An official state car is an automobile used by a government to transport its head of state or head of government in an official capacity, which may also be used occasionally to transport other members of the government or visiting dignitaries from other countries. A few countries bring their own official state car for state visits to other countries, for instance, the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Germany and Japan. It also may serve as an automotive symbol of the head of state and their country. An official state car must have adequate security, capability and stateliness for its duty. A limousine or other high-end vehicle is usually selected.
Due to the high security risk of the passengers, these vehicles are often heavily secured and protected. Vehicles may be armored by the manufacturer or an after-market specialist. In this article the term "armored car" invariably means a reinforced civilian vehicle, not a military vehicle. When carrying an important passenger, state vehicles may be surrounded by a motorcade consisting of police or military personnel. The vehicle's driver might also be from the law enforcement or military pool. The driver of the United States Presidential State Car is an experienced agent from the Secret Service, the British prime minister is driven by a Specialist Protection officer from the Metropolitan Police Service, and the Canadian prime minister is driven by a Protective Services officer from the RCMP.
In some cases state cars may bear standard number plates; in others special or no plates are used.
Sourcing
In countries that have domestic automobile manufacturers, the government will usually commission one of the national automakers to provide a state car, or allow several to provide cars for an official state fleet. It is considered an honour for a car manufacturer to be selected to provide a state car for their respective country and a demonstration of the confidence of a government in their national industry.[1] For example, the president of the United States currently uses a Cadillac with special undisclosed security features commissioned by the United States government, built by General Motors. Historically the president also used Lincoln, manufactured by Ford Motor Company and also Chrysler vehicles having been used in the past, representing the Detroit Three of American manufacturers.
For countries without major indigenous manufacturers, an official state car may be purchased from a suitable manufacturer in a nation with strong economic and diplomatic ties. Canada typically aims to exclusively use state cars manufactured by the Detroit Three, many of which are made in Canadian factories, with the United States and American car manufacturers having a historically strong relationship with Canada. These companies have a well established and rich manufacturing history dating back to the 1920s in Ontario.
Countries
The following lists some state cars and their users belonging to various sovereign states and other territories. The list is likely to be out of date in some cases, as incumbents and cars change.
The Australian prime minister's BMW 7 Series, January 2017.
The official state car of the prime minister of AustraliaAnthony Albanese is a white armoured BMW 7 Series, supported at all times by an armoured BMW X5. Prior to 2013, vehicles in the prime ministerial fleet were white armored Holden Caprice and Ford Territory[7] The prime ministerial vehicle is also escorted by police vehicles from state and federal authorities. The prime minister's car bears the number plate C1 (meaning "Commonwealth One") and a centrally mounted Australian flag.[8] The prime ministerial car fleet operates as part of COMCAR, a division of the Australian Government's Department of Finance.[9]
In 2013, BMW was selected to provide a fleet of 7 Series High Security (F03) vehicles as part of a tender to replace the ageing armoured Holden Caprice fleet that formerly transported the Australian prime minister. The off-the-shelf replacements offered greater protection and better value for money.[10] A BAE and GM-Holden consortium also bid for the contract.[11]
Austria
Senior government figures in Austria drive in the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The Current Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen uses an Armored BMW 7 Series xdrive escorted by a motorcade consisting of BMW X5 Audi Q7 Audi A8 And Mercedes Benz S class.[12]
The current king of Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, rides in a red extended Mercedes Benz S Class W221 and uses a Mercedes 600 Landaulette as a ceremonial car, escorted by a motorcade consisting of The Toyota Land Cruiser, BMW 7 Series, and Nissan Patrol.
Bangladesh
Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus travels in a BMW 7 Series and a Mercedes-Maybach W222 along with a motorcade of security guards.[16][17]
The Belgian king, Philippe, uses a Mercedes-Benz S-Class or a BMW 7 Series, mostly with the number plate '1', because he is the commander in chief of the army. For his inauguration, a Mercedes-Benz 600landaulette was used. He was also seen in A Land Rover Range Rover with The Plate '3'. All royal family members drive cars with only numbers on the licence plate.
The prime minister of BelgiumAlexander De Croo uses an Audi A6. Federal government officials drive cars with number plates starting with an "A" followed by one to three numbers. Regional government officials drive cars with number plates starting with an "E" followed by one to three numbers. Members of parliament and the senate drive cars with number plates starting with a "P" followed by three numbers.
The ceremonial state car of the president of Brazil is a 1952 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith, reserved exclusively for Independence Day commemorations, state visits and the presidential inauguration. The official state car used by the president for regular transportation is a 2011-model armored version of the Ford Fusion Hybrid.[21] The car is also used as escort car for the presidential motorcade. The Fusion was first used in June 2008[22] when it replaced a 2004 Chevrolet Omega.
In February 2012 the Brazilian government bought 12 Canadian-built Ford Edge models, 10 of which armored, for the use of President Dilma Rousseff and her security team.[23]
The federal government's most important officials (president, ministers, magistrates, etc.) use yellow-green brass plates adorned with the coat of arms of Brazil and their titles engraved on them (e.g., president of the republic, president of the Senate, defense minister, Supreme Court president, etc.).
Brunei
The ceremonial state car of the sultan of Brunei is a 1992 state landaulette Rolls-Royce Phantom VI. On non-ceremonial occasions, the sultan personally drives a black Mercedes-Benz M-Class W163 ML55 AMG, usually escorted by either a Secret Service BMW E39 540i or a BMW E61 545i, and a few Lexus LX470. The Sultan also drives a black Brabus G700. On other occasions he drives a Maybach 62. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and his brother Prince Jefri Bolkiah own several luxury and exotic cars, one of the largest collections in the world.
The members of the royal family are usually escorted by a Secret Service escort consisting of a Volvo S80 V8 or a Mitsubishi 380.
Cabinet ministers and visiting foreign dignitaries are driven in a black Mercedes-Benz W221 S350L, while other senior ranking officials are driven in a black Mercedes-Benz W211 E280.
The sultan drives a Mercedes-Benz G-Class, the 2009 facelifted G55 AMG instead of the W163 ML55 AMG.
Bulgaria
The cars of the president of Bulgaria include the Mercedes-Benz S600 the BMW 5 Series and the BMW 7 Series. The prime minister is driven in a Toyota Land Cruiser, he very often drives it himself with the security guards sitting in the back of the car. The prime minister is also driven in a black BMW X5. The pilot cars are usually Ford, Toyota or Audi A6 and Audi A8. Currently the prime minister Dimitar Glavchev and president Rumen Radev are transported in a Mercedes S600 Guard.[26]
The former prime minister of Cambodia has owned more than four Mercedes-Benz guard cars and more than five Chevrolet Suburbans in his houses. He also had a black Mercedes-Benz S-Class 600 Carat Duchatelet bullet proof with plate number 2Z-9999 and another black Mercedes-Benz S600 (V221) with plate number 2AA-9999 and two gold Mercedes-Benz S600 (W220)s.
Two McLaughlin-Buick Phaetons were built for the 1939 Royal tour of Canada. One of these later carried Prince Charles and Diana, Princess of Wales, during their 1986 visit to Canada.[29][32] It is believed that during the 1927 Royal tour of Canada, Edward VIII had stated that he favored American cars, and thus this set the standard for American cars being selected in the future to be official state cars of Canada.
The prime minister is driven in a motorcade of typically ten cars and four motorcycles. The motorcade's size is adjusted for certain events, as seen fit by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The prime minister usually uses an armored Chevrolet Suburban or a long-wheelbase Cadillac DTS. He has also been seen arriving at certain events in a minivan when travelling with members of his family. The prime minister's vehicle bears a standard Ontario licence plate. The motorcade is usually led by a Chrysler 300 ref
Historically, prime ministers were usually driven in Cadillac limousines.[34]
Chile
Sebastián Piñera in the Balmaceda carriage at Fiestas Patrias in 2010The Ford Galaxie has been Chile's ceremonial presidential car since 1970.
The 1966 model Ford Galaxie began production in Brazil for South America in 1967 so it is plausible they would donate a vehicle knowing the promotional value its use would receive, and in fact provided other vehicles in Brazil for the queen's visit there prior to her visiting Chile, although the unlikely story of a British monarch giving Chile a car built in Brazil by an American manufacturer has become an enduring myth.[38][39][40]
Montalva's successor, socialist Salvador Allende, not wanting to convey the image of royalty that carriages now confer, decided the more plebeian Ford better fit his image and used it for his inauguration, adopting the vehicle as his official vehicle, with a normally issued license plate (EL-2801). The Galaxie has since transported dignitaries such as Fidel Castro, Indira Gandhi and Pablo Neruda. Gabriel Boric was the first president officially driven in the Galaxie by a female driver during his inauguration.[36]
Both the carriage and the Galaxie have since been maintained by the state and are now used only for official ceremonies, such as presidential inaugurations on 11 March every four years, state visits, and the national holidays on 21 May and 19 September.[41]
Daily transportation
Piñera departs from La Moneda Palace in a Genesis G90
President Ricardo Lagos used a Lincoln Town Car, while President Michelle Bachelet introduced a 2008-model Peugeot 607 saloon in her first term in office. Her motorcade was also often seen driving 2006 Audi A4 and A6s. Various Dodge Durangos also composed the presidential motorcade.
During his first term, Sebastián Piñera was the first to switch to an Asian manufacturer, recognizing their increasing market share in Chile, choosing a Lexus LS 600h as his daily transport.[42] Bachelet introduced the use of a Hyundai Equus in 2014 for her second term,[43] a marque that has continued into Piñera's second term in 2018 with his choice of the Genesis G90.[44]
Before the production of Hongqi, began Chinese leaders used various foreign luxury cars. For example, Chairman Mao Zedong used a bullet-proofed ZIS-115 given by Stalin, while Premier Zhou Enlai used a GAZ-12 ZIM, later a ZIL-115 and Foreign Minister Chen Yi used a Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman before Hongqi began production of its CA770. Since the 1960s Chinese leaders have traditionally used limousines produced under the Hongqi brand for official events. Before the new Hongqi HQE (official name L9) was introduced, the Chinese leaders used a special version of CA770 limousine to review the troops on National Days.
During former leader Hu Jintao's review of troops on the 60th National Day in 2009, he was seen in a Hongqi HQE Limousine. The HQE is powered by an aluminium V12 cylinder engine of Chinese design (designation CA12VG), with a displacement of 6.0liters and producing 370kW (470hp) at 5600rpm and 550N m (405lb·ft) of torque at 4400rpm. It is bulletproof, completely hand built and comes with run-flat tyres. When the Kuomintang was still in power, Provisional president Sun Yat-sen used a Ford Model T and his successor Chiang Kai-shek used an armoured Packard limousine in China and a Cadillac 75 armoured limo in Taiwan.
In the early 90s, Chinese leaders switched to using minibuses, such as the Toyota Coaster, or Hongqi CA630 for short-distance trips.
When visiting a foreign country, Chinese leaders generally use vehicles supplied by the host country. This custom began to change in November 2014, when Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Communist Party, and current president used his own Hongqi L5 limousine on a state visit to New Zealand.[47][48] Chinese premiers continue to use cars supplied by the host country.
