The complete re-design and redevelopment by some of the UK’s best bus and coach engineers has resulted in a number of changes which are unique to this vehicle and has made it the first Hummer in the world to be bought up to these standards.

The vehicle was recently seen brake testing a MIRA where a team of trained engineers spent several days monitoring the vehicles stopping capabilities along with testing turning circles which all proved successful.

When the vehicle has received the thumbs-up from the COIF testing station, the H2 will be recognised as an EU approved, Class M3, COIF’d PSV minibus which will allow it to carry up to sixteen passengers safely and legally.

Just some of the work has seen a new steering system and parts of the front suspension being re-designed and new parts manufactured. The brake system has been modified with an electromagnetic brake retarder installed on the prop shaft and fully integrated with the ABS system.

The new design weight is 6050kgs and all steering and suspension components are certificated and signed-off for this weight and approved by VOSA and VCA.

In accordance with 2006 regulations, a speed limiter to 100kph is fitted. The stretch is 180” and the major bodywork changes include raising the roof by 5” and increasing the size of both rear doors to 1210 x 530mm so either door may be used as the emergency exit.

Peter Fusco from US Autos commented; “We have cut no corners in adapting this vehicle. We have been working closely with a senior test inspector from VOSA who has been acting as the official consultant on this project from day one. We are excited about this project which I feel is going to move the industry forward and will obviously prove invaluable for any operator.”

Standard vehicle specifications include sixteen side facing seats, disco floor with custom carpeting, full width bar across partition, second bar next to emergency exit, reversing camera and coach monitoring camera with driver’s roof mounted drop down screen.

It is also fitted with PlayStation 2, karaoke machine, smoke machine, large ice box replaces front passenger seat, under car lighting with colour changing and sequencing, lights with driver only controls, all bars and edge lighting, three 9” flat TV screens, Limotouch system and dual alternators/ air con/ batteries.

Orders now being taken with a build time twelve weeks and are priced at £115,000 + VAT. They are available in any standard Hummer colour – non standard extra. Full three year warranty and a full spares support with finance packages available.

Orders have apparently been flooding in for the first Hummer H2 which is planned to receive a COIF certificate in September.