Official state car

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An official state car is a car used to transport heads of state. It is usually a limousine or an executive car. Official state cars are often those of domestic manufacturers, giving leaders an opportunity to demonstrate faith in their nation's products and therefore domestic manufacturing. For example, the President of the United States rides in the domestic Cadillac, the Emperor of Japan uses a Toyota, the British monarch uses a Bentley and the Prime Minister of Italy uses a Maserati.

Contents 1 Argentina 2 Australia 3 Austria 4 Bangladesh 5 Bhutan 6 Brazil 7 Canada 8 Cayman Islands 9 Chile 10 Colombia 11 Costa Rica 12 Croatia 13 Denmark 14 Dominican Republic 15 Ecuador 16 Finland 17 France 18 Germany 19 Greece 20 Grenada 21 Hong Kong 22 Iceland 23 India 24 Indonesia 25 Ireland 26 Italy 27 Jamaica 28 Japan 29 Laos 30 Liberia 31 Malaysia 31.1 Royal heads of states 31.2 Federal and state governments 32 Mexico 33 Morocco 34 Monaco 35 Mongolia 36 Montenegro 37 Netherlands 37.1 Royal Family 37.2 Dutch Government 38 New Zealand 39 Norway 40 Oman 41 Pakistan 42 People's Republic of China 43 The Philippines 44 Portugal 45 Puerto Rico 46 Romania 47 Russia 48 Singapore 49 Slovenia 50 South Africa 51 South Korea 52 Spain 53 Sri Lanka 54 Sweden 55 Taiwan 56 Thailand 56.1 Royal Family 56.2 Thai Government 57 Trinidad and Tobago 58 Turkey 59 United Kingdom 59.1 Bentley State Limousine 59.2 Other state cars 59.3 Personal vehicles of the royal family 59.4 British government 60 United States 61 Uruguay 62 Vatican 63 Yugoslavia 64 See also 65 References

[edit] Argentina

The President of Argentina uses a fleet of armored Audi A8 with standard registration plates.

[edit] Australia

The Prime Minister of Australia is often seen in a Holden Caprice, a large Australian-built luxury sedan, bearing the number plate "C1" and a centrally mounted Australian flag. The vehicles are known to have some security modifications and unlike many overseas counterparts, the PM is frequently seen in the front passenger's seat.

[edit] Austria

Senior government figures in Austria use Audi A8, BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class models.

[edit] Bangladesh

The Prime Minister of Bangladesh uses a BMW 7-Series as the official car whereas the President uses the Mercedes-Benz S-Class most of the time.

[edit] Bhutan

The former King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, drove a Toyota Land Cruiser when travelling around the kingdom.

[edit] Brazil

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 current official state car used by the president for regular transportation is a 2008-model armored version of the Ford Fusion. The same model is used as escort cars for the presidential motorcade. The vehicle was first used on 17 June 2008 when it replaced a 2004 Chevrolet Omega.

The federal government's most important officials (President, Ministers, etc) use yellow-green plates with their function written on them (ie. President of the Republic, President of the Senate, Minister of Defence, etc).

[edit] Canada

The Governor General of Canada is driven in a Lincoln Town Car bearing the flag of the office on the right hand fender. The Governor General also has a stretch limousine at his/her disposal^{[citation needed]}.

The Prime Minister of Canada is driven in a motorcade of four cars or more, usually including a Chevrolet Tahoe and a Chevrolet Express. The motorcade is adjusted for certain public events, such as Canada Day celebrations as seen fit by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The Prime Minister himself rides in an armoured long-wheelbase Cadillac DTS and the lead car is a Chrysler 300. The prime minister is eligible to use the Governor General's stretch limousine at various times; incumbent prime minister Stephen Harper was seen using the limousine as part of his extensive motorcade during the 2008 election.

[edit] Cayman Islands

The Governor of the Cayman Islands is driven in a beige Cadillac Deville sedan. 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. Other senior officials and visiting VIPs utilize a fleet of armoured Ford Excursions.

