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