The Colombian presidential vehicles have usually been state secret-armored BMWs. As of 2022, the presidential fleet includes four Israeli made armored BMW 7 Series and several units of Toyota Land Cruiser Sahara, whose level of armor is a state secret. These BMWs and Toyotas are equipped with GPS and run-flat tires, as well as a gas-proof chamber for defense against gas attacks, and a reinforced chassis with a steel plate under each vehicle protecting them against bombs, IEDs and grenades rolled under the car. The motorcade is made up of three BMWs and eight Toyota Saharas, all armored, plus a Prado armored level IIIA used by the National Intelligence Directorate, an ambulance and no less than eight motorcycles. All the vehicles have presidential tags.
The current president of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel, uses the Czech-made Škoda Superb in top-end 'Laurin & Klement' trim after his predecessor, Miloš Zeman.[52]
"Store Krone" in 2018, followed by two Daimler DS420 limousines from the Danish royal fleet of official cars
King Frederik X uses a 1958 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith seven-seater limousine (LGLW 25 body no. 10181), commonly referred to as "Store Krone" (Great Crown). It was purchased by his grandfather, Frederik IX of Denmark, as new. The coachbuilder and seller was Hooper & Co. in London.[54]
In addition, the King uses several lesser cars for more common occasions. Noteworthy are Krone (Crown) 1, 2 and 5, which are all Daimler DS420 eight-seater limousines made in 1970, 1987 (purchased in 1994 with 1500km on the odometer) and 1986. There was also a Bentley Arnage that was replaced by a Bentley Mulsanne in 2012. The name Krone with a number, like Krone 121,[55] refers to the license plate used when carrying members of the Danish royal family inside Denmark.[56]
During her reign, former queen Margrethe II also used a hybrid limousine, the Lexus LS 600h L.[57] In July 2016, the queen and prince-consort used a stretched Volvo S80 by Nilsson. The King has also used a fully electric Tesla Model S since the summer of 2013.
The current prime minister of DenmarkMette Frederiksen uses an Audi A8 L.[58] The former one was driven in an armored Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The ministers in the Danish government have different cars, including the VW Phaeton, BMW 5 Series, BMW 7 Series, Audi A6, Audi A8 and Mercedes-Benz S-Class.[58]
Dominican Republic
The president of the Dominican Republic, Luis Abinader uses a black Tesla Model S and a black Lincoln Navigator, which can be seen normally with the 0–1 plate (Presidential Plate) and it is mostly chosen by the government for its reliability and bulletproof armor. Previous president Danilo Medina mostly used Toyota Land Cruiser during his time in office, occasionally used a black BMW 7 Series for the inaugural parade and to go to events in or near the Distrito Nacional, Santo Domingo. All of the cars have been modified with bullet-proof tires and bullet-proof windows. The Presidential Plate will be changed to the car that the president will use for the day. The Escort teams use black Toyota 4Runner fourth and fifth generation, Toyota Fortuner, and Toyota Land Cruiser Prado J120 and the J150 on the motorcade.
Since 2020, the fleet of official state vehicles for the provincial governors were changed from 2014 Mitsubishi Montero to the new Mitsubishi L200. Previous vehicles are still use as were the first generation Nissan X-Trail and Nissan Frontier D22. They could also use their own personal vehicles.
The presidential state car in Ecuador is an armored Lincoln Town Car purchased by president Lucio Gutierrez in 2005. An armored Chevrolet Trooper is also used.[citation needed] Before that, Abdala Bucaram and Rosalia Arteaga both used an armored Volvo 900 Series in 1996 to 1997. President Rafael Correa used to travel in one of several armored Nissan Patrol scholastic level 7 for several Ford Explorer, Chevrolet D-Max and Toyota Hilux. On 30 September 2011, the Nissan Patrol withstood high-caliber ammunition in the midst of a shooting in the police hospital in Quito. The Nissan Patrol fleet was changed for Toyota Land Cruiser 200s. Former President Lenin Moreno used a fleet of Mitsubishi Outlander jeeps for himself and his guards, as part of his austerity policies in 2023 Guillermo Lasso Was Seen using a Kia Carnival Surrounded by its Security Guards [59] and Escorted by a Kia Police Car and a Ford Explorer.
Egypt
The presidential state car in Egypt used by Hosni Mubarak until February 2011 was a black armored 1998 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. An earlier model of it helped save his life in Ethiopia in 1995.[60] The current vehicle used by Abdel Fattah el-Sisi is a black armored variant of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class with a special black number plate with the presidential crest above an Arabic 1. Ministers and high-ranking government officials are sometimes seen driving black BMW 7 Series, or Audi A8s, all with special government number plates. Parliamentary vehicles are often Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
During the first republic (1918–1940), the first president, Konstantin Päts, preferred American cars, such as the Studebaker Dictator. After officially becoming a president in 1938, he also bought a Packard Super 8 Touring Sedan, and in the following year a Studebaker Commander Cruising Sedan.
The presidential state car of Finland features the coat of arms of Finland on its number plate.
Finland
The president of Finland uses an armoured Mercedes-Benz S600L with the coat of arms of Finland in lieu of a license plate.[61] Armoured Audi A8Ls are used for visiting dignitaries and government officials. A similar car is also used by the speaker of the Parliament, whereas the prime minister's official car is a grey armoured Mercedes-Benz S600 Guard.
The Finnish cabinet's carpool consists of BMW 5-Series and Mercedes E-Class models.[62]
A new official car has been purchased for the President. The car is an armored Audi A8 L Security quattro and it was put into service on 11 April 2024. The new car replaced the previous 12-year-old Mercedes-Benz.[63]
The president of France can choose between several armoured versions of high-end French cars including the Citroën DS5 Hybrid4, Citroën C6, Renault Vel Satis and Peugeot 607. These are traditionally provided by the manufacturers and different presidents will have their own preference.
President François Hollande used a one-off convertible version of the Citroën DS5 Hybrid4 for his inauguration parade on 15 May 2012. The car, owned by Citroën, has since been displayed at various events throughout the world. But For his day to day travel, Hollande was usually chauffeured in an armoured Citroën C6, in his term although he has been known to make private trips by moped.[67][68]
For his inauguration parade in 2007, Nicolas Sarkozy used the one-off Peugeot 607 Paladine model, a stretched limousine with landaulette body, originally built as a concept car in 2000.[69] The model was brought out of storage for the occasion and updated with a new grille and lights to bring it in line with the 2004 re-style of the mainstream model. It was returned to Peugeot and, as it effectively remained a concept car in its fit and finish, did not become part of the Élysée fleet.
The Citroën DS, was commonly associated with de Gaulle during his presidency.
The most famous association between a president of France and a single model was that of Charles de Gaulle with the Citroën DS, as portrayed in the film, The Day of the Jackal. The president was saved in two assassination attempts by OAS sympathisers by the car's unique ability to drive on three wheels and to keep running when more than one tyre is punctured.
Two custom made Citroën SMs have been built and maintained by Élysée Palace
For ceremonial occasions, the president also has access to two special open top Citroën SM Présidentielle models,[71] created for President Georges Pompidou by the coach-builder Henri Chapron. Based on the SM Opera, itself a special edition four-door coupé, these cars are still used for state occasions and military parades, when the open-top layout enables the president to stand in the back seat and survey the crowd. Built for an official visit by Queen Elizabeth II in 1972, the cars have a standard mechanical layout with the addition of a special gear for low-speed cruising.
One of these cars was also used by President François Mitterrand for the official opening of the Channel Tunnel in 1994, when it accompanied the Rolls-Royce Phantom VI of Queen Elizabeth II. Number plates on these cars are standard French ones, although specially created for the model (2 PR 75 and 3 PR 75, '75' denoting the Paris region). Both are still maintained in working order, but are now rarely seen in use.
An international museum of official state cars also exists in France.[72]
Gabon
Known for his large car interest, former president Omar Bongo had one of two ever built Stutz Royales. The other one is in Saudi Arabia currently the Leader of Gabon Brice Oligui Nguema uses an armored Mercedes W222 S600 escorted by a motorcade consisting of Toyota Land Cruiser and Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Over the years, German presidents, chancellors and senior politicians have often used Mercedes-Benz S-Class vehicles and their predecessor models. The most famous variants were the Mercedes 300 series "Adenauer" and the stretched "Pullman" variants. the current State Car of the president of GermanyFrank Walter Steinmeier is an armored Mercedes-Benz S600 with license plate 0–1, but the president has also used an Audi A8. The president is (besides the minister of defense) the only German official whose official car regularly shows a flag (a version of the president's standard) placed on the front of the hood.
All officials under close personal protection from the Bundeskriminalamt (BKA), one of Germany's federal police forces, are transported by the BKA pool of armoured cars and BKA driving staff. The car pool includes armored limousines from all German car manufacturers, usually high-end models such as the Audi A8, Volkswagen Phaeton, BMW 7 Series, and Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Some German politicians choose to express their regional origins through the make of car they use. In particular officials from Bavaria customarily prefer cars from Munich-based BMW over the more common Mercedes brand. Some high-ranking politicians from Alliance '90/The Greens (Germany's green party) have chosen Audi, VW or BMW cars.[citation needed] While in office, former chancellor Gerhard Schröder initially used an Audi for his official car, a brand he is known to prefer as his personal car as well.
Later during his administrative term, Volkswagen presented him with a VW Phaeton which found its way into the car pool. Before becoming the chancellor, he had been the Minister President of Lower Saxony, where Volkswagen is headquartered and is a major employer; and the state government owns several stocks in the company. His successor as chancellor Angela Merkel was known to alternate between brands as to project neutrality and support the German car industry in general[citation needed].
During the latter part of Kaiser Wilhelm II's reign, he could be seen riding Mercedes' cars.[74][75][76] The Weimar Republic's chancellors and other bureaucrats rode in Mercedes-Benz, or predecessor companies vehicles.[77]Adolf Hitler was known for his love of luxury cars and ordered a succession of custom vehicles from Mercedes, culminating in the 770K model of 1941, which was rumoured to weigh up to five tonnes.[78] These cars and their predecessors were most prominently seen at Nazi parades and Hitler's visits to conquered cities such as Vienna and Paris.
The prime minister of Greece used to be transported in a heavy armoured, custom-built W221 Mercedes-Benz S600 escorted by custom built Mercedes-Benz G-Class vehicles. George Papandreou displaced it with a standard Toyota Prius, followed a little later by a LexusSUV Hybrid.
The president's vehicle fleet now also includes an armored Mercedes S-Class S500 (W 220), later S500 L (221 series). On official events the car of the president is used.
Past prime ministers have also used a Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow Long-Wheelbase Limousine. The president also uses a W221 Mercedes-Benz S600, wearing the Greek coat of arms. The monarchs in the 1930s used a Maybach Zeppelin. The official state car of the king of Greece in the 1960s was a 1959 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith (LHLW44 chassis).[82]
Grenada
The governor general of GrenadaCecile La Grenade is driven in a white BMW 750Li with a crown license plate symbolizing the King while the current prime minister Dickon Mitchell drives in a black BMW 750Li bearing a Grenadian flag and a coat of arms license plate, escorted by a motorcade consisting of police motorcycle outriders and two black toyota land cruiser Prado
Guatemala
The current president of GuatemalaBernardo Arévalo is driven in a Chevrolet Suburban, escorted by a motorcade consisting of black Toyota Land Cruiser Prado.