[edit] Chile

The official presidential vehicle in Chile is a black Ford Galaxie XL Convertible, purchased in 1966. It is only used to for official ceremonies celebrating national days on May 21, September 18 and September 19. It has a normal license plate (EL-2801).^[1]

For daily transport the president was previously driven in a Lincoln Town Car, but President Michelle Bachelet now uses a 2008-model armoured Peugeot 607 saloon.

Her motorcade is often seen driving 2006 Audí's A4 and A6s. Various 2007 Dodge Durango's also compose the presidential motorcade.

President Bachelet is also often seen in her own Suzuki Grand Vitara model, driving her daughters to school.

[edit] Colombia

Since 1991, the Colombian Presidential vehicles have usually been BMWs. In 2006, the Presidential fleet included two armoured BMW 7-Series and several units of Toyota Land Cruiser 100, whose level of armour is a state secret. These BMWs and Toyotas are equipped with GPS and runflat tires.

[edit] Costa Rica

The President of Costa Rica uses a Kia Opirus as its official state car. It is unknown if the Opirus is armored or not.

[edit] Croatia

The President of Croatia uses an armoured Mercedes-Benz S600.

[edit] Denmark

Queen Margrethe II of Denmark uses a 1958 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith seven-seater (LGLW 25 body no. 10181), commonly referred to as Store Krone (Great Crown). It was purchased by her father, Frederick IX of Denmark as new. The coachbuilder and seller was Hooper & Co. (Coachbuilder) Ltd, 54 St James Street, Picadilly, London SW1.^[2]

In addition she 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, 1989 (purchased 1994 with 1500 km on the clock) and 1986. Also a new Bentley Arnage, crown number 121.^[3] She is trying a new environmental car: The Lexus LS 600h, a hybrid.^[4]

The name Krone and number refers to the license plate used when carrying members of the Danish royal family inside Denmark.^[5]

The Prime Minister of Denmark is driven in an armored Mercedes-Benz S Class. The ministers in the Danish government drives different kinds of VW Phaeton and BMW 7 Series. They are also seen in Volvo S80s.

[edit] Dominican Republic

The President of the Dominican Republic, Leonel Fernandez uses an armoured version of the 2007 Lexus LX 470. His motorcade is made up of a fleet of Toyota Prado's, Chevrolet Suburban's & a few more Lexus LX 470's.

[edit] Ecuador

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]}

[edit] Finland

The President of Finland uses an armoured Mercedes-Benz S600L with the Coat of arms of Finland as its "license plate".^[6] A similar car is used by the Speaker of the Parliament, whereas the Prime Minister's official car is an armoured BMW 760Li. Each of these cars cost around half a million euro when bought.

Most Finnish cabinet members use Audi A6s, but there are also Volvo S80s and Saab 9-5s. The only armoured car besides the three most notable ones is the Foreign Minister's Audi A8.^[7]

[edit] France

The President of France can choose between several armoured versions of high-end French cars including the Citroën C6, Renault Vel Satis and Peugeot 607. These are traditionally provided by the manufacturers and different Presidents will have their own preference. For example, Nicolas Sarkozy prefers Renault, while Jacques Chirac was a Citroën fan, occasionally using his own long-wheelbase Citroën CX model.

For his inauguration parade in 2007, Sarkozy used the one-off Peugeot 607 Paladine model, a stretched limousine with landaulette body, originally built as a concept car in 2000. 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 has since been returned to Peugeot and, as it effectively remains a concept car in its fit and finish, will not become part of the Élysée fleet.

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, Day of the Jackal. The President was saved in two assassination attempts by French Algeria supporters by the car's unique ability to drive on three wheels and to keep running when more than one tyre is punctured.

For ceremonial occasions, the President also has access to two unique Citroën SM Présidentielle landaulette models,^[8] created for President Georges Pompidou by the coachbuilder Henri Chapron. Based on the SM Opera, itself a special edition four-door convertible, 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 the 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.^[9]

[edit] Germany

Over the years, German heads of state, 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. Currently the State Car of the President of Germany is an armored Mercedes-Benz S600 with license plate 0-1, but he has also used an Audi A8. The President is the only German official whose official car shows a flag (a version of the President's standard) placed on the front of the hood.

