GMC Hummer External EnvironmentCustomersThere are two distinct groups of people who purchase a Hummer: those who use it for practical purposes and those who drive the vehicle as a status symbol. The first group of people are those who drive the vehicle for more practical purposes. According to the Hummer article, the hummer was built based on the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV or Hum-Vee) concept. HMMWVs were military vehicles that provided aid to troops in rugged environments (2006, p.1). Therefore, a segment of the Hummer enthusiast population is the type of people who enjoy driving these vehicles off-road, as well as enjoying the power that the vehicle provides for driving up steep hills, rough terrain obstacles, and even driving it in shallow water. The second group of people are those who drive the vehicle as a status symbol. Gross explains that after the attacks on the World Trade Center, “Hummers became an arrogant symbol of American greatness” (p. 1). The people driving the Hummer were the ones who wanted to show support for the troops in Iraq and at the same time stimulate the economy (2006, p.1). However, the people who don't buy the Hummer in support of the war; buy the Hummer for the state that enacts the car. For example, these people may want to show off their success, demonstrate that they appreciate the finer things in life, have one of the largest vehicles on the road, or appreciate the vehicle's rugged appearance. Competition The Hummer is cornered. in a niche market from which the design has not yet been explored in the consumer automotive market. When we think of a large, powerful vehicle, the first vehicle most people think of is the Hummer. However, as the Hummer slowly enters the luxury SUV market with the introduction of the H3, the market becomes very fierce. Almost every major automaker has an SUV vehicle on the market; for example, Land Rovers, known for their world-class luxury SUVs. Additionally, Jeep has become a competing force in the SUV market by offering rugged 4x4 vehicles at affordable prices. Other competitors in the SUV market include Porsche Cayenne; BMW X5, X3; Lincoln Navigator; Acura RDX, MDX; Ford Escape, Explorer, Expedition, Edge; GMC envoy, Yukon; Buick Rainier, Appointment; Cadillac Escalade, SRX; Chevrolet Equinox, HHR, Suburban, Tahoe,