Regardless of the rising pressure for drivers to move to smaller more environmentally sound vehicles, the Hummer H2 has proven to be a winning proposition for General Motors, so much so that GM will introduce a small concept version of the popular giant, the HX, at the coming Detroit auto show in January 2008.

Given the now popular "crossover" designation, the HX comes in smaller than the H3, currently the smallest of the Hummers and technically a mid-sized sport utility vehicle.

Speaking with reporters on December 10, Hummer general manager Martin Walsh said, "This vehicle [the HX] is an expansion of the Hummer brand," which should have appeal to drivers in their 20s and 30s with a degree of disposable income.

The vehicle will be a four-passenger, two-door with door panels, fenders, and a roof that can be removed. With the roof off it will resemble a hatchback, but GM prefers the term "slantback." With the fenders off, the HX takes on the appearance of a dune buggy or an open air Jeep.

At 188.1 inches in length, the HX is shorter than the H3 but has a wide front tack at 68 inches over the H3's 65 inches. Inside drivers will find a dominant center console with a wide but somewhat shallow instrument panel. The seats have been designed t give a dynamic appearance with the vehicle's doors removed.

Already sold in 37 countries, GM will take the Hummer brand to Japan in the next six months.