All officials under personal protection from the Bundeskriminalamt (BKA), Germany's equivalent to U.S. Secret Service protection, use transportation from 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 to avoid the posh and elitist image of Mercedes models^{[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. His successor in office, current Chancellor Angela Merkel is known to alternate between brands as to project neutrality and support for the German car industry in general.

One of the earliest links between a leader and a particular marque was the association of Adolf Hitler with Mercedes-Benz. The Führer was known for his love of luxury cars and ordered a succession of custom vehicles from Mercedes, culminating in the 770-K model of 1941, which was rumoured to weigh up to five tonnes.^[10] These cars and their predecessors became synonymous with Nazi parades and Hitler's visits to conquered cities such as Vienna and Paris.

[edit] Greece

The Prime Minister of Greece currently uses a heavy armoured, custom-built W221 Mercedes-Benz S600 escorted by custom built Mercedes-Benz G-Class vehicles. Past PMs 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.

[edit] Grenada

The current Governor General of Grenada is driven in a white BMW 750Li with a crown license plate symbolizing the Queen while the Prime Minister drives in a black BMW 750Li bearing a Grenadian flag and a coat of arms license plate, escorted by police motorcycle outriders and two black Mitsubishi SUVs.

[edit] Hong Kong

The Chief Executive of Hong Kong Donald Tsang is driven in the Lexus LS 600hL hybrid vehicle, without a license plate and bearing a HKSAR logo.

The British Governor of Hong Kong used a Rolls-Royce Phantom V as his ceremonial car and a Daimler Limousine for day to day transport. The Rolls was also used by Queen Elizabeth II during an official visit in 1975. Having dropped the governor at the dockside for his departure on the Royal Yacht Britannia on the night of the handover to China, these vehicles were removed by a Royal Navy transport ship.

[edit] Iceland

The President of Iceland, Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, is driven by a chauffeur in a Lexus LS600hL with the license plate of "1."^[11]

[edit] India

The President of India uses a stretched and armored Mercedes-Benz S-Class W140, while The Prime Minister uses an armored BMW 7-Series and are escorted by the SPG in Tata Safaris.

Rest of the country's leadership including the Vice-President of India, regional Governors, Chief Ministers use the armoured Hindustan Ambassador usually flanked by their respective state police commandos in Mahindra Commanders and Tata Safaris.

[edit] Indonesia

The President of Indonesia is driven in one of two black, armored 2007 Mercedes-Benz S600L W221 models, bearing the license plates "RI 1" (on some occasion "INDONESIA 1"). The President rides in one vehicle, while the other is commonly used as a decoy. The Vice-President is driven in a similar car, bearing the "RI 2" or "INDONESIA 2" license plate. A black BMW X5 is also available for use, notably during the Jakarta floods of 2007.

The President's motorcade is accompanied by security personnel in Mercedes-Benz G-Class, BMW X5, Range Rover and Toyota Land Cruiser models, sometimes accompanied by a number of Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Peugeot 407 and Ford Expedition models carrying his entourage. A Volkswagen Caravelle is also present in the motorcade. The motorcade is escorted by Mazda6, Mitsubishi Galant VR-4 police cars and police motorcycle outriders.

[edit] Ireland

The official state car in Ireland is a 1947 Rolls Royce Silver Wraith. Douglas Hyde, the first president of Ireland was provided with a state car, but his near fatal stroke early into his term of office meant that he rarely travelled in public. When he retired in 1945 the Irish state decided that, his successor, Seán T. O'Kelly, needed a special state vehicle for formal occasions. The daily transport of the president of Ireland and the Taoiseach are Mercedes-Benz S-Class saloons W221.

[edit] Italy

The then President of Italy, Giovanni Gronchi, personally ordered four custom-built Lancia Flaminia limousines for a state visit by Queen Elizabeth II in 1961. The cars, all of which are landaulettes, were designed by Pininfarina and based on an extended wheelbase from the standard saloon. Two of the cars are still in service today for state occasions.^[12]

The current presidential car is a Maserati Quattroporte, while the prime minister uses a similar vehicle. The government fleet also includes Audi A8, Lancia Thesis, BMW 5-Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Alfa Romeo 159 models.