Guyana
The president of GuyanaIrfaan Ali is usually transported in a Toyota Crown or a Lexus LS 460. For overland work trips into different parts of the country and longer road journeys, the president sometimes uses a Toyota Prado or a Toyota Land Cruiser. The vehicle being used by the president – whichever it is – always bears the presidential emblem of a gold cacique's crown in place of the front and rear plates.
The prime minister of GuyanaMark Phillips is usually transported in a Toyota Crown. For overland work trips into different parts of the country and longer road journeys, the prime minister also typically uses either a Toyota Prado or a Toyota Land Cruiser. Similar to the practice surrounding the presidential vehicle, the vehicle being used by the prime minister – whichever it is – bears a gold depiction of coat of arms of Guyana in place of the front and rear plates.
Haiti
The current president of Haiti rides in an armored Toyota Land Cruiser 200 series with golden "President of the Republic" plates, escorted by a motorcade consisting of motorcycles, Toyota Land cruiser 70 Series, Nissan Patrols and Nissan Frontiers of the Haitian National Police.
BMW 7 Series the Official car of the Chief Executive of Hong Kong in 2021
The official vehicle of the chief executive of Hong Kong bears no license plate but the Emblem of Hong Kong. This follows the practice of the British governor, as the representative of the British Crown, the laws of Hong Kong did not apply, including the need for a number plate on the car. Hence the official limousine simply had a Crown emblem front and rear in place of number plates. Former chief executive Carrie Lam was usually driven in a BMW 7 Series (G11). Occasionally, the chief executive is also seen using a Toyota Alphard. The Chief Executive may also be escorted by Hong Kong Police Force Escort Group (FEG) using BMW R1200RT motorbikes.
Hungarian public key dignitaries and security personnel use armored Audi A8Ls. Also used in official convoys are the Audi A7, Audi Q7, and Audi A6. The prime minister Viktor Orbán, however, prefers to ride in a Volkswagen Multivan. Members of the government use the Škoda Superb, while lower-ranking officials use Škoda Octavias in December 2023 during its visit to Hungary the Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan gifted Orbán with a Togg T10X an electric car made by the Turkish Company Togg.[83]
The president of India travels in a black Mercedes S600 Pullman Guard; custom-built to a BR7-level armour standard. The president's motorcade always consists of the former presidential car, a black Mercedes-Benz armoured limousine, which is used as a spare vehicle. The presidential car used to display the Emblem of India instead of the number plates.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi steps out of a Range Rover used as an official state vehicle in 2019.
The prime minister uses a Range Rover Sentinel with BR7-level with several other decoys. Occasionally, BR7-level highly modified armoured BMW 7 Series (F01) are used. The prime minister also travels in an armored Toyota Land Cruiser and several decoys.[86]
The Iraqi president Abdul Latif Rashid uses a BMW E67 760 Li escorted by a motorcade consisting of Nissan Patrol models. While The prime minister Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani uses an armoured Chevrolet Tahoe along with a Toyota Land Cruiser and Chevrolet Suburban.
While in power, Saddam Hussein normally traveled in a white 1988 Mercedes-Benz W126, and also bought a large fleet of luxury cars for himself and his family. Some were classic American cars, many from the era of Al Capone of whom Saddam Hussein was an admirer.[89]
The daily transport for former Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Leo Varadkar was a dark blue 2019 Lexus LS hybrid. The taoiseach is driven by specially trained and armed members of the Garda Special Detective Unit (SDU). The car the Taoiseach travels in is always accompanied by a follow car, usually an Audi A6 or an BMW 5 Series, containing armed close protection officers from the SDU and staff/minders. The taoiseach's car is usually escorted by motorcycle outriders from the Garda Traffic Corps, and further marked and unmarked patrol cars are added to the escort when the Taoiseach is attending sensitive events or during times of a heightened security risk.
The daily transport of the president of Ireland, currently Michael D. Higgins, is a 2017 BMW 7-Series LWB, finished in blue, similar to the background colour of the president's standard. The president receives the highest protection in the land by law. The president's car is driven by a specially trained and armed member of the Garda Special Branch. The motorcade is led by Garda Síochána motorbikes to fend off traffic for the oncoming motorcade. A marked patrol car follows and then the president's car proceeds. Two unmarked cars from the Special Detective Unit follow, they are usually BMW 5 Series, Volvo S90 and/or Audi A6, containing armed bodyguards and the president's staff. The president's aide-de-camp always travels with him in the cavalcade. The convoy occasionally contains a vehicle from the Garda Emergency Response Unit (ERU) for increased security.
The Presidential State Car is a Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith landaulette, license plate ZJ 5000, nicknamed "DeV's car" because of its association with former president Éamon de Valera. It is only used occasionally by the president for ceremonial occasions.
On ceremonial occasions, such as inauguration day, or commemoration events that occur throughout the year, the presidential motorcade receives a Captain's Escort of Honour from the Irish Army's 2nd Cavalry Squadron, consisting of 30 uniformed outriders mounted on motorcycles, currently 2019 Honda 750X models.
When the president or Taoiseach visits Northern Ireland, they are driven in armoured vehicles and security in their motorcade increases. The Garda SDU and ERU liaise with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Close Protection Unit (CPU) during such visits.
Isle of Man
The official car of the current Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of Man is a black BMW that carries the number plate MAN-1 and, when the lieutenant governor is aboard, it flies the lieutenant governor's standard from a small flag pole at the front of the bonnet, above the grille panels.
Israel
An Audi A8 W12 used by the Israeli government
The official car of the prime minister of IsraelBenjamin Netanyahu is an Audi A8[90] modified by the Israeli security service to meet security requirements. The prime minister is also escorted by a fleet of Toyota Land Cruisers, Lexus IS 250, and Volvo S80. The president of Israel uses a Volvo stretch limousine and an Audi A8.
In 1960, the then president of Italy, Giovanni Gronchi, personally ordered custom-built Lancia Flaminia limousines for a state visit by Queen Elizabeth II. Four Lancia Flaminia 355 Presidenziale models were delivered, coachbuilt by Pininfarina with landaulet body on an extended wheelbase. All of the original four cars survive today, with two being leased to different automobile museums and two still in service for the most significant state occasions, like the Republic Day parade or presidential inaugurations.[91][92]
There is also a three-wheeled Piaggio Ape Calessino, in service at the presidential summer residence Villa Rosebery and rarely seen. It was donated in 2008 by Roberto Colaninno, head of Piaggio industries, on the 60th anniversary of both the Italian Constitution and Calessino. Its blue livery is decorated with the emblem of the Presidency of the Italian Republic, while the interior is trimmed in wood and white leather.
The official state vehicles of the governor-general of Jamaica, Patrick Allen, and the prime minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness, are modified BMW 740Li cars bearing the Jamaican flag and the standard of each office respectively. The governor-general's vehicle carries license plates bearing the state crown, while the prime minister's car carries the island's standard private license plate. The prime minister also has at his disposal, and often uses in lieu of the state BMW 740Li on a day-to-day basis, two customized Land Rover Discovery vehicles along with dark blue BMW 5 Series for his accompanying security detail. Both chief officials are driven by members of the protective services branch of the Jamaica Constabulary Force.
The Government of Jamaica also maintains a fleet of modified BMW 5 Series as protocol vehicles for visiting heads of state/government, in addition to other foreign dignitaries. Ministers of government generally use a Toyota Prado or Mitsubishi Pajero, bearing either government plates (yellow plates with black numbering) or civilian plates with tags. They are also accompanied by a follow Toyota RAV4 or a vehicle of similar class for their security detail.
Previous vehicles used by holders of these offices include:
The Toyota Century Royal is a specially prepared custom car built for the Japanese imperial family.The Toyota Century Convertible at Emperor Naruhito's coronation ceremony in 2019.
The official state cars (御料車, goryosha) currently used by the Emperor and Empress of Japan are specially prepared G51 Toyota Century Royal limousines (four $500,000 custom cars delivered in 2006) and a hybrid G60 Toyota Century convertible parade car built specifically for Naruhito's enthronement in 2019. The primary car used by the Emperor and Empress is referred to as "Empress 1". Two of the Century Royals are assigned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for use by visiting dignitaries and foreign heads of state. The Emperor and Empress are typically accompanied by staff and security in Toyota Crowns and standard Toyota Century vehicles.[94]
Custom built by Toyota, the limousines are 20 feet (6.1m) long, 6.5 feet (2.0m) wide, and feature extra amenities such as seating for 8, bulletproofing, and a granite entryway. The convertible features a rear seat raised 40 millimetres (1.6in) higher than the sedan for greater parade visibility.[95][96][97]
Over the years, emperors have been transported in a variety of vehicles, including a Nissan Prince Royal (1967–2008), Cadillac Series 75 (1951–1970), Mercedes-Benz 770 W07 Series (1932–1968), Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost (1921–1936) and a Daimler Landley (1913–1927). From 1935 to 1963, the Imperial Household also possessed a fleet of five 1935 Packard Eights, one of which was Emperor Hirohito's personal car during that period. Naruhito's father, Emperor Akihito, used a 1990 Rolls-Royce Corniche as a parade car for his enthronement ceremony 1989.[95]
The Imperial Household Agency is responsible for maintaining the imperial fleet, which includes a number of horse-drawn state carriages, used for ceremonial events and the presentation of credentials by ambassadors, one of only a few nations that still maintain them.[98][99]
The current president of KyrgyzstanSadyr Japarov uses a bulletproof, extended version of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class W222 S600, accompanied by a motorcade of Toyota Land Cruiser
Kenya
The president of Kenya has several official cars that he uses during his travels. The most common one that he uses is an armoured Mercedes-Benz Pullman S600 with the Kenyan coat of arms instead of the licence plate. The other fleet he normally uses from time to time includes an armoured Range Rover Vogue, armoured Toyota Land Cruiser and several other Mercedes-Benz's at his disposal. He has an open top military Land Cruiser, covered with bullet proof glass on the side, used during state functions with licence plates CIC (Commander in Chief).
For a long time an open top military Land Rover 109 was used during state ceremonies. It was replaced by the Land Cruiser. His escort includes several Mercedes-Benz E-Classes, BMW 5 Series, a Range Rover, Toyota Land Cruisers and an ambulance. Cabinet ministers are supplied with Volkswagen Passats, Mercedes-Benz E & S – Classes and Toyota Land Cruisers in addition to other vehicles in the ministerial car pool. The prime minister in office from 2008 to 2013 was equipped with similar vehicles to the president; Mercedes-Benz limousines, Range Rovers and Land Cruisers, however, he had a substantially smaller escort.
The Lao government used to use luxury cars from Europe such as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series. In 2016, former Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith announced a switch to a reasonably affordable car to reduce costs.
The daily transport of the president of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith is a Toyota Camry (XV50). The prime minister's official cars include a Toyota Camry (XV50) and a Toyota Land Cruiser, while Politburo members also travel in a Toyota Camry (XV50).
The official Cabinet ministers and vice minister cars are the Toyota Camry (XV50) and Toyota Land Cruiser Prado respectively. Visiting heads of state or government are chauffeured in a Toyota Camry (XV50) in July 12 2024 Vietnamese General-Secretary To Lam gave 20 electric Vinfast cars as a gift during his two-day diplomatic visit to Laos[105]
Latvia
The Mercedes S-Class of the Latvian president in 2015 The presidential state car of Latvia typically carries a number plate that features the coat of arms of Latvia.
