MISHAWAKA, Ind. (AP) _ Officials at northern Indiana's AM General factory are hopeful of its chances for being picked to build a new military tactical vehicle.
 
  The company says it delivered 22 vehicles eight days early for testing in the latest round of the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle program for the Army and Marine Corps.
 
  The vehicles were built at AM General's assembly plant in Mishawaka where for several years it has made Humvees for the military.
 
  Company vice president Chris VanSlager tells the South Bend Tribune that the company's early delivery of the vehicles on Wednesday helps its chances of winning the contract for possibly building 18,000 vehicles over a five-year period.
 
  Two other companies also remain in the contract competition. Military officials expect a decision next year.