AM General is an American automotive company that specializes in the design and manufacture of military vehicles, as well as high mobility multi-purpose wheeled vehicles (HMMWVs). Founded in 1971 and based in South Bend, Indiana, AM General has a long history of producing top-quality vehicles that are designed to withstand the rigors of military service, and has become one of the most recognizable names in military vehicle production. AM General's earliest and perhaps most famous product was the HMMWV, or "Humvee," which was first introduced in the 1980s. The Humvee quickly became a staple of military operations, and its rugged design and versatility made it ideal for a wide range of missions, from troop transport to reconnaissance and tactical support. The Humvee was also used by various other organizations, including police departments and disaster relief organizations, which helped to further solidify its reputation as a versatile and dependable vehicle.