Most Saeima members use the Volvo 900 series, Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class cars, but Volvo S80s, Volvo S70s and other luxury sedans are also used.
Lebanon
The president's car is a W221 Mercedes-Benz S600 Guard armored limousine. It is escorted by the Republican Guard's SUVs consising of (Ford Expedition, Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Yukon) and other security vehicles, including the preceding official state car (an armored W140 Mercedes-Benz S600 now possibly used as a back-up limo) as well as other W220 Mercedes-Benz S500L models. Another vehicle that is used sometimes is the J200 Toyota Land Cruiser. The motorcade is generally escorted by a dozen other Land Cruisers of the same color, as well as the regular Republican Guard's SUVs. Other government officials have their own private cars but are still provided with police escorts. The most notable motorcade was former Prime Minister Saad Hariri's motorcade, which contained around 25 cars, six armoured W220 Mercedes S600, a dozen J200 Land Cruisers, some Chevrolet Tahoes and some Nissan Xterras used as spotting cars.[106][107][108][109]
Liberia
The current president of LiberiaJoseph Boakai is driven in a black Mercedes-Benz W220 S-class. The presidential car is often escorted by several Nissan SUVs carrying security personnel. Previous presidents, such as Charles Taylor and Samuel Doe, were also driven in Mercedes-Benz cars. Some claim that Doe had purchased over 60 luxury Mercedes, which cost over US$60,000 each.[citation needed]
The first official Lithuanian state car was bought in 1919 from Germany. It was a Benz 25/55PS with four cylinder, 6.3-liter engine. The car had a Vytis symbol on the left back door and Lithuanian flags in the front. The car was used by Antanas Smetona and Aleksandras Stulginskis. Later Lithuania bought a French-made Delauney-Belleville 12 CV which was used along with Benz 25/55PS by president Kazys Grinius. After that Smetona became president again and ordered a new car – a Fiat 519.[111] It was soon replaced with an armored Lincoln K-series due to his wife's wishes. None of these cars remain. After the restoration of Lithuanian independence, the leader of the Supreme Council, Vytautas Landsbergis used a Soviet-built Čaika M14, after some time it was replaced with an armored Opel Senator. Later Lithuania bought an armored Mercedes-Benz W126, which was used by Landsbergis and Algirdas Brazauskas. The car is now owned by the businessman Robertas Dargis.[111]
During Brazauskas' presidency, two brand-new Audi V8 Langs arrived, they were later replaced with a newer version Audi A8 Lang. Valdas Adamkus was driven in a long-wheelbase BMW 7 Series for a short amount of time. It was later replaced with a Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W220), which was used until 2013.[111] In 2013, four armoured BMW 7 (F01) were purchased.[112]
The grand duke of Luxembourg and his family are driven in an Audi A8 or similar vehicle. The grand duke's car generally displays his personal flag on a flagstaff,[113] and the car bears a registration plate with a large gold crown (from the Luxembourg coat of arms) on a plain white background.
Official cars used by other members of the ruling family of Luxembourg normally display registration plates that have an orange stripe over a blue stripe (the flag of the House of Nassau-Weilburg), without any numbers. For important ceremonial occasions like state visits, a Daimler DS420 limousine and a Bentley Mulsanne. are used Most of the official cars are painted black or dark blue.
Macau
The chief executive of Macau is driven in a fleet of government vehicles with special plates reserved for government officials. The fleet consists of cars from European brands like Mercedes-Benz, Audi or Volvo.
A yellow number plate with the personal logo of the monarch is used by the king and royal family members, while a black-and-white plate (with full title) is used by the prime minister.
Prime minister
Under the guidelines of Malaysia's automotive policies, cars for use by federal and state government officials are required to be of national brands,[114] primarily Proton.
The prime minister of Malaysia generally uses a stretched Proton Perdana, which features classified security measures to protect the prime minister. Occasionally the prime ministers official car pool also include a Mercedes-Benz W223 S-Class and Toyota Vellfire.[115] The prime minister normally uses the Proton Perdana Executive Limousine as official transport within the Klang Valley. Elsewhere, he uses an official car provided by the government of that state. He also used an armoured Toyota Vellfire as his private car.
The prime minister is generally escorted by a motorcade that includes a team of Pasukan Gerakan Khas using armoured versions of the Volvo XC90, Proton X70, and Honda CRV as well as Honda VFR800 and Kawasaki GTR bikes. Police cars and bikes are also in the motorcade.
Former president of Malawi, Bingu wa Mutharika, was driven in an armored Black Mercedes-Benz S Class, a Toyota Land Cruiser or Range Rover, the security features remain a state secret. The president traveled in a motorcade of four Hummer H3 and eight escort motorcycles, along with police cars.
Malta
Among the presidential cars are a pair of Vanden Plas Princess limousines, one dating from 1960 and the other, a convertible, from 1955. Both remain in use for state visits and similar occasions; they were originally imported and used by the British governor of Malta.[116]
Mauritius
The prime minister of Mauritius uses an armored BMW 7 Series (760Li & 750Li) He is escorted by a motorcade consisting of multiple BMW 5 Series (usually 540i and 550i) and five police motorcycles. The president of Mauritius uses a BMW 750Li or a Mercedes S600L. He is escorted by a motorcade consisting of BMW 5 Series and at least two police motorcycles.
The king of Morocco, Muhammad VI Normally, when inside Morocco uses his Mercedes 600 Pullman. The royal fleet also includes Range Rover models (when he goes to mountainous places only), Mercedes-Benz S500 and various Lexus models. One BMW 5 Series, which travels in the King's motorcade, contains a communications jammer. An ambulance is always present in the royal motorcade, which is usually escorted by police motorcycles.
The prime minister of Morocco is driven in a Mercedes-Benz S-Class, like all other ministers. The king also has a personal garage, which consists of sports cars, including three Laraki Fulgura models, and an Aston Martin DB7.
Government and escorting security officials drive a fleet of Lexus LS 600h, BMW Motorcycles, and KTM for out riding.[128]
Mongolia
The president of Mongolia uses a Mercedes-Benz S-Class with number plate 0001, the Speaker of the Parliament, an S-Class with number plate 0002 and the prime minister an S-Class with number plate 0003, all escorted by a traffic police car and either a Mercedes-Benz G-Class and a Toyota Land Cruiser series 100 or 200, all protected by the State Special Protection Agency.
Montenegro
The prime minister of Montenegro and senior state officials use a fleet of Audi limousines, notably the Audi A8 models, and lower ranked officials travel in Mercedes-Benz E-Class models. Mercedes M-Class, Volkswagen Passat are also seen. They are escorted by BMW 5-Series, and additional police Mercedes A-class and VW Golf 4 and VW Golf 5.
The first state vehicles were a fleet of vehicles, unknown by model names, probably from Austria-Hungary, Germany, France, Russia and the United Kingdom. They were bought in the period 1908–1910 and most are seen in a 1910 Coronation video from an archive where Knyaz Nikola I Petrović-Njegoš was proclaimed King of Montenegro.
Former president Hage Geingob was driven in a fleet of armoured Mercedes- Benz S600Ls, escorted by 2–3 unmarked Mercedes-Benz E500s, Double cab Toyota Hilux 4.0 v6 cars used by the VIPPD and a fleet of police cars. As an offroad vehicle, the president used an armored black Mercedes-Benz ML500s or an armored Toyota Land Cruiser 200 Series presidential car always bearing the presidential seal. The vice president of Namibia is driven in an armoured Mercedes-Benz S550 (bearing GRN plate number) or S600 which is escorted by Black Mercedes E250s. As an off-road car, the vice president uses armored Toyota Land Cruiser 200s, under the escort of Toyota Prado V6 VX, Toyota Hilux Double cab 4.0 V6 and police cars.
The prime minister of Namibia uses an armored black Mercedes-Benz E500(GRN plates) V8 and Black Toyota Land Cruiser 200 series SUVs. Cabinet ministers and their deputies are driven in Black Mercedes-Benz E400s and E250s and use White toyota Land Cruiser Prado VX V6 or Toyota Hilux Double cab V6 as off-road vehicles (All bearing GRN plates). The current First Lady of Namibia uses a fleet of armored Mercedes-Benz E400s, escorted by VIPPD Toyota Corolla 1.8 Exclusive or Hyundai Sonatas. The FLON uses Black armored Toyota Land Cruisers Prado VX V6 as off-road vehicles. Former presidents Sam Nujoma and Hifikepunye Pohamba were driven in a fleet of armored Mercedes-Benz S550/S500 and Black Toyota Land cruiser 200 series. usually escorted by VIPPD police cars.
A Volvo S80 limousine of the royal household, which features a Dutch number plate beginning with AA
The first car to be owned by the Dutch royal family was a 1908 Renault, purchased by Prince Hendrik. In the years that followed, it was joined by nine royal limousines from the Amsterdam carriage maker Spijker. Between 1925 and the late 1950s, the royal limousines were supplied by Cadillac, after which the royal household switched to the Ford Motor Company. However, a customized Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith was commissioned in 1957 by Queen Juliana and delivered in 1958.
The latest and current royal limousine is a custom-built stretched Audi A8L model that is used by King Willem-Alexander. This stretched A8L is 45cm longer compared to the normal A8L.[129] A custom-built stretched Volvo S80 limousine was used by the former queen, Beatrix and has been replaced by a newer custom-built Audi A8 Limousine. Other members of the royal family use different cars. Visiting heads of state are chauffeured in a stretched and armoured Cadillac DTS, which replaced a 20-year-old Lincoln Town Car.
Other cars are a few non-stretched Volvo S80s and a V70, Audi A6 and A8, and Ford Focus, Mondeo and Galaxy for the royal household. The Royal Stables have also a Ford Scorpio Landaulet, a Mercedes W126 4-door convertible, a blue coach, and a blue Mercedes-Benz Viano and Volkswagen Crafter VIP bus. The royal bodyguards drive Audi A6 models.
All royal automobiles are painted in royal blue, with Dutch number plates beginning with AA – a special designation for the royal household. Other vehicles used by the royal family are Audi or Mercedes. The members of the royal family also have private vehicles for their own use. King Willem-Alexander used to own a red Volvo XC90 and a Tesla Model X. The late Prince Bernhard, the former queen's father, had a collection of Ferraris and other exotic cars.
Dutch government
The prime minister of the Netherlands uses an armoured Mercedes-Benz S-Class and sometimes an Audi A6. Previously, an armoured BMW 7 Series was used. Both cars are owned by the Royal and Diplomatic Security Service (DKDB). Prime minister Mark Rutte is known for his bike rides through The Hague, and is more often than not going on a bicycle to his work than using an official state car.
New Zealand
The state car of the Governor-General of New Zealand, a Jaguar XJ, in 2010. The Jaguar XJ was used as the Governor-General's official state car from 1996 to 2011.