[edit] Jamaica

The Governor-General of Jamaica is driven in a BMW 5-series (530i) bearing the Jamaican flag and the flag of that office. Its license plate is "GG11". The Prime Minister of Jamaica is driven in a dark blue Volvo S90 bearing the Jamaican flag and the flag of that office. The Prime Minister's car uses a civilian license plate. It is unknown if these cars are armoured. There were plans for the Jamaican Government to purchase an Audi A8 for the Prime Minister at a cost of JMD$5.1 million. This was on the grounds that the Volvo was getting old and that it broke down with Prime Minister Golding aboard on a few occasions, but, because of the global economic crisis, the Prime Minister signed an order scrapping plans to buy the car.

[edit] Japan

The official state car currently used by the Emperor of Japan is a specially prepared Toyota Century Royal, a one-off $500,000 custom car. It stretches around 20 feet in length and 6.5 feet across, with extra amenities such as bulletproofing and a granite entryway.^[13] The vehicle is the only Japanese product to use a V12 engine, either for domestic or international use. The emperor was previously driven in a Nissan Prince Royal.

The Prime Minister of Japan travels in a regular Toyota Century or Lexus LS 600hL, escorted by a police motorcade which comprises numerous Toyota Celsiors.

[edit] Laos

The daily transport of the president of Laos is a Toyota Crown.

Prime Minister official cars include Mercedes Vito and Toyota Crown.

Politburo members travel in Audi A6 (C6).

Cabinet ministers and vice minister official cars is Toyota Camry (XV40) and Toyota Corolla respectively.

Visiting heads of state or government are chauffeured in Toyota Crown.

[edit] Liberia

The current President of Liberia 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. Some claim that Doe has purchased over 60 luxury Mercedes, which cost over US$ 60,000 each^{[citation needed]}.

[edit] Malaysia

[edit] Royal heads of states

The current Yang di-Pertuan Agong (the elected King of Malaysia) most commonly travels in a red Bentley Arnage or dark blue Mercedes-Benz S-Class bearing the Royal emblem as the license plate. All royal heads of states in the nation are also transported in official/get-around cars bearing their respective royal emblems; common choices include Rolls Royce Phantom's and Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Maybach 62 and Mercedes Benz E-Class Stretch Limousine W124.

[edit] Federal and state governments

Under guidelines of Malaysia's automotive policies, cars for use by federal and state governments are required to be of national makes^[14] (primarily Proton and Perodua). The Prime Minister has historically used a Proton Chancellor bearing the license plate Chancellor 13, although he has also been driven in a BMW 740Li bearing the license plate Perdana Menteri (Prime Minister). He is also sometimes being driven around in a black Proton Perdana Executive, a stretched mid-size sedan larger than the Proton Chancellor, also bearing a license plate with the number "13".^[15] His car is usually escorted by traffic police outriders as well as Volvo XC90 security cars.

Lower ranking government officials typically travel in Proton Perdana's. Like the Prime Minister, cabinet ministers and state governments were obligated to use Proton Perdana Executive's. The only exception is the Chief Minister of Sarawak, Abdul Taib Mahmud, who is driven in a bullet proof Rolls-Royce bearing Ketua Menteri Sarawak (Chief Minister of Sarawak) plates. The Mercedes S-Class and the BMW 7 Series are also commonly seen as optional cars transporting Chief Ministers. In July 2008, claims of unreliability were brought forward against the Perdana's by the Terengganu state government, which opted to replace its fleet of Proton Perdana's with Mercedes-Benz E200K's as the Perdana's were prone to breakdowns, but later considered auctioning the cars away. The Perak state government followed suit in December 2008 by purchasing 16 Toyota Camry's to replace its fleet of Perdana's, and recently the state of Sabah has also purchased 12 Volvo S80's, but the Perdana's will still be in use by lower ranked officials.

[edit] Mexico

The President and the First Lady have available for their use an official fleet of armoured Chevrolet Suburban vehicles, managed by the Estado Mayor Presidencial.

[edit] Morocco

The King of Morocco, Muhammad VI travels in a number of different state cars. Normally, when inside Morocco he uses his Mercedes 600 Pullman. The royal fleet also includes Range Rover models, the BMW 5-Series, BMW 7-series, Mercedes S-Class 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 King also has a personal garage, which consists of a lot of sports cars, inlcuding three Laraki Fulgura models.

