When a natural disaster strikes at remote locations around the world, first-responders, relief workers and businesses with operations in the area are challenged to be at the right place at the right time. Earthquakes, tsunamis and other weather-related events can crumble infrastructure, complicating transportation. Now, American ingenuity has come up with a new amphibious vehicle that can travel easily on land and water and is capable of many uses, including military and rescue roles.

"Natural disasters in recent memory, such as the earthquake and tsunamis in Japan, Thailand, Sri Lanka and elsewhere in Asia; as well as the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, illustrate the need for amphibians," said Gibbs' Chairman, Neil Jenkins.

Gibbs Amphibians, an Auburn Hills, Michigan company,has a new pair of high-speed amphitrucks called the Phibian and Humdinga. Both vehicles are designed to work both on- and off-road, can transport many passengers, are useful for military use and first responders and are configurable to meet varying sets of specifications.