General Motors started the process of shedding its least-successful brands by selling off the worst-performing one. 

The AP reports, "General Motors Corp. said Tuesday that it has tentatively agreed to sell its Hummer brand, a day after the U.S. automaker filed for bankruptcy protection with hopes that it will transform its most profitable assets into a new company within just 30 days."  The company "did not name the proposed buyer or the price, but said the sale will likely save more than 3,000 U.S. jobs in manufacturing, engineering and at various Hummer dealerships."

GM Spokesman Nick Richards told PickupTrucks.com, "the buyer meets all of GM's criteria to purchase and operate the Hummer brand's civilian truck production: They have a proven track record in international business; they know the Hummer brand can perform better globally; and they have a long-term development plan and are willing to invest in future products." 

What products will Hummer's new owner make, and which ones will it cut?  That isn't yet clear, but PickupTrucks.com notes that the figure of 3,000 jobs saved "takes into account GM employees currently building the H3 SUV and H3T pickup truck at GM's Shreveport, La. but excludes contracted AM General workers making the H2 in Indiana."

The consequences of the sale for Hummer dealers are not yet clear.  Franchise agreements with freestanding Hummer dealerships will presumably shift to the new owner, but many current Hummer dealerships also sell Cadillacs - one of the four brands GM plans to save during its bankruptcy process.

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