The Prime Minister of Morocco is driven in a Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

[edit] Monaco

Albert II, Prince of Monaco acquired a Lexus LS 600h hybrid sedan, making it one of his official transports. In addition he owns a Toyota Prius and Lexus RX 400h,^[16] and has also made use of a vintage Bentley. He also owns a Rolls-Royce and a Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and has recently purchased a BMW Hydrogen 7.

[edit] Mongolia

President of Mongolia uses a Mercedes Benz S-Class on the regular road and uses a Toyota Land Cruiser as an off road vehicle.

[edit] Montenegro

The Prime Minister of Montenegro and senior state officials of Montenegro use a fleet of Audi limousines, notably the Audi A8 models, and lower ranked officials travel in Mercedes-Benz E-Class models.

[edit] Netherlands

[edit] Royal Family

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 would be joined by nine royal limousines from the Amsterdam-based carriage maker Spijker, which continues to exist today as a sports car manufacturer. Between 1925 and the late 1950s, the royal limousines were supplied by Cadillac, after which the royal household switched to the Ford Motor Company.

The current official royal limousine is a stretched Volvo S80 model, although other members of the royal family use different cars. Visiting heads of state are chauffeured in a stretched Lincoln Continental^[17]

All royal automobiles are painted in blue, with standard Dutch number plates beginning with AA, a special designation for the royal household.

[edit] Dutch Government

The Prime Minister of the Netherlands uses a BMW 7-Series. Previously, a Mercedes-Benz S-Class was used.

[edit] New Zealand

The Prime Minister used to travel in one of two cars, one being a Holden Statesman sedan or Ford Fairlane, followed by the other vehicle containing their security detail. But as of December 2007, New Zealand has bought a fleet (34) of BMW 730Ld limousines as its new fleet of ministerial cars which were commissioned in 2008. This was the first time in recent decades that the government had not gone with Australian Ford or Holden vehicles. The estimated purchase price per unit is NZ$ 69,900^[18][19]

[edit] Norway

The King of Norway, Harald V, uses a Lexus LS 600h limousine, acquired in early 2008.^[20] The vehicle does not have a sunroof, due to the hats the royals often wear.

The Prime Minister of Norway uses an armored BMW 7-Series. The previous BMW 7-Series was not used since its weight exceeded certain regulations.

[edit] Oman

Sultan Qaboos is seen driving around the country with the following cars:

• 2 Maroon colored 2007 model Mercedes S-class pullman.
• 4 Red colored 2003 model Mercedes S600 pullman.
• 4 Maybach 62.

In addition to this, his Garage contains:

• Several Rolls Royces.
• A line of Lamborghinis.
• A couple of Ferraris and Aston Martins.
• More than 20 Mercedes.
• Up to 10 BMWs.

[edit] Pakistan

The President and Prime Minister of Pakistan both have armoured Mercedes-Benz W221 cars which are equipped with a bomb jamming device in each car^{[citation needed]}. In each of their motorcades, up to three of these identical cars may travel in a line. The Government of Pakistan has also arranged for armoured cars equipped with jamming devices for the Senate Chairman and Speaker of the National Assembly. The Pakistan Foreign Ministry also operates up to ten of these identical armoured cars which are used to transport VIPs and visiting Heads of States. Politicians are also seen in Toyota Land Cruiser

[edit] People's Republic of China

President of the People's Republic of China uses both BMW 7-Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class^[21][22] vehicles. For special occasions, the President is often seen using a Hongqi Limousine.

[edit] The Philippines

The President of the Philippines uses two black, bullet-proof, armored Mercedes-Benz W221s, whereas one is a decoy vehicle. In convoys, the President is escorted by the Presidential Security Group (PSG) using the combination of the following patrol vehicles: Toyota Landcruiser, Nissan Patrol, Toyota Camry, Chevrolet Suburban, and police 400cc motorcycles. Motorcades of high-security involve as much as 20 vehicles, depending on the president's destination. The presidential cars are designated and registered a plate number of 1 or the word PANGULO (President). The limousine bears the Flag of the Philippines and the Presidential Standard. Occasionally, the President boards a Toyota Coaster during provincial trips. The Vice President of the Philippines on the other hand uses Mercedez Benz S-500 SEL Series also backed up by the Presidential Security Group or PSG

[edit] Portugal

The President of Portugal is driven in an armored Audi A8.