The governor-generalCindy Kiro travels in a long wheel base BMW 7 Series (F02). Although this vehicle has been debadged, it is most likely a 730LD, consistent with other state BMWs. However, while all other state BMWs are silver, the governor-general's BMW is black. Between 1996 and 2011, the governor-general used a Jaguar XJ Sovereign.[130] Before 1996, the governor-general traveled in a Rolls-Royce Phantom VI.[131] During official travel, it is the only vehicle in the country not required to use standard number plates.[132] The official flag of the governor-general is flown on the car used while travelling. The King of New Zealand has his own flag, which is used when he is travelling in the country, but there are no specific cars reserved for his use.
2016 BMW 7-Series (G11) are used as the prime minister's state car.
The prime minister Christopher Luxon is driven predominately in the BMW 7-Series 730LD and 750LI, the latter of which is an armoured high security model.[133][134] From the 1960s up until 2011, the prime minister used to travel in one of two cars, one being a Holden Statesman/Caprice sedan or a Ford Fairlane, usually followed by the other vehicle containing their security detail.
The prime minister's Wellington-based car has the number plate CR1, and all other cars in the fleet for ministers have number plates starting in the CR series. The main motorcade vehicles usually consist of several Toyota Highlanders operated by the New Zealand PoliceDiplomatic Protection Service. As of 2020 the NZ Government is purchasing Audi E-trons as the Official Government cars.
Nicaragua
The president of Nicaragua uses a Mercedes-Benz G-Class. In the past, the Somoza family used several luxury cars during their 43years in the presidency. A Mercedes-Benz Type 300 was used for official ceremonies. Others were Mercedes-Benz and Cadillac limousines.
Nigeria
The president of NigeriaBola Tinubu and other high-profile government officials use a black armored Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2016 model adorned with the Nigerian flag and official party flag. Other luxury cars, like the Toyota Land Cruiser and the Range Rover, all armoured, are used. The president travels in a motorcade of 30 cars and ten escort motorcycles, along with police cars and 6 Mercedes S-550 of SSS surrounding the president's car. Foreign visitors also travel along in the president's car during his 3-day visit to Malabo in Equatorial Guinea in 2024 tinubu was seen riding in an Armored black Cadillac Escalade[135]
North Korea
An example of a Mercedes-Benz W100 Landaulet
The Kim dynasty have long been known for their affection for the Mercedes-Benz brand.[136]
The founder of North Korea, Kim Il Sung, initiated the trend with the purchase of two W100 Mercedes-Benz 600 Landaulets in the 1960s. Daimler-Benz made fifty-nine 600 Landaulets, twelve with a longer convertible roof which (while not an official factory designation) are usually referred to as presidential landaulets. The North Korean 600s have the longer roof. Both Kim Jong Il and Kim Jong Un have continued to use these W100 landaulets for ceremonial occasions.
When Kim Il Sung died in 1994, official state propaganda proclaimed that "1000 cranes descended from the heavens to take Kim Il Sung," while his worldly possessions, including a black Mercedes-Benz W140 500SEL have been entombed at the Kumsusan Memorial Palace where Kim Il Sung's body lies in state.[137]
Kim Jong Il continued the obsession with purchases of Maybach 62s and Mercedes-Benz W221 S600 Pullman Guards, openly flouting UN Sanctions prohibiting the sale of luxury goods.[138][139]
The UN sanctions were reportedly a sticking point brought up by Kim Jong Un at the 2019 Vietnam Summit, one which he also frequently makes a point of flouting with his own use of post sanction Mercedes-Maybach W222 S600 Pullman Guards at the summit, and the use of a Rolls-Royce Phantom VII at a summit with United States secretary of state Mike Pompeo.[140]
Kim Jong Un is believed to have a collection of luxury cars including a Range Rover L322 in which he has been seen visiting farms in the countryside following a flood.[141]
North Korean government officials are also known to drive various Audi, Mercedes and Lexus vehicles, mainly the Chinese manufacturedAudi A6L, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the Lexus GS.
In February 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin presented Kim Jong-un with an Aurus Senat limousine.[142] He uses the limousine for events.[143] In June of the same year, another senat was presented to Kim.[144]
Norwegian license plate that reads A-9. Official state cars of the Norwegian royal family typically feature a license plate numbered from A-1 to A-9.
The king and queen use a 2016 Audi A8 L Extended (known as A-2) for formal use, and a stretched Mercedes E-Class (Binz Business) (known as A-7) as HM queen's private limousine. The crown prince and crown princess use a fully electric Mercedes EQS 580 4-matic (known as A-8), a fully electric BMW i7 xDrive60 (known as A-6) and a stretched Volvo S90 T8 Limousine Plug-in Hybrid (known as A-3) all three acquired in late 2022.[145]
The royal family of Norway also uses a 2007 Audi A8, an E65 and an E67 BMW 7 Series, a vintage 1966 Lincoln Continental convertible (A-5), one of stretched Cadillac Deville (Superior Commercial Glass). The BMWs are often driven by the king and queen. The king has a private BMW 7-series Hybrid (C-570) and the queen a 2017 Volvo XC 60 with regular plates. While The Prime Minister is driven in a fully armoured Mercedes S600L
Oman
Sultan Qaboos drove around the country in the following cars:
The president of Pakistan and Prime Minister of Pakistan both have armoured fleet of Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7-Series. The motorcade consists of armoured Toyota Land Cruiser and BMW X5. The prime minister uses a Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W222) guard and the president uses a BMW 7 Series (G11) high security for their official purposes.
Panama
The president of PanamaJosé Raúl Mulino uses a black armored Chevrolet Suburban. The Ford Explorer and the Toyota Land Cruiser are used for the Institutional Protection Service (S.P.I.) as escort presidential motorcade and 400cc motorcycles. High-security motorcades may include up to ten vehicles.
Paraguay
The current president of ParaguaySantiago Peña rides in a Hongqi H7, escorted by a motorcade consisting of black Nissan Patrol Y61s. For rural visits, the president uses a Chevrolet Suburban.
Peru
The Hongqi H7 is one of several car models used as state vehicles by the Peruvian government.
The president of PeruDina Boluarte is driven in a black armoured Lexus LS460hL. In May 2015, Lexus was chosen by President Ollanta Humala as the official car brand of the Government.
Previously, a black Mercedes-Benz S600 and a black armoured Hongqi HQ430, which was donated by China, were used.
The prime minister Gustavo Adrianzén and the other ministers are driven around in Lexus cars.
The president is always escorted by the Presidential Security Group. The high-security motorcade may involve as many as 25 vehicles, depending on the destination. The official presidential cars are registered and bear the license plate number "1", with the national flag mounted on the right front fender and the presidential standard mounted on the left front fender. Presently, the presidential convoy would consist of the presidential car, an identical backup car, several SUVs, an ambulance, police vehicles and police motorcycle escorts.
The current president of PortugalMarcelo Rebelo de Sousa is usually driven in an armoured Mercedes-Benz S600, a BMW 760Li (E67), or a Mercedes-Benz E250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY.[151] The license plate reads 'P R' (meaning 'Presidency of the Republic'), with the armillary sphere of Portugal between the P and the R.
Communist president Wojciech Jaruzelski used an armored Volvo 760 GLE. Lech Wałęsa used an also stretched Volvo 760 and a Mercedes-Benz 560 SEL W126 stretched limousine[153] and an Audi A8 D2 since 1994.[154]Aleksander Kwaśniewski used primarily a fleet of BMW 750iL S (E38). Lech Kaczyński used original and facelifted BMW 7 Series (E67). Bronisław Komorowski was the first president to use Mercedes-Benz S600 Guard (W221) and BMW 760Li High Security (F03) purchased in 2010.[155] Ahead of the Polish EU presidency in 2011 a fleet of 14 Audi A8, nine Audi A6s and four Audi Q7s was purchased in late 2010 for BOR.[156] At least two armored Audi A8 L Security (4H) with VR9 protection were delivered in December 2016[157] for use by President Andrzej Duda. After one of the cars was destroyed in 2017, two more Audi A8 L Security were delivered in December 2017.[158] In 2019, the SOP purchased an armored Range Rover Sentinel VR8 SUV for occasional use by the president or the prime minister. It joined a white Toyota Land Cruiser V8 used for traveling in unsurfaced terrain.[159] In 2021, Duda switched to a Mercedes-Benz S 600 Guard (W222)[160]
In 2016 and 2017, there were two serious car accidents involving official cars. In the past decade, the BOR had dozens of car collisions, but those cases were hidden from the public.[161] On 4 March 2016, Andrzej Duda's BMW 760Li HS went into a ditch on the A4 motorway when its rear tire blew.[162] The accident was blamed on a series of procedure violations, while the tire (produced in 2010) was used beyond its two years service life against the manufacturer's accordance.[163] Four days after the incident, the Ministry of Interior settled the tender for 20 new cars, selecting Audi A8L Quattro,[164] but eventually in June 2016 it ordered 20 BMW 750Li xDrive (G12) instead.[165][166][167] In 2019 SOP purchased eight Audi A8L Quattro (D5).[168]
On 10 February 2017, an Audi A8 L Security transporting Prime Minister Beata Szydło hit a tree in Oświęcim at approx. 50km/h. She suffered minor injuries, but spent the following week in a military hospital in Warsaw; her security guard suffered a leg bone fracture, while the driver was injured.[171] The accident occurred when the government car moving in the three cars motorcade with piloting Audi A6 and closing Audi Q7 using red and blue beacons was overtaking a group of cars on a three-way junction. The Audi driver swerved left to avoid collision with a Fiat Seicento, but still hit the Fiat's bumper, that cut them off while turning left from the priority road, but without using indicator. The Fiat's driver assumed there was only one emergency vehicle. The prosecutor accused the Fiat's 21-year-old driver of causing the accident.[172] In 2020 the court found both the Fiat's driver partial guilt, as well as the government motorcade for not using sirens, thus the trial was discontinued.[173] Even before the accident the Interior Ministry announced a major reform in the Government Protection Bureau.[174]
Romanian heads of state, like many other European heads of state, have been seen using German limousines ever since Romania became a capitalist state after the Romanian Revolution.
The first democratic president of Romania, Ion Iliescu, has used a Mercedes-Benz S-Class limousine. The tradition of using Mercedes limousines was continued by the two following presidents, Emil Constantinescu and Traian Băsescu. The fourth and current Romanian president, Klaus Iohannis, usually uses a Mercedes-Benz S500 limousine too, but has been seen constantly being driven and personally driving BMW's, the 5 and 7 Series.[186]
The members of the Romanian Government often used cars of the autochthonous brand Dacia, namely the Logan and the Duster. Romanian diplomats have been seen using a wide range of cars, ranging from high-end Mercedes-Benz and BMW models to more rudimentary brands, such as Volkswagen, Škoda or Renault.[187]
For a long time the president of Russia was seen in an armoured Mercedes S-Class[188] stretched limousine as his car. The first such model, a W140 variant, was purchased for Boris Yeltsin and has been superseded by a W221 model. The limousine is bulletproof, has solid rubber tires, and carries an array of communications equipment.[189] On state visits, it is airlifted to the destination using an Ilyushin Il-76.
Historically, Yeltsin and Dmitry Medvedev were driven in Mercedes-Benz S-Class limousines stretched and armored by the Belgian Carat Duchatelet, while Vladimir Putin preferred Mercedes-Benz Guard limousines. For Medvedev's inauguration a special Carat Duchatelet limousine with raised roof was ordered.
