Hendrick Dynamics and BAE Systems are working together to present the Jeep Ground Mobility Vehicle (GMV), answering the U.S. Army’s call for a new ultra-light vehicle supporting the Global Response Force.
Unveiled today at the AUSA Exposition, the latest Jeep GMV prototype is a tactically-prepared commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) vehicle, leveraging large-scale automotive production exceeding 200,000 units annually, and competitive multi-source supply chains to significantly reduce acquisition and sustainment costs. The Jeep GMV further reduces operational burden by utilizing on-board diagnostics in conjunction with pre-existing service information and parts supply networks spanning 100 countries.
“The Jeep is capable, in just the last two years they’ve successfully deployed in combat and completed the Army’s GMV performance demonstration,” said Marshall Carlson, Hendrick Dynamics General Manager. “With the support of BAE Systems, we share a vision to provide the fully capable GMV platform at a much-lower acquisition and sustainment cost than our competition.”
The Army, being proactive in applying acquisition best practices, began the GMV program by seeking commercial off-the-shelf vehicles. The Jeep GMV creates a solution that is both high performing and economical. When compared to vehicles purpose-built solely for government use, Jeep GMV’s global-scale automotive infrastructure enhances fleet uptime, greatly reduces repair costs, and minimizes government-maintained parts stocks.
“Hendrick Dynamics has taken an innovative, but solid approach in creating this COTS GMV platform, that we believe will provide the Army with the low-cost, expeditionary capability that is needed to achieve their Force 2025 objectives.” said Mark Signorelli, Vice President and General Manager of Combat Vehicles at BAE Systems.
The Jeep GMV team is strengthened further by Ultra Armoring, who utilizes some of the most advanced fabrication machinery and refined engineering processes in the world. Ultra brings significant experience and success in cost-effectively preparing modified commercial vehicles for defense customers. Serving both the commercial and government marketplaces, Ultra performs multi-year contracts with the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Special Operations Command.