Published September 2001

Dealer finds Hummers attract all types of drivers

By Kimberly Hilden
Herald Business Journal Assistant Editor

In a world of aerodynamic automobiles, of graceful curves and smooth detail, the Hummer, with its harsh angles and no-nonsense design, sure can make an impression.

“It’s so much different than anything out there running around on the road,” said Tom McDaniel, Hummer Product Manager at Doug’s Lynnwood Mazda-Suzuki-Hummer-Hyundai center. “There are some people who have said it’s the most beautiful thing they’ve ever seen. Most people say it’s the ugliest thing they’ve ever seen — but they’ve got to have one.”

Since becoming an authorized Hummer dealer in 1992 — one of the first in the world — Doug’s has found the brand’s customer base to be a diverse one, McDaniel said.

Some want the Hummer — whose price range begins near the $80,000 mark for a new one — for its off-road abilities: It can climb 60 percent grades fully loaded or ford 30 inches of water without making a fuss and has a 42-gallon fuel capacity. Others want it for “prestige purposes,” McDaniel said, filling it with all sorts of recreational goodies: VCRs, televisions, Nintendo systems.

Whether they’re farmers from Eastern Washington, outdoor types from across the region or dot-com execs from the Puget Sound area, customers hear about Doug’s selection (as many as 30 new and used Hummer models in stock on any given day), parts and service, and come calling.

“Just about anything that a Hummer owner’s heart desires, we can fulfill that obligation one way or another,” McDaniel said.

To get that message out, Doug’s has advertised in the duPont Registry, an automobile magazine that has “all the elite cars” in it, and various newspapers, McDaniel said. Doug’s also has used radio and television spots and puts its Hummers on display at Mariners home games, the Bite of Seattle, the Taste of Edmonds, Seafair and various car shows.

As a result, Doug’s averages about two to three sales a month, but the slowing economy has had an effect, McDaniel said.

“We do have quite a few in inventory right now, so we are doing everything we can to make the deal, to make the customer happy,” he said.

Along with selling current inventory, Doug’s is taking deposits for the Hummer H2 SUV, which is set to make its debut by the middle of next year and should be at Doug’s by October 2002, McDaniel said.

The H2 will be smaller than the current Hummer 1, McDaniel said, and will cost between $40,000 and $60,000.

“There’s a lot of excitement about that vehicle,” he said. “We get calls about it all day long every day.”

For more information on Doug’s Hummer dealership, located at 22130 Highway 99, call 425-774-3551 or visit the dealer’s Web site, www.dougs.com.

Back to the top/September 2001 Main Menu