The presidential motorcade is usually escorted by police motorcycle outriders and a series of support vehicles including, but not limited to, the Mercedes G-Class, Mercedes E-Class, standard S-Class models, Mercedes SLK-Class, BMW 5 Series and Volkswagen Caravelle.
A new Aurus Senat limousine, developed by NAMI as a part of the so-called Unified Modular Platform program (nicknamed "Kortezh", AKA "motorcade", as the development project also includes numerous support vehicles), was rolled out in early 2018,[192] as the new Russian-made state car.[193]
Unlike many other nations no customized license plates are used on an official state car in Russia. Instead, common licence plates are installed, with the numbers from the pools assigned to various official state agencies. The current Aurus Senat limousine, for example, still uses the В776УС/77 plates (from the numbers pool assigned to NAMI for test vehicles) it was fitted with during the state trials in early 2018.
Rwanda
The president of Rwanda is driven in an Audi A8 or Mercedes S600, escorted by a motorcade consisting of Rwanda National Police special vehicles. President Paul Kagame has been seen in an armoured Range Rover Sentinel.
The Government of Saudi Arabia has many Mercedes S-600s in which the king of Saudi Arabia often rides, along with an S600 Pullman. Some BMW 7-series sedans are also used to welcome guests and politicians. All these cars have safety standards, like bullet proof windows, bullet proof tyres and a high-roof. These cars are usually escorted by Toyota Landcruisers, GMC Yukons, Chevrolet Tahoes and Suburbans, Cadillac Escalades and GMC Sierra 3500HD pickups with rifles mounted in the back. GMC Savanah ambulances also travel with them where ever they go.
Former presidents used an armoured Mercedes-Benz S-Class W221 (S 600 Guard) with B6/B7 resistance level,[195] escorted by two Mercedes-Benz E-Class W212 models.[196] Currently VIP delegations that are in visit to Serbia are using this car.
Singapore
The presidential state car for Singapore in 2024
The president of Singapore usually travels in a white 2022 Mercedes-Benz S450L. Previous presidential cars have traditionally been Mercedes S-classes since the 1980s. The first presidential cars in the 60s till the 80s were a pair of Rolls Royce Phantom V. When travelling to official events such as the National Day Parade, the car displays the presidential crest in place of a license plate. Normally, it carries the plate SEP1, indicating Singapore's elected president.
The prime minister usually travels in a silver BMW 750Li. The president, prime minister and speaker of Parliament are the only political appointees to be given official cars. All other ministers of the cabinet travel in their personal cars with no benefits.
The state also maintains a small number of state cars for the transport of visiting dignitaries. These cars carry number plates bearing a single S prefix, following by a single digit and no suffix. (e.g. S1, S2, S3). They include an armoured Audi A8 W12, an armoured BMW 7 series and a Lexus LS460L (the previous official car for the prime minister). The number plates are interchangeable and the S1 plate is applied on the Prime Minister's car for certain events such as the National Day Parade.
A Mercedes-Benz belonging to the Slovakian Office for the Protection of Constitutional Officials and Diplomatic Missions
The president of Slovakia uses various vehicles from the Office for the Protection of Constitutional Officials and Diplomatic Missions which has more than 230 cars for the president, prime minister, ministers and state visits. For state visits, the president uses an armored Mercedes-Benz Pullman, for normal driving, one of the 230 cars (armored Audi A8, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series, Volkswagen Phaeton, Range Rover, BMW X5, Škoda Superb and other vehicles).
Slovenia
Former president Borut Pahor used an Audi A8 and former Prime Minister Miro Cerar used a BMW 7 series while their security officers use BMWs X5 as protection vehicles.The Speaker of Parliament and ministers are mostly driven in Audis A6 or A8 and BMWs 5 series the current Slovenian PresidentNataša Pirc Musar uses an Audi A8 while the Prime MinisterRobert Golob uses a Mercedes Benz S Class the Motorcade consists of Audi Q7 Volkswagen Touareg and Bmw X5
Somalia
The president of Somalia is driven in various state-owned armored vehicles, four black identical armoured Toyota Land Cruiser 200 vehicles are always in the motorcade, for security reasons the president is expected to change vehicle's and they keep on changing position as the motorcade is driven, which is guarded by the Presidential Guard [60th Battalion Military Police]. Instead of a number plate, it features the flag of Somalia.
The same vehicles are used by the Prime Minister of Somalia, only by policy the motorcade is made up of white vehicles.
Seven Hyundai Nexo SUV's were purchased in 2018 to replace the three Genesis EQ900limousines that were provided in 2017 to President Moon Jae-in.[199] These were the first presidential vehicles manufactured in South Korea, offered bulletproofing to a B7/UL8 level, and are equipped with oxygen supply, fire suppression systems, infrared night vision, and run flat tyres. The Genesis limousines were used after the inauguration of Moon.
President Roh Moo-hyun rode in an armoured BMW E65 Security 760Li purchased in 2005 and a 2002 model Mercedes-Benz W220 S600 Guard. Roh used the W220 during peace talks with North Korea. The presidential motorcade was escorted by Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban and Ford Excursion, also with several identical Mercedes-Benz W220s.
It is believed that Blue House prefers to use Mercedes vehicles instead of Genesis vehicles in talks with North Korea to present a neutral brand that is also favored by Pyongyang.[200]
The Ministry of Foreign AffairsCho Tae-yul uses an armored Cadillac DTS limousine by Alpine Armoring[204] and an armored Hyundai Equus limousine[205] for foreign dignitaries. Each vehicle was acquired between 2010 and 2011.
The Spanish royal family has access to one of the largest fleets of cars in Spain. Various armoured vehicles are used by the family, including Cadillac Broughams, Audi A6s and Mercedes-Benz S-Class models.
Three Rolls-Royce Phantom IV cars from 1952 are used for major ceremonial occasions, such as state visits. Only eighteen examples of the Phantom IV were ever built, all being reserved for royalty or heads of state. Three were ordered by the Spanish government for the use of Francisco Franco and delivered in 1952. They belong to the Spanish Army and are available for use by members of the royal family. One is a 4-door cabriolet version, and the other two are hard-top limousines. A special order was placed for the wedding of the then-Prince of Asturias (now King Felipe VI), when the Phantom IV cabriolet was rebuilt to include armoured protection. Modifications included heavy-duty air conditioning and a special glazed armoured bubble to protect the rear passengers. The modifications cost over €360,000.
The royal family uses mainly Mercedes-Benz S-Class models for its official transport, with BMW 5 Series cars as escort vehicles. The motorcade is composed of around 15 cars.[citation needed] The personal cars of the former king Juan Carlos I include a specially customised Maybach 57 S[206] and an Audi RS6.[207]
Spanish government
The prime minister and deputy prime minister both use Audi vehicles. The premier's Audi A8L was purchased in March 2005, shortly after retiring the Audi A8 used by José María Aznar. The vehicle, which then cost the Spanish government well over 380,000 Euros (approx. US$520,000), is said to be equipped with the latest features, runflats, level B7+ armouring, satellite communications and various special items that are kept secret by Spanish officials. The fleet has been renovated and now includes various new Audi A8L, Mercedes-Benz S600 and Audi A6 models, although prime minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero wanted to switch those cars for the hybrid Toyota Prius to save fuel oil.[citation needed]
Sri Lanka
The president of Sri Lanka is driven in an armored Black Mercedes Maybach S-Class (Guard) or armored Black BMW 7 Series escorted by a selection of marked and unmarked President's Security Division vehicles. During official travel it is the only vehicle in the country not required to use standard number plates. The official flag of the president is flown on the car in which the president is travelling.
The cars have bulletproof windows and bulletproof tires.There are also Audi A8s and a few Rolls Royces. Most official cars are painted black
Ambulances traveling in motorcades always carry the President's blood type. Presidential motorcades typically consist of 40 to 50 cars, with the flagship vehicle costing more than $21million. Each vehicle was acquired from 2015 to 2024. The Chief of Defence Staff is usually driven in a Black BMW 7-Series. This is known as the Staff Car of the CDS and consists four silver stars which represents the Rank of the respective officer. Normally the CDS holds the rank of General. This vehicle is formally escorted with two Land Rover Defenders and other VIP Jeeps and sedans depending on the occasion. However, during the recent convoys in 2022 it has been noticed that the CDS has been driven in a Range Rover Autobiography Black LWB.
Sudan
The president of Sudan, is driven in a Mercedes-Benz S300 W221. The presidential fleet also includes a Nissan Patrol (only when he goes to rural places) and Hyundai Sonata. Ministers usually travel in Toyotas Land Cruisers 70.
Suriname
The current president of Suriname Chan Santokhi uses a Toyota Land Cruiser escorted by a motorcade consisting of Toyota Hilux Nissan Patrol and Mitsubishi Pajero
Sweden
A Daimler DS420 limousine is used for major state ceremonies in Sweden.
For significant ceremonial events like state visits, there is a Daimler DS420 limousine. There are also a number of different cars in the Royal Stables, which are used on special occasions. The first royal motor car in Sweden was a Daimler bought in 1899 for Crown Prince Gustaf.[208]
The Prime Minister of Sweden uses an armored Audi A8 L since 2014.[209] Other cabinet ministers are chauffeured around in an armored BMW 7 Series and several BMW X5s, all escorted by the Swedish Security Service.[citation needed]
Switzerland
Federal councillors can buy a new car every four years. They usually have the option between Audi A8 and Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Former president Chen Shui-bian discontinued the use of the Cadillac DeVille, preferring a Lincoln in his first term and a BMW 7 Series in his second term. Ma Ying-jeou used four BMW F03 750Lis, usually escorted by two BMW R1200RTs police bikes, one BMW E65 750i, and two BMW E60 5 Series police cars (one at the front and one at the end).
Since 2024, current president Lai Ching-te uses an armored Audi A8 L Security during the ceremony of his inauguration the motorcade consisted of the BMW 7 Series (G70).
Tajikistan
The current president of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, uses an armored black Mercedes-Benz S-Class W222 S 600 Guard, escorted by a motorcade consisting of Toyota Land Cruisers.
Tanzania
The current president of Tanzania uses a Kia Quoris, escorted by a motorcade consisting of white Toyota Land Cruiser 70s. For rural visits, the president uses a Toyota Land Cruiser 200.
