The "ecologically friendly" Hummer

General Motors' sale of the Hummer line of SUVs to Chinese machinery maker Sichuan Tengzhong Heavy Industrial Machinery last year is still awaiting approval by the Chinese government, but, word that the H3 qualifies for Japan's "Cash for Clunkers" program might speed the process up a bit. This New York Times story has all the details:

Japanese drivers spooked by the recent Toyota and Prius recalls might consider another vehicle certified as “ecologically friendly” under Japan’s expanded cash-for-clunkers program: the Hummer H3.
Starting this week, Japanese buyers of the hulking power machines from General Motors — which come with a 5.3-liter, 300 horsepower engine and roar to 60 miles per hour in eight seconds — receive a 250,000 yen ($2,780) subsidy under Japan’s new, looser fuel-efficiency standards for imported cars.

Apparently, getting 16 miles per gallon qualifies for the incentive program in Japan if the vehicle's weight is high enough, plus, there seems to be something of a cult following for Hummers in a nation where the roads aren't wide enough for some models.

For those of you not familiar with the history of Hummers at this blog, see this little item from more than four years ago - Hummer Overfloweth.