NEW YORK - The Little Tikes Company today announced the introduction of the first ever HUMMER battery operated ride-on vehicles made especially for kids. The battery-operated vehicles were developed exclusively with General Motors and are scaled-down versions of GM’s popular HUMMER^® H2^TM SUV.

The two models were unveiled in conjunction with this week’s New York International Auto Show - the HUMMER H2 SUV and the Adventure Series HUMMER H2 SUV.

"The HUMMER H2 is one of our most popular and well-known vehicles and we are very excited to bring it to life for kids," said Marc Hernandez, marketing director for HUMMER. "Little Tikes provides a perfect match for HUMMER because we both share a commitment to safety and reliability - two important qualities our consumers want in their vehicles and in their toys."

"The HUMMER license is something we’ve had our eye on for awhile," Clancy Lavins, president of The Little Tikes Company shared. "We knew the popularity of this highly-coveted item among adult auto-enthusiasts would be just as strong with children. It gives them an imaginative and adventurous out-door play experience with the top-of-the-line SUV. We think our vehicles will be on the top of kids’ wish lists this year."

HUMMER H2 SUV
The bright yellow HUMMER H2 SUV is full of features that will get kids revved up for adventure. Great care has gone into replicating the features of the original HUMMER H2 SUV, including a forward tilt hood, hood latches, aircraft style gearshift, authentic wheels, adjustableseats, chrome grill and radio that offers a five-song play list.

Assembly of the HUMMER H2 SUV takes just 15-20 minutes. Simply apply four small decals, attach the seat and steering wheel, and install the radio and vehicle batteries. While it may not have the horsepower of the original, the 12-volt battery will provide hours of fun before it needs recharging and allows the vehicle to reach a top speed of 5 MPH.

As with all Little Tikes toys, safety is a top priority. Pretend seat belts help keep kids in the vehicle during their on- and off-road excursions. The gearshift has a high-speed lockout to allow parents to control the speed.

The HUMMER H2 SUV was created for children age three and up and has an MSRP of $249.99 (available exclusively at Wal-Mart beginning in May 2004.)

Adventure Series HUMMER H2 SUV
The pewter-colored Adventure Series HUMMER H2 SUV has all of the above features, plus a few more to add to the fun. Fog lights, brush guard, step bars, running boards, 14" wheels and two walkie-talkies - so you can communicate with a buddy up the road - are included. Add true-to-life engine and horn sounds and a radio with eight different songs for a great imaginative play experience. For children ages three and up, with an MSRP of $299.99 (available exclusively at Toys-R-Us beginning in July 2004.)