Zanzibar
The president of Zanzibar is driven in a Mercedes-Benz W221, escorted by a motorcade consisting of four Mitsubishi Pajeros
During his time as king, Bhumibol Adulyadej traveled in a Maybach 62 with special number plates, police motorcycle outriders, and an escort of Mercedes-Benz S-Class police cars. He also used other vehicles, including the following models – Rolls-Royce Phantom VI, Rolls-Royce Silver Spur stretch limousine, Rolls-Royce Silver Spur Park Ward, Lexus LS460L, BMW 760Li (E38 and E66), BMW 5 Series (E60), Cadillac DTS stretch limousine, Volkswagen Caravelle T5 TDi, and Mercedes E55 AMG (W211). All of the royal cars are ivory colored.[citation needed]
Other members of the royal family mostly use ivory-colored Mercedes-Benz S500 (W221 and W222) cars for official journeys, with Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W222) police escorts. During the early 1990s, a tourist confirmed that a mid-1980s Chevrolet Suburban (presumably a 1985 model) was used by the security detail of the Crown Prince.[citation needed]
There are also royal cars with a convertible top for royal ceremonies, such as a Rolls-Royce Corniche and a Cadillac DTS (the hard top was transformed into a convertible top).[citation needed]
On official royal journeys, there are a group of more than 45 cars in the motorcade, including Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W221 and W222), BMW 7 Series (F01 and G11) in a red color and Mercedes-Benz V-Class in an ivory color.[citation needed]
For unofficial royal journeys, the cars in the motorcade are a group of about 15 cars, including BMW 7 Series (F01 and G11), Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W221 and W222), Honda Accord and Nissan Teana. These cars are all ivory colored.[citation needed]
The Bureau of the Royal Household also has its own vehicles. These cars are mostly Nissan Teana and Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W221 and W222). These cars are painted in ivory.[citation needed]
In March 2016, former prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha was the recipient of two new armoured Mercedes-Benz S600 Guard sedans, worth 19.5million baht each. They were among four new luxury armoured cars, costing 78 million baht total, procured by the Secretariat of the Prime Minister. One was equipped with license plate 4 Kor Dor 29 (4กต 29), the other with 4 Kor Tor 29 (4กท 29). One served as Prayut's car for daily use, with the other one as a back-up. Two other S600 Guard sedans are reserved for high-profile foreign visitors. Prayut's position also entitled him to an armored van, which he sometimes used.[210] He traveled by a Volkswagen Caravelle on some occasions.
Thai ministers mostly travel in Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Toyota Alphard, Volkswagen Caravelle, and Jaguar XJ vehicles in February 2024 former prime minister Srettha Thavisin drove a lime-green Abarth 500e of his daughter to the meeting of Electric Vehicle Policy Committee on government house [211]
Tonga
For official travel, the king uses the Humber Pullman with landaulette body, released in 1949. Previously, King George Tupou V traveled around the country in the classic 'black cab', the Austin FX4.[212]
Trinidad and Tobago
The president of Trinidad and Tobago uses a black, armoured, 2020 Lexus ES Sedan with the license plate of the country's Coat of Arms in Gold. The Prime Minister uses a black, armoured, 2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (WSS). It carries the license plate PM-1 for the Prime Minister. Each motorcade also includes a decoy car, two police motorcycles, two 2016 Toyota Land Cruisers Prado as support vehicles and a leading Toyota Camry police vehicle.
The official state car of the president of Turkey is a black ballistic and bullet-proof armoured Mercedes-Benz Maybach S-600 Pullman Guard, carrying the presidential crest instead of a license plate, supported at all times by an entourage of SUVs and additional support cars.
All ambassadors of Turkey serving abroad use ballistic and bullet-proof cars operated by trained security personnel. This measure is taken because of previous assassination attempts to Turkish ambassadors.
Presidents have usually preferred to ride in European cars. Edward Mutesa, first president of Uganda, drove in a 1960s Rolls-Royce. All succeeding ones drove in black Mercedes-Benz limousines.
President Yoweri Museveni drove in a black Mercedes cross country and 600 SEL stretch Limos up to the mid-1990s. His convoy now consists of a Toyota Land Cruiser 200. The presidency has ceremonial cars that include a stretch 600 SEL Mercedes, and a white G Wagon. Escorts travel on double cabin pick up trucks and Mitsubishi Pajero models.
PresidentMohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Prime MinisterMohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and members of the royal family of the United Arab Emirates are driven in black armored Rolls Royce Phantoms. The Mercedes S Class is also used. The motorcade consists of Toyota Land Cruisers and Nissan Patrols while high-ranking officials use the BMW 7 Series.
Five state cars, two Bentleys and three Rolls-Royces, are kept at the Royal Mews, Buckingham Palace, for use by the King and those representing or supporting him as head of state. There are also two State Royal Review Vehicles, open-top Range Rovers, designed for use at military parades and similar events. The State Cars are sometimes used when the king is travelling abroad. They are made available for heads of state visiting the UK, as well as for senior members of the royal family on official duties. As British law in general does not apply to the sovereign, these vehicles do not possess registration plates.
Other official vehicles kept at the Mews include Jaguar and Daimler limousines for less formal occasions, Land Rovers, luggage brakes and minibuses. These have number plates, as do the monarch's personal vehicles and those of other members of the royal family. One state car is usually on display at the Royal Mews, where state road vehicles, including the horse-drawn carriages, are kept and maintained. The state cars and official limousines are painted claret and black, and have fittings on the roof for a shield and flagpole.
The Bentley state limousines regularly conveyed Queen Elizabeth II to and from official events during the last two decades of her reign. Based on the Bentley Arnage floorplan, they have twin-turbocharged 6.75litre V8 engines that produce 400 horsepower (300kW) and 616 pound-feet (835N⋅m) of torque, giving a maximum speed of 130 miles per hour (210km/h). The state limousines are 3 feet (0.91m) longer than a standard Bentley Arnage, 10 inches (250mm) taller and 6 inches (150mm) wider. They are equipped with broad rear-hinged doors that open almost 90 degrees. The car also has opaque rear window panels that can be removed to allow increased visibility when the occupant is attending a public event or installed for increased privacy when required.[213][214]
The State Royal Review Vehicle is a bespoke 2015 Range Rover Hybrid used for parades and other official rides; the King and other members of the royal family can stand up in the back for good visibility. This is the latest in a series of royal review vehicles, which have been built by Land Rover since 1953. The current vehicle replaces a 2002 model (which remains in use as the second royal review vehicle).[215][216]
Other official vehicles
The official fleet is augmented by three Range Rovers (with number plates MYT 1, MYT 2 and MYT 3),[217] acquired in 2022, two stretched Jaguar XJ limousines (with number plates NGN 1 and NGN 2), acquired in 2012, and three Daimler DS420 limousines (also with number plates), acquired in 1988 and 1992. Used on less formal occasions (or as support vehicles on more formal occasions), these are all painted in claret and black, and have fittings for a mascot, roof flag and shield.
On formal occasions, King Charles, when he was Prince of Wales, was often seen in a claret and black 1962 Rolls-Royce Phantom V Landaulet (registration plate NLT 1), which he inherited from Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother and later had converted with a fixed roof in place of the former open top.[218]
The prime minister of the United Kingdom is usually driven in one of a fleet of armoured Range Rover Sentinel models, escorted by Range Rover, Land Rover Discovery and Ford Galaxy vehicles and police motorcycle outriders.
Senior ministers and government figures with police protection as well as visiting foreign dignitaries also receive armoured cars.
The British government maintains the Government Car Service which provides transport for senior government officials. In December 2008, the service took delivery of a fleet of armoured BMW 760Li models for use by senior dignitaries and visiting politicians.[219] The service also uses vehicles from Jaguar, Land Rover, Ford and Vauxhall, while some ministers use Toyota Prius hybrid models.
Since the premiership of Boris Johnson, custom made blast and bullet-proof Range Rover Sentinels have also been added in the government fleet.[220]
United Kingdom Overseas Territories
British Virgin Islands
The governor of the British Virgin Islands is driven in a grey Royal Service Range Rover from the United Kingdom with a license plate symbolizing the Crown, usually by a police officer from the RVIPF (Royal Virgin Islands Police Force).
The governor of the Cayman Islands is driven in a beige Cadillac DeVille Surmounted on the hood is the flag of the office, and instead of license plates the car has a crown on the front and back. It is likely that the car is armoured but this is not known for certain. While Other senior officials and visiting VIPs use a fleet consisting of armoured Ford Excursions.
The president of the United States travels in a heavily armored, custom-built limousine, which is often referred to as Limo One, Cadillac One, or its less formal nickname of "the Beast." The vehicle is based on a GMC Topkick platform, and has the outward appearance of an enlarged Cadillac DTS limousine, with styling elements from other vehicles in the Cadillac lineup.
The vehicle features bulletproof windows, state-of-the-art communication and protection systems, a stowable desk, and a gas-proof chamber for defense against gas attacks. It was retired in 2018 for a new presidential limo, described as an "evolutionary update" of the vehicle used from 2009 to 2017 with a current Cadillac front fascia.[citation needed]
On 24 May 2011, an earlier "Beast" failed to clear the driveway of the U.S. Embassy compound in Dublin, Ireland. Though President Barack Obama was the escorted official, he was in the second limo as the first noisily struck the pavement hump under the Embassy gate.[221] The president also travels in a heavily armored 2007–2014 model Chevrolet Suburban and a spare.
Unlike most other heads of state, with the occasional exception of the British monarch and the president of Russia, the U.S. president is accompanied on all foreign and domestic trips by a full motorcade of U.S. government vehicles, including several presidential limousines, escort vehicles and a military ambulance, all of which are transported by the United States Air Force using C-17 Globemaster III aircraft. For security reasons, the president always travels in "the Beast" on trips abroad. The U.S. vehicles are typically complemented with coaches, police vehicles, ambulances and limousines provided by local authorities. The United States Secret Service also has a fleet of heavily armored buses called Ground Force One for the president and vice president.
A presidential motorcade for Barack Obama. When travelling in their state car, the U.S. president is accompanied by a full motorcade of U.S. government vehicles.
Like the president, the U.S. vice president is accompanied by a full U.S. motorcade during domestic and foreign trips.
Members of Congress have an allowance of $1,000 per month in which the government may cover the cost of a lease, not including mobile offices. The preferred car for members of Congress was the Lincoln Town Car until its discontinuation. Executive cars are the most common type of car for congressmen. The two most popular cars for congressmen are the Town Car's successors: the MKS and the MKT.[222]
Most high ranking federal-level officials travel in SUVs usually armored Chevrolet Suburbans or Chevrolet Tahoe. State governors and large city mayors mostly travel in SUVs with their state and city police security details.
U.S. ambassadors travel in their United States Department of State pool of armored vehicle that can range from Cadillac DTS, Chevrolet Suburban, Toyota Land Cruiser and BMW along with host security vehicles.
Uruguay
The presidential state car of Uruguay is an armoured 2005 Chevrolet Vectra, purchased by president Tabaré Vázquez when his term in office began on 1 March 2005. Previously, presidents traveled in a Mitsubishi Galant procured from the government's fleet of diplomatic vehicles.
As of August 2007, the presidential motor pool includes Mitsubishi Galants, Toyota Corollas, Volkswagen Ventos, and Rover 75s.
Municipal intendants of Uruguay are transported in armored Peugeot 607s.
President Luis Lacalle Pou most of the time uses a white 4x4 Toyota Hilux SW4, and is escorted by one or more presidential security cars.
Uzbekistan
The state limousines of Uzbekistan are two special ordered 2010 Range Rover Supercharged with bulletproof windows. The president is transported by an armored Mercedes-Benz S-class which is escorted by other similar vehicles.
