Hummers for the Red Cross

Since 1995, when AM General Corporation, later to be absorbed by General Motors, started producing a civilian equivalent of the military vehicle M998 High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV better known as the Hum-vee). This vehicle was also much known as the Hummer and as a monster of a vehicle, it has been known world over for its toughness and reliability and for the heavy duty Hummer parts that it uses. Not to mention the coolness factor, a symbol for power and prestige. It is more than just a car, it is a statement. When General Motors took over the Hummer, they have renamed it the H1 and added two more versions, the H2 and the H3.

The only bad reputation this off-road vehicle received was with regards to its capacity to guzzle a huge amount of gas making critics label it excessively damaging to the environment. While that may be the case, the Hummer may be converted into an eco-friendly machine but it would cost a fortune.

The muscle and the appetite of this car is unparalleled even by modern standards in full sized SUVs. But this monster of a machine has practical use, and a very helpful one at that. Due to the fact that the Hummer’s off-road dependability is like no other, it is considered as the best rescue vehicle in cases of major natural calamities. With its cargo capacity and overall off-road performance it is ideal as support vehicles for rescue and relief efforts by various humanitarian aid organizations.

One such organization is HOPE (Hummer Owners Prepared for Emergencies) and this organization was made possible by the teaming up of the American Red Cross and the Hummer Club Inc. These two organizations train Hummer owners in basic first aid skills and CPR and basic off-road skills so that they will be equipped to help victims in cases of disasters. This shows that behind all those muscles and machismo aura that the car definitely exudes is a machine that is ready to help in humanitarian aids.

Another positive impact of the Hummer in the relief and rescue efforts of the American Red Cross is the donation of 72 Hummers from General Motors. This fleet of amazing machines is composed of H1s, H2s and H3s, all of which are covered by the Major Guard Protection extended coverage service from the company at no charge. All these Hummers will be in service during disasters where their off-road capabilities will be of much service. The H2s and H3s donated by GM also feature OnStar services, giving drivers navigation information to make disaster relief and rescue operation faster.

Having these Hummers on the side of the Red Cross may alter how people look at this marvelous piece of machinery. It may have possessed an aura of indifference, something unattainable thus having critics give it a bad name but these moves on the part of Hummer owners and the manufacturer may have turned the tide and just gave the Hummer a facelift and a friendlier aura.