The Prime Minister of Portugal is driven in a VW Phaeton.

[edit] Puerto Rico

The Governor of Puerto Rico currently uses one of two black or red Nissan Armadas. As part of the motorcade, one or two Ford Explorers, two white Ford Crown Victorias and at least one motorcycle of the Puerto Rico Police Department are used. Also, the Governor may use a Ford Expedition or Toyota Sequoia. They carry standard Puerto Rico license plates. Each sitting Governor has the right to change the gubernatorial fleet as he or she may see fit, for example, Pedro Rosselló used a Mercury Grand Marquis and a GMC Yukon and Sila Calderón used a Ford Expedition and sometimes, for special occasions, a Buick Park Avenue. As a tradition full size cars were used but since the late 1990s, SUVs are being used.

[edit] Romania

The President of Romania rides in his Mercedes-Benz S-Class, escorted by a motorcade consisting of black BMW 5-Series (E60) models. He is also often seen driving his personal Volkswagen Golf.

[edit] Russia

The President of Russia is usually seen in an armoured Mercedes S-Class^[23] stretched limousine. The first such model, a W140 variant, was purchased by Boris Yeltsin and has recently been superseded by a W221 model. The presidential motorcade will usually be 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, BMW 5-Series and Volkswagen Caravelle.

Under the USSR, the General Secretary of the Communist Party was always driven in a Russian-built ZIL-41047,^[24] escorted by Chaika models. Two of the Zil limousines are still maintained in the Kremlin garage and occasionally seen in use.^[25]

[edit] Singapore

The President of Singapore alternates between a 2001 Lexus LS430 and a 1999 Mercedes Benz S320L, both of which are white like all of Singapore's previous state cars. When travelling to official events such as the National Day Parade, the Presidential crest is displayed in place of a license plate, while normally it carries the plate SEP1.

The Prime Minister usually travels in a white, short-wheelbase Mercedes Benz S280, with civilian plates. The Prime Minister's Office keeps four official cars, all white Mercedes, ready for state occasions and visiting foreign dignitaries.

The President and Prime Minister, who are the only political appointees to be given official cars, are not given car grants unlike other members of the cabinet.

[edit] Slovenia

Slovenian president Danilo Türk uses Toyota Prius for drivings in Ljubljana, and BMW X5 or Audi A8 (exstra prolonged version) for outside cities.^[26]

[edit] South Africa

The President of South Africa is driven in an armored Mercedes-Benz S-Class or sometimes an armored BMW 7-Series. A similar car is used by the Deputy President of South Africa.

The presidential motorcade is composed of numerous Mercedes-Benz G-Class, Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Range Rover and Mercedes-Benz ML-Class models, followed by a number of Mercedes-Benz V-Class and Dodge Ram police cars.

[edit] South Korea

The President often rides in an armoured BMW 7 Series limousine which was purchased in 2005. Previously, a 2002-model Mercedes-Benz W220 was used, also used during peace talks with North Korea. When he travelled to North Korea for the talks, he was also escorted by Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban and Ford Excursion,also with some identical Mercedes-Benz W220. These cars are occasionally used. Then president-elect Lee Myung Bak drove in a Kia Carnival limousine during his presidential campaigns.

[edit] Spain

The Spanish Royal Family has one of the largest fleets of cars in Spain. Various armoured vehicles are used by the family, including Audi A6s, Mercedes-Benz S-Class models and the exclusive Rolls-Royce Phantom IV. Only 18 of the latter were ever built, all being reserved for royals or heads of state. Three were ordered by General Franco for his personal use and are now available for use by the Spanish Royal Family. One is a landaulette and the other two are limousines. A special order was placed on the marriage of the current Prince of Asturias when a Phantom IV 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 Spanish Royal Family currently uses mainly Mercedes-Benz S600 models for its official transport, with BMW 5-Series (2007-2008) cars as escort vehicles. The motorcade is composed of around 15 cars^{[citation needed]}.