A Mercedes-Benz M-Class Popemobile designed to create greater visibility of the Pope during public appearances
As the Vatican's sovereign, the pope was traditionally carried on an elaborate sedan chair during ceremonial occasions or transported in a horse-drawn carriage.[224]
With the international reach of the Catholic church in modern times, the motorized Popemobile has replaced the carriage as the favored mode of transportation when greeting the millions of Catholic devotees during state visits.[225]
The first motorized papal vehicle was a Mercedes-Benz W08 Nurberg 460 Pullman limousine, made for Pope Pius XI in 1930. Mercedes has provided about a third of all papal vehicles used by the Vatican such as the contemporary W163 Mercedes M-Class featuring its distinctive glass enclosure surrounding the rear seat.[224]
There have been many different designs for popemobiles since Pope Paul VI used a modified Lincoln Continental to greet crowds in New York City in 1965. Some are open air, while others have bulletproof glass walls to enclose the Pope, deemed necessary after the 1981 assassination attempt of Pope John Paul II. Some allow the Pope to sit, while others are designed to accommodate him standing. The variety of popemobiles allows the Roman Curia to select an appropriate one for each usage depending upon the level of security needed, distance, speed of travel, and the Pope's preferences.
A Jeep Wrangler Popemobile used by Francis during his Washington DC visit in 2015
When visiting regions with domestic automobile production, the pope often makes an attempt to commission a vehicle from that country such as the SEAT Panda for John Paul II's trip to Spain, a Jeepney for Pope Francis' trip to the Philippines, and Kia Sedona for his trip to South Korea.[224] More recently, Pope Francis was seen in Singapore with a Singapore-made Hyundai Ioniq 5.
Hugo Chávez sometimes drove a red IKCO Samand badged Centauro, or in red or green a Tiuna truck accompanied with some ministers or governors or mayors, depending on the occasion when he travelled, usually with a high security personnel around, with a large convoy of armored SUV conformed by Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Trailblazer, Chevrolet Express, Ford Expedition, Toyota 4Runner, Toyota Fortuner, Toyota Sequoia, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and an ambulance in case of emergency, and escorted by the Presidential Guard, using armored Toyota Land Cruiser (80&90 Series), the transit police and the Venezuelan National Guard motorcycle officers have the duty to escort the motorcade and to clear up the traffic.
Another fleet of vehicles includes a Cadillac Fleetwood that is used for national holidays like special parades, the president also used three armoured black (W211), these vehicles have license plates with the national emblem, but are used for special occasions or important meetings when Chávez met with other presidents. Another vehicle is an armored silver Lincoln Town Car used to transport the president's visitors from the Simón Bolívar International Airport of Maiquetia to the Palacio de Miraflores and back.
The vice president is usually driven in an armored Nissan Patrol with a motorcade consisting of four or five SUVs. Ministers usually travel in many armored vehicles including Chevrolet Impala, Chevrolet Trailblazer, Chevrolet Tahoe, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota 4Runner, Toyota Camry, Toyota Fortuner, Ford Fusion, Ford Explorer, Ford Expedition, also escorted by Venezuelan National Guard officers.
The last acquisition to the fleet is a Bentley Continental Flying Spur.[227]
President Nicolas Maduro drives a black Toyota 4Runner or a Ford Explorer or a Toyota Fortuner often accompanied with the Presidential Honor Guard motorcade with his assistants and ministers.
Vietnam
The president of Vietnam is driven in a bulletproof Toyota Land Cruiser. Lương Cường former General Secretary of the Vietnamese Communist PartyNguyễn Phú Trọng used to ride in a 1998 Toyota Crown that was brought to his state funeral in July 2024 in Hanoi[228] currently Tô Lâm travels in a 2016-17 Toyota Avalon. While The prime minister uses a Toyota Land Cruiser as well. Usually on long-distance or special occasions, the motorcade includes some police motorbikes, several Toyota Land Cruiser and Toyota Camry. Ministers usually travel in Toyota Camrys, Toyota Fortuners and VinFast Lux A 2.0s. All government cars have blue licence plates but some have white civil license plates with a government placard behind the windshield.
Yemen
The president of Yemen is driven in various state-owned armored vehicles. While Ministers usually travel in Toyota Prados.
Yugoslavia
President Josip Broz Tito used a custom-built Mercedes-Benz 600 limousine with a removable top for most functions. Tito also had several luxury cars in his private motor pool collection, including numerous Mercedes-Benz models, a 770k seized from Ante Pavelić after World War II, a Rolls-Royce Phantom V, and several Cadillac and Chevrolet models.[229]
Zambia
As of July 2011, the president of Zambia was driven in an armoured Mercedes-Benz S600 Pullman limousine, escorted by 30 officers of the Zambia Police Service trained in diplomatic protection on BMW motorcycles and in six BMW 3 Series E93 cars. His motorcade also included an ambulance at all times. For visits to rural areas, the president uses an armoured Toyota Land Cruiser 100 Series.
This section needs to be updated. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information.(May 2024)
Zimbabwe
The president of Zimbabwe, Emmerson Mnangagwa, has been seen in various armoured vehicles, including a Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class and a Mercedes-Benz S-Class. His motorcade includes The Mercedes-Benz C-Class marked as police cars, as well as various other vehicles transporting his security detail. The president also uses an 1952 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith as a ceremonial state car.
A luxury car is a car that provides above-average to high-end levels of comfort, features, and equipment. Often, more expensive materials and surface finishes are used, and buyers expect better build quality. The usually higher pricing and more upscale appearance are often associated with the users' higher social status compared to low- and mid-market segment cars.
The Detroit Auto Show, formerly known as the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), is an annual auto show held in Detroit, Michigan. Hosted at Huntington Place since 1965, it is among the largest auto shows in North America, and is widely regarded as one of the automotive industry's most important events.
Canadian Car of the Year winners, as chosen by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada:
The Geneva International Motor Show was an annual auto show held in March in the Swiss city of Geneva.
The International Motor Show Germany or International Mobility Show Germany, in German known as the Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung, is one of the world's largest mobility trade fairs. It consists of two separate fairs, that subdivided in 1991. While the IAA Mobility displays passenger vehicles, motorcycles and bikes, the IAA Transportation specializes in commercial vehicles. Before the separation, the show was held solely at the Messe Frankfurt.
A motorcade, or autocade, is a procession of motor vehicles. Uses can include ceremonial processions for funerals or demonstrations, but can also be used to provide security while transporting a very important person. The American presidential motorcade is an example of both and is a staple of public appearances by the president of the United States.
The Los Angeles Auto Show, also known as the LA Auto Show, is an auto show held annually at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, California, United States. It is open to the public for ten days, filling 760,000 square feet (71,000 m2) of exhibit space. Since 2006 the event is held in November or December.
Adaptive cruise control (ACC) is a type of advanced driver-assistance system for road vehicles that automatically adjusts the vehicle speed to maintain a safe distance from vehicles ahead. As of 2019, it is also called by 20 unique names that describe that basic functionality. This is also known as Dynamic cruise control.
The Prime Ministerial Limousine is the official state car used by the prime minister of Australia. The current vehicle is a white BMW 7 Series. The prime ministerial and other ministerial limousines are maintained by COMCAR, a subdivision of the Department of Finance. The vehicle is often referred to in the media and the community as "C1", which is the number plate that the car displays. The Australian flag is centrally mounted on the bonnet of the vehicle.
The F-segment is the 6th category and largest of the European segments for passenger cars, and always belongs to "luxury cars".
A VIP armored car is a civilian vehicle with a reinforced structure that is designed to protect its occupants from assaults, bullets and blasts. Armored cars are typically manufactured with bulletproof glass and layers of armor plating, often with a variety of other defensive mechanisms and features to aid the individuals inside. Unlike military armored vehicles, a civilian armored car is designed to be inconspicuous and similar to its factory version.
An automotive night vision system uses a thermographic camera to increase a driver's perception and seeing distance in darkness or poor weather beyond the reach of the vehicle's headlights. Such systems are offered as optional equipment on certain premium vehicles. The technology was first introduced in the year 2000 on the Cadillac Deville. This technology is based on the night vision devices (NVD), which generally denotes any electronically enhanced optical devices operate in three modes: image enhancement, thermal imaging, and active illumination. The automotive night vision system is a combination of NVDs such as infrared cameras, GPS, Lidar, and Radar, among others to sense and detect objects.
Police vehicles in Hong Kong are vehicles of the Hong Kong Police Force, vehicles differ considerably depending on the duties of the departments that the vehicle is assigned to. One of the most commonly seen police vehicles in Hong Kong is the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter police van, which is mostly used by district stations and the Emergency Unit, one of the roles expected of it is rapid response to 999 emergency calls with regards to road safety and public safety.
Until 2023, British manufactured cars had always been used as prime ministerial cars by the prime ministers of the United Kingdom. The cars currently used are armoured, custom built Range Rover Sentinel supercharged 5.0 litre V8 models and armoured Audi A8L models.
Middle East Motor Awards (MEMA) is an auto award in the Middle East, with a ‘Car of the Year' honor as well as individual category winners. The awards are given to newly released or redesigned vehicles released to the regional car market, annually since 2010. The awards are judged by a panel of distinguished and expert automotive journalists.
The Russian presidential state car is the official state car of the President of Russia.
The former President of South Korea, Moon Jae-in, used a highly modified Hyundai Nexo SUV, a Genesis EQ900, and a Mercedes-Maybach W222 S600 Guard as his official state cars.
↑ "Limousines Hongqi L5 arrive in New Zealand before President Xi". CCTV News. 18 November 2014. Two Hongqi (or Red Flag) L5 cars arrived in Auckland, New Zealand recently, according to a verified account from Adelaide SA Radio Stations on Sina Weibo. ... In a report by Guancha.cn, Zhao Zhenyu, a senior diplomat said that there was no previous case of Chinese leaders shipping special vehicles for use in foreign countries as far as he knew. "The guest should follow the convenience of the host," is an internationally common practice. But leaders in the US and Russia usually deliver their limousines to the country they visit, according to the report.
↑ "China: Australia trade deal won't hurt New Zealand". Associated Press. 20 November 2014. Xi spoke to media as he swung through New Zealand at the end of a month of courting international leaders. ... His motorcade, featuring the distinctive Red Flag limousine, drove past both supporters and protesters ...
↑ "A proposito del parco macchine della Presidenza della Repubblica"[About the automobile fleet of the Presidency of the Italian Republic] (Press release) (in Italian). Rome, Italy: Segretariato Generale della Presidenza della Repubblica [General Secretariat of the Presidency of the Italian Republic]. 4 August 2011. Archived from the original on 30 December 2013. Retrieved 29 December 2013.
↑ "Il Quirinale trasmette al Ministro Brunetta i dati sul parco auto"[The Quirinal sends to Minister Brunetta the data about its automobile fleet] (Press release) (in Italian). Rome, Italy: Segretariato Generale della Presidenza della Repubblica [General Secretariat of the Presidency of the Italian Republic]. 20 July 2010. Archived from the original on 30 December 2013. Retrieved 29 December 2013.
↑ "新御料車について". Imperial Household Agency. 宮内庁. Retrieved 15 November 2023.
↑ Ayers, Stephen W. "Hotel Hobnobbing with High-level Diplomats". Archived from the original on 20 December 2014. Retrieved 19 December 2014. I also had the honor to welcome President Putin and shake his hand, but his visit stands out in my mind more for the story of his bulletproof Mercedes limousine. It was flown in from Russia especially for the visit and guarded night and day in the hotel underground parking lot. I took aside one of the English-speaking Russians in his mission and requested that he show me the limo. It was a great experience! The windows were made of two-inch thick glass, the tires were of solid rubber to prevent blowouts and the body was bulletproof. I was also amazed at how much communication equipment was in that limo – like a travelling Kremlin!
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