands-based Spyker Automotive. Though the Niles dealership recently acquired a Kia franchise to also sell at the location, Tyler said he'd like nothing more than for the Hummer brand to live on. "Hummer customers are so loyal and enthusiastic for the brand," he said. "It has made doing business with them a joy." Staff writer Ed Semmler: esemmler @sbtinfo.com (574) 235-6466