AM General: The Builder of the Humvee Legend

AM General is the heavy industry specialist that put the American military on wheels. Spun off from AMC in 1971, it created the iconic HMMWV (Humvee). When Arnold Schwarzenegger demanded a civilian version, AM General obliged with the Hummer H1, creating the ultimate symbol of street-legal military excess.

Born from Battle

AM General LLC traces its roots to the "General Products Division" of Studebaker and later Kaiser-Jeep. Formally established as a standalone company in 1971 by American Motors Corporation (AMC), its headquarters in South Bend, Indiana, became the heart of US military ground transport. Their defining moment came in 1983 when they won the Pentagon contract to build the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV or "Humvee").

The Schwarzenegger Effect

The Humvee was never meant for civilians. But after seeing a convoy in the Middle East, actor Arnold Schwarzenegger successfully lobbied AM General to sell him one. In 1992, the civilian Hummer H1 was launched, starting a craze for massive SUVs.

Contract Manufacturing Expert

While General Motors bought the "Hummer" brand name in 1999, AM General continued to build the H1 and the H2 for GM. The company is a master of contract manufacturing; uniquely, they were also the exclusive builder of the Mercedes-Benz R-Class for the Chinese market long after it left the US. Today, owned by KPS Capital Partners, AM General focuses on the next generation of light tactical vehicles (JLTV).

Frequently Asked Questions

Who owns AM General LLC in 2026?

<p>As of 2026, <strong>AM General LLC</strong> is a private company owned by <strong>KPS Capital Partners, LP</strong>. KPS acquired the manufacturer in late 2020 from MacAndrews & Forbes. Under this ownership, AM General has focused on aggressive technological modernization and securing major defense contracts, such as the second-generation <strong>Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV A2)</strong> program for the U.S. Military.</p>

Is AM General the manufacturer of the new 2026 JLTV A2?

<p>Yes, <strong>AM General</strong> is the primary manufacturer for the <strong>JLTV A2</strong> (Joint Light Tactical Vehicle). In early 2023, the company won the $8.66 billion contract to produce the second generation of these vehicles, surpassing the incumbent Oshkosh Defense. In 2026, the company is ramping up to full-rate production at its new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in <strong>Mishawaka, Indiana</strong>, delivering thousands of units to the <strong>U.S. Army</strong> and <strong>Marine Corps</strong>.</p>

What are the core vehicle platforms produced by AM General in 2026?

<p>AM General's 2026 product portfolio is centered on light tactical mobility solutions, including:</p><ul><li><strong>JLTV A2:</strong> The newest standard for protected light tactical vehicles.</li><li><strong>HUMVEE Saber:</strong> A next-generation evolutionary version of the HMMWV with enhanced armor and lethality.</li><li><strong>HUMVEE (HMMWV):</strong> The iconic multi-purpose platform, still produced for international allies and the <strong>National Guard</strong>.</li><li><strong>Soft Recoil Technology (SRT):</strong> Revolutionary mobile artillery solutions like the <strong>HUMVEE 2-CT Hawkeye</strong> 105mm Mobile Howitzer.</li></ul>

Where is AM General LLC headquartered and where are its plants?

<p><strong>AM General</strong> is headquartered in <strong>South Bend, Indiana</strong>. Its primary manufacturing operations are located at the <strong>Mishawaka Manufacturing Campus</strong> in Indiana. The company also operates a specialized <strong>Technology and Engineering Center</strong> in <strong>Auburn Hills, Michigan</strong>, and a <strong>Powertrain Assembly Plant</strong> in <strong>Franklin, Ohio</strong>, which produces heavy-duty diesel engines and transmissions for military applications.</p>

Does AM General produce an electric Humvee in 2026?

<p>In 2026, AM General is actively testing and showcasing advanced propulsion concepts, including the <strong>HUMVEE Charge</strong>. While the civilian <strong>GMC Hummer EV</strong> is a separate product by General Motors, AM General's military-grade EV initiatives focus on "silent watch" capabilities and hybrid-electric drive systems to reduce the thermal and acoustic signature of tactical vehicles on the battlefield for the <strong>U.S. Army</strong>.</p>

What is the difference between the military Humvee and the civilian Hummer?

<p>While they share a common heritage, the two are distinct products in 2026. <strong>AM General</strong> produces the <strong>HMMWV (Humvee)</strong> exclusively for military and government use, focusing on ruggedness, air-transportability, and modular armor. The <strong>GMC Hummer EV</strong> is a luxury consumer vehicle produced by <strong>General Motors</strong>. AM General previously produced the civilian H1, but today focuses strictly on the <strong>defense industrial base</strong>.</p>

What is AM General’s "Soft Recoil" technology?

<p><strong>Soft Recoil Technology (SRT)</strong> is a proprietary innovation that allows heavy weaponry, such as 105mm cannons, to be mounted on light tactical vehicles like the <strong>HUMVEE</strong>. By reducing the recoil force by up to 50%, AM General enables high-mobility artillery strikes without the need for heavy, slow-moving tracked platforms. In 2026, this technology is a key component of the <strong>Humvee Hawkeye</strong> systems being exported to international allies.</p>

How does AM General support the U.S. Postal Service (USPS)?

<p>AM General has a long history with the <strong>USPS</strong>, having previously built the iconic DJ-5 "Dispatcher" delivery jeeps. While they were a finalist for the <strong>Next Generation Delivery Vehicle (NGDV)</strong> contract, the primary award went to Oshkosh. However, in 2026, AM General continues to provide specialized <strong>lifecycle support</strong> and technical services for older fleet vehicles through its Aftermarket Fulfillment Center in <strong>South Bend</strong>.</p>

Does AM General export vehicles to international allies in 2026?

<p>Yes, AM General has a massive global footprint, with vehicles in service in over <strong>70 countries</strong>. In 2026, the company is processing multiple <strong>Foreign Military Sales (FMS)</strong> for the <strong>JLTV A2</strong> and the <strong>Humvee Saber</strong>. These exports are critical for maintaining interoperability between the U.S. and its NATO and global allies, particularly in Eastern Europe and the Indo-Pacific regions.</p>

What are AM General’s sustainability and "Army 2030" goals?

<p>Aligned with the <strong>U.S. Army’s 2030 and 2040</strong> climate strategies, AM General is integrating fuel-efficiency improvements and light-weighting materials into the <strong>JLTV A2</strong> production. The 2026 models feature over 250 engineering changes designed to improve fuel economy, reduce corrosion, and enhance the longevity of the light tactical vehicle fleet, thereby reducing the overall environmental and logistical footprint of U.S. military operations.</p>