The Prime Minister of Spain and Deputy Prime Minister of Spain both use Audi vehicles. The premier's Audi A8L was purchased in March 2005 shortly after retiring the former A8 used by PM José María Aznar. The vehicle, which then cost the Spanish government well over 380,000 Euros (aprox. $520,000 USD), is said to be equipped with the latest features, runflats, level B7+ armouring, satellite communications and various special items that are kept secret by the Spanish officials. The fleet has been renovated and now includes various new Audi A8L, Mercedes-Benz S600 and A6s.

[edit] Sri Lanka

The President of Sri Lanka is driven in an armored BMW 750Li, escorted by a number of Land Rover Defender, Toyota Land Cruiser and Nissan Patrol cars. On special occasions, such as travelling on dirt roads, the President would use the Toyota Land Cruiser.

[edit] Sweden

The current official car of the King of Sweden is a stretched Volvo S80, escorted by the Swedish Security Service in BMW X5, BMW 5-Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class models.

The current Prime Minister is driven in an armored Mercedes-Benz S-Class, also escorted by The Swedish Security Service.

[edit] Taiwan

The President of Taiwan has historically travelled in Cadillac sedans, reflecting the island nation's diplomatic ties to the United States. The current president uses an armored Cadillac DeVille.

[edit] Thailand

[edit] Royal Family

King Bhumibol Adulyadej travels in Maybach 62 limousine, with police motorcycle outriders, and an escort of Mercedes S-Class (W220) and BMW 5-Series (E60) police cars. Other members of the royal family usually travel different models. Most of them are Mercedes S-Class (W221). The other models including Rolls-Royce Phantom VI, a Rolls-Royce Silver Spur stretch limousine, Rolls-Royce Silver Spur Park Ward, Lexus LS460L, BMW 7-Series (E38), Cadillac DTS stretch limousine (The same version of the president of the USA.), Volkswagen Caravelle T5 limousine version and Mercedes E55 AMG (W211). All of the royal cars are cream in colour.

HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn also has a large collection of cars, including many classic models. Many vehicles formerly belonged to his father, and afew modern cars such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Porsche, Ferrari, Cadillac etc.

There are also royal cars in convertible form for the royal ceremonies, such as a Rolls-Royce Corniche and a Cadillac STS (The hard top was transformed into convertible top).

On important official Royal journeys, there are a group of more than 20 official cars in the motorcade including: Mercedes S-Class (W220), Mercedes E-class (W210&W211), BMW 7 Series (E38), BMW 5 Series (E39 and E60), Honda Accord, Nissan Cefiro and Nissan Teana. These cars are painted in ruby red.

In the unimportant official Royal journeys, the cars in the motorcade are a group of about 5 cars including: BMW 7 Series (E38), BMW 5 Series (E39 & E60), Mercedes S-Class (W221 & W220), Mercedes E-class (W210 & W211) and Nissan Teana. These cars are all in cream. Some of these cars are the ex-royal vehicles.

The Royal Household Department also have their own vehicles. These cars are mostly Nissan Teana, BMW 5 Series (E39 and E60) and Mercedes E-class (W210 and W211). These cars are painted in cream.

[edit] Thai Government

The official cars for Prime Minister are armored black Mercedes Benz S (S600L-W220) and black BMW 7 (730LI (E66). However, the current PM Abhisit Vejjajiva is also using his own BMW 5-Series ( 523I-E39). The Prime Minister's motorcade is lead by two Police car, followed by the Security Serivces in a silver Toyota Land Cruiser Prado and a midnight blue Mercedes Benz E-class Estate (W211).

[edit] Trinidad and Tobago

The Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago presently uses, amongst a number of vehicles, a Black Mercedes-Benz S500.^[27]

[edit] Turkey

Most of the Turkish high-position politicians and statesmen use Mercedes-Benz automobiles. Prime Minister of Turkey, President of Turkey, Chief Staff of the Turkish Armed Forces and the leading opposition party's leader use Mercedes-Benz S Class.

President Rauf Denktas of Turkish Republic of North Cyprus has a ruby Red BMW 750iL with gold crests replacing the number plate.

