The G variant of the Pz. IV was produced starting in May 1942. In April 1943 production began on the H variant—eventually the most massively produced version of the Pz. IV. The Ausf. H shared the upgraded gun of the Ausf. G, and utilized a single 80-mm front glacis plate instead of layered plates. A new transmission slightly reduced vehicle speed but was more reliable. The tanks of this variant also featured side screens, 5–8 mm thick, on the hull and turret sides. A total of 3,774 vehicles of the Ausf. H were built.