Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network—Mangalore (RD/CN)

Mangalore, Nov 29: Hummer H2, the American all-terrain four wheel drive (4WD) vehicle, a fantastic car reverred for its satellite-linked security system, has been putting the city roads on fire since the last three days. This is the first such car with advanced features, to have been introduced in the city. The car, shipped from Dubai port, reached the port here recently,

The car, ‘Hummer H2’, manufactured by General Motors USA, has made its foray into India, with a handful of cars moving around in the metros. The state capital Bangalore, has only one such vehicle as of now. Prasad Panikker, originally from Tiruvanantapuram, Kerala, who runs a mining industry in UAE, and a resident of Kadri Temple New Road here, is the proud owner of this prestigious vehicle.

The car has excellent luxury features besides security system and medical facility. It has six seats, and the seats provide cozy comfort for the passengers, depending upon their individual weights.  Travelling in the car gives an experience of flying in an aircraft. The driver’s seat is located on the left, and the vehicle has in-built systems to repair a punctured tyre or inflate the tyres when they get deflated.

The vehicle continuously has connectivity with security agencies through the satellite.  If someone steals the vehicle, the vehicle sends the signal to the policemen immediately through the satellite. As the driver/owner has to start the vehicle through his/her secret codes, which are registered in advance through the satellites, others cannot start the vehicle. It would be impossible for the thieves to lay hands on valuables kept in the vehicle, and in USA, this vehicle is specifically used for security purposes.

General Motors manufactures ‘Hummer H1’ for the Americal army, while ‘Hummer H2’ is meant exclusively for civilians. The car gives a mileage of two kms per litre of petrol, and Prasad Panikker claims that this vehicle has been introduced in South India for the first time.

This vehicle bears international registration number. Panikker says that the Kerala policemen have been quick to understand the registration system of the car, while the Karnataka policemen stop the car repeatedly and view the records with suspicion.  He however, was not prepared to reveal its price.

Panikker, a mechanical engineer, has been in UAE since the last two decades. He holds a PhD from an American university.