[edit] United Kingdom

[edit] Bentley State Limousine

The British royal family has a long history of bespoke limousines stretching back to Daimler models owned by King Edward VII. On state occasions, Queen Elizabeth II usually travels in one of two custom-built Bentley State Limousines.

Delivered in 2002 to commemorate the Queen's Golden Jubilee, these unique vehicles are based on the Bentley Arnage floorpan, with a twin-turbocharged 6.75 litre V8 engine that produces 400 bhp (298 kW) and 616 lbf•ft (835 N•m) of torque. Maximum speed is 130 mph (210 km/h). The state limousine is three feet longer than a standard Bentley Arnage, 10 inches taller and six inches wider. It is equipped with broad suicide doors, which are hinged at the rear and open almost 90 degrees. The car also has a removable cover for the rear glazing to allow increased visibility when the occupant is attending a public event or increased privacy when needed.^[28]

[edit] Other state cars

The Royal Mews also contains a rare Rolls-Royce Phantom IV, which was purchased by the Queen in 1950, becoming a state car upon her accession to the throne, along with two Rolls-Royce Phantom VI models, including the bespoke Silver Jubilee Car, presented by the British motor industry in 1977. There are also three Daimler DS420 limousines, one of which was previously owned by HM Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother until her death in 2002. The state cars are sometimes used when the Queen is travelling abroad and are also made available for visiting heads of state and other members of the royal family on official business. Under British Law, the monarch's State vehicles do not possess registration plates (although the three Daimler models do have them); but the monarch's personal vehicles and those of other members of the Royal Family do.

A retired Rolls-Royce Phantom V state car, as owned by both the Queen and the Queen Mother until 2002, can be seen in the purpose-built garage aboard the former Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh and a state car (commonly the rarely used Phantom IV model) is usually on display at the Royal Mews in Buckingham Palace.

Prince Charles uses an armoured Bentley Turbo R, Jaguar XJ or Audi A6 for official engagements. On state occasions, he is occasionally seen in the Silver Jubilee Car, which lost the designation of "Number One State Car" (the vehicle most frequently used by the Queen) following the delivery of the Bentley State Limousines.

[edit] Personal vehicles of the royal family

For non-official journeys, the Queen will usually be driven in an armoured Jaguar XJ, similar to that used by the Prime Minister. This is escorted by the same vehicles as a state car. She also occasionally uses a Range Rover, particularly for visits to rural areas and event such as county shows. On visits to Balmoral and Sandringham, as portrayed in the film, The Queen, she has been seen at the wheel of a Land Rover Defender. The Duke of Edinburgh owns a Land Rover Discovery and a MetroCab, which he uses for trips around central London. When not undertaking official duties, other members of the royal family are usually driven in Audi A6 or Range Rover models.

[edit] British government

The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom is usually driven in an armoured Daimler Super V8 escorted by Range Rover or Land Rover Discovery models and police motorcycle outriders. The current model, purchased by Tony Blair, is based on the Jaguar XJ (X350). For a few months after his appointment in June 2007, Gordon Brown reverted to the previous Prime Ministerial car, a navy blue (X308) model purchased in 2000, but he has now resumed use of the X350 model. The 2000 vehicle replaced a dark green X300 model, built for Prime Minister John Major, which gained international media attention when it bore Tony Blair to Buckingham Palace on the day after the 1997 general election.

The British government maintains the Government Car and Despatch Agency 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 ministers.^[29] The service also uses vehicles from Jaguar, Rover, Ford and Vauxhall, while some ministers use Toyota Prius hybrid models.

[edit] United States

The President of the United States travels in heavily armored, custom-built limousine, which is often referred to as Cadillac One. 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 tinted bulletproof windows, state-of-the-art communication and protection systems, a stowable desk, and a gas-proof chamber for defense against gas attacks.^[30]

Unlike most other world leaders, with the occasional exception of Queen Elizabeth II, the U.S. president is accompanied on all foreign and domestic trips by a full motorcade, including several presidential limousines and escort vehicles, all of which are transported by the US Air Force using cargo aircraft such as the C-17 Globemaster III. The state vehicles are typically complemented with coaches, police vehicles, ambulances and