IT'S A HUMMER 

If you watched segments of the Gulf War on CNN, you must have seen those HUMMERs (High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle) that U.S. Army troops were wheeling around in during desert patrols. Now they are aimed for civvy street. A dolled-up and multi-cushioned -- and pricey -- version is about to hit the road, and lots of off-road areas.

The Hummer was designed, engineered and built by AM General (the vehicle manufacturing subsidiary of LTV Aerospace and Defense Company) for the U.S. Army, as a replacement vehicle for World War II jeeps and other light tactical trucks. The civilian version will still carry full-time four-wheel drive, independent suspension, steep approach and departure angles, 60 percent gradeability and 16 inches (41 centimetres) of ground clearance. They will be manufactured at the HUMMER production facility in Mishawaka, Indiana. Initially, AM General will market three civilian models: a two-door and a four-door pickup plus an open top sport model. According to AM General President, James A. Armour, the Gulf War television coverage sparked civilian interest in this "ultimate" off-road vehicle.

The civvy version features the same train drive, chassis, engine and basic body as the military version. It will have a 12-volt electrical system (the military used 24-volt) and exterior lighting and markings will conform to federal on-road standards. It will have classy floor carpets, much softer seats, a stereo music system and, at least in the Beverly Hills "limited edition" version, sold at Neiman Marcus, the "His" and "Hers" models will have sand-colored models for men and red or colors for ladies. Only the price is in gold: US $54,000. Each.

Interior protection will be increased with padded steel doors to diminish side impact and a padded instrument panel. Two and fourdoor pickups will have new hard tops, instead of the expensive ballistic hard tops on the military versions. But the HUMMER will maintain the durability and rugged look of the original.

The targeted market includes non-Department of Defense agencies, fleet and industrial users, small business owners, farmers, ranchers and pleasure drivers. Non-military variants are already in use by the Border Patrol and the National Park Service. At the recent NADA (National Auto Dealers Association) convention in Dallas, the sample on display had been made into a small, efficient fire truck!

The first 1,000 commercial units will feature an identification plate engraved with the vehicle's serial number and the customer's name, mounted on each "limited edition". Buyers get a one-day training session at the AM General off-road driving course, along with a tour of the HUMMER manufacturing plant and a one year membership in their environmental "Tread Lightly" program. As of January, 1992 more than 80,000 HUMMERs are in service with the U.S. Armed Forces at 350 locations in the U.S. and overseas as well as with some friendly foreign countries. More information: Craig C. MacNab, Director, Public Relations and Advertising, AM General Corporation, 105 N. Niles Ave., South Bend, Ind. 46617-7025. Phone: 219/284-2929 or 800/3-HUMVEE. Fax: 219/284-2959 or 2814.

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