| With fuel efficiency rated at 25 miles per gallon | | | | Republic National Police and Nicaragua's armed |
| and a sticker price of just $49,000, the new 4x4 | | | | forces to purchase the amphibious vehicle. He |
| amphibious Rodedawg ( is positioned to jump | | | | foresees marketing the vehicle to U.S. federal and |
| over the competition to become leader of the | | | | state agencies, as well as the military. "In the |
| off-road pack. "As a recreational vehicle for | | | | aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the Rodedawg |
| boating, hunting, fishing, or simply exploring, the | | | | would have been a perfect fit for search and |
| Rodedawg is unparalleled," said Pallais. | | | | rescue operations," said Pallais. "Pre-positioning |
| The Rodedawg, scheduled for U.S. approval for | | | | Rodedawgs in the vicinity of potential disaster |
| off-road use by year's end, is certain to attract | | | | areas would save valuable time and translate into |
| enthusiasts who want to run with the big "dawgs" | | | | saving lives." |
| while spending only half the cost of a Hummer. | | | | When the Rodedawg bursts onto the U.S. scene |
| Currently available in Mexico and Nicaragua, the | | | | early next year, it will set tails wagging among the |
| Rodedawg is the vision of Luis Pallais, Commercial | | | | off-road crowd. With a four-cylinder, 2.77 liter |
| Attaché to the Nicaraguan Consul General's | | | | Isuzu 4JB1 turbocharged diesel engine, the |
| Office in San Francisco, and an automotive | | | | Rodedawg 4x4 will be offered in three models: a |
| industry veteran. After catching a glimpse in a | | | | convertible, a truck, and an SUV. Each model can |
| Beijing military warehouse of the amphibious | | | | be custom fitted to the customer's specifications, |
| off-road vehicle that would later become the | | | | although standard models come equipped with |
| Rodedawg, Pallais was smitten. | | | | plush interiors and features designed for a |
| "I never saw a vehicle that caught my eye as | | | | comfortable ride in even the most rugged terrain |
| much as this one did, and frankly, I fell in love | | | | - at about half the cost of a Hummer. |
| with it," he said. "I immediately knew that its | | | | For water travel, the Rodedawg is driven by a |
| appeal and functionality was broad enough to | | | | rear propeller attached to the PTO shaft. During |
| engage both governments and consumers." | | | | amphibious operation, the vehicle can reach six to |
| Rodedawg International Industries, Inc., which | | | | eight miles per hour and has a turning diameter of |
| owns the trademark rights to the brand name | | | | 66 feet. On land, the Rodedawg can handle a 44 |
| "Rodedawg" in many countries around the globe, | | | | percent incline with ease. |
| is currently in negotiations with the Dominican | | | | |