The original Hummers were first designed and built by AM General Corporation, which was formerly AMC-Jeep's General Products division,in its Mishawaka, Indiana, assembly plant. The first model, the Hum-Vee, was built in a variety of military-based equipment and versions. The US$1.2 billion contract won by AM General in 1983 was to produce 55,000 Humvees by 1985, which was later increased to 15,000
additional units. AM General had planned to sell a civilian version of the Hum-Vee as far back as the late-1980s. Having the same structure and most mechanical components, the civilian Hummers were finished in automotive gloss paint, adding passenger car enhancements such as air conditioning, sound insulation, upgraded upholstery, stereo systems, wood trim, and convenience packages.The civilian model began in part because of the persistence of Arnold Schwarzenegger, who saw an Army convoy while filming a movie. In 1990, two matching white Hum-Vees were driven from London to Beijing over the rough roads of central Soviet Union. The Hummers made the trip with ease, for they were built to drive on off-road terrain. The highlights of this journey were broadcast in the United States on ESPN. This publicity would pale in comparison to the attention that the Hum-Vee received for its service in Gulf War Operation: Desert Storm, the following year. Also, a privately-owned Hum-Vee was modified into the first Snow-Vee, including the addition of caterpillar tracks, a new rear compartment and a new engine. This vehicle was designed for use in and just below the Arctic Circle, and the Antarctic. In 1992, AM General began selling a civilian version of the M998 Humvee vehicle to the public under the brand name "Hummer".
