HILO, Hawai'i — A Hilo Chevrolet dealer literally crushed his Asian auto competition — but found the stunt harder to pull off than expected.

Island Chevrolet general sales manager James Severtson arranged for a Chevrolet Suburban sport utility vehicle outfitted with massive tires costing $5,000 apiece to drive over a Honda Accord on Dec. 19.

On the first attempt, the monster truck blew a hydraulic hose and leaked vital fluid while the Honda remained intact and ready for more.

After several hours, the truck was repaired and driver Ryan Kepiki tried again.

This time a second victim, a Hyundai Excel sedan, was parked next to the Honda.

Kepiki drove over the cars' hoods, destroying the windshields to the seeming delight of the rush-hour crowd.

Severtson said the dealership had been planning the crush-fest for a while.

But he said it was a happy coincidence President Bush approved a bailout for U.S. automakers at around the same time as the stunt.

"We'd like to send the message that the best way to support your country is to buy an American vehicle today," Severtson said.