Mannai Trading Co. unveils much awaited Hummer H3T

"The H3T is bigger than a midsize truck and smaller than a full-size truck, creating its own niche in the market," said Mohamad Helmy, General Manager, Mannai Trading Co. "It is endowed with all the attributes expected of a Hummer including exceptional off-road capability and a premium interior that is as functional as it is comfortable."

The Hummer HUB, which is a Hummer Owners' community in Qatar established by Hummer Owners with the support of Mannai Trading co., took the initiative to introduce the new colt in the stable to Hummer enthusiasts in the country in its natural habitat - the wild desert. So as the sun rose, Doha awoke to the awe-inspiring sight of a motorcade of Hummers headed towards Mesaieed and the Inland Sea in the South of Qatar. The eager convoy had just departed from the Mannai Headquarters following a sneak peek of the recently unveiled H3T.

After a quick stop at the edge of the desert to deflate tires and carry out final checks, the adventurers drove into the desert and towards their destination. No one was left unimpressed by the new H3T.

"It seats five so comfortably and yet there's all the room you need in the back for luggage and gear. I could easily put my off-road bike in there and drive down to the desert every weekend without even requiring a trailer!"

says one club member.

"And the ease with which it tackled the dunes was just breathtaking. All in all it's just a fantastic package."

The H3T is based on the architecture of the popular H3, but features a five-passenger crew cab and a separate five foot long (1.5 meters) bed resulting in a 134 inch wheelbase - a full 22 inches longer than the H3. In addition to its segment defying size, the H3T is the only midsize truck to come standard with full-time four wheel drive, 32 inch tires and functional skid shields. It is also the only midsize truck to offer front and rear locking differentials as well as 33 inch tires as options. Like the regular H3, both the 3.7L 5-cylinder and 5.3L V8 are available, the latter being a part of the top-level Alpha trim and capable of towing a whopping 5,900 pounds (2,676 kg).

"Like all Hummer models, the H3T has a purposeful design and consistent & iconic styling cues," says Helmy, "including a wide, aggressive stance, a low roofline and high beltline and large, off-road tires." The seven slot grille and round headlamps mounted in square housings are signature Hummer design elements, and the cargo area has standard bedrails as well as additional storage compartments. The rear seat of the crew cab can also be flipped down to provide additional flat cargo space when necessary.

As one HUB member put it, the H3T "offers the best balance of power, comfort, and practicality to go with its off-road credentials, particularly for people who have to lug cargo or bikes & quads on a regular basis."

With the 2009 event calendar off to a lively start, the Hummer HUB is all set to rally the Hummer community this year just as it did in 2008. With a record number of active participants and constant support from Mannai Auto, the Hummer Hub is fast becoming a great value add for Hummer owners in Qatar. As one member describes the experience - "It's always a special feeling to hang out with others who share your passion for the outdoors and for a very special vehicle. Whether it's dune bashing at sunrise or just a coffee on a Friday evening, the camaraderie and friendship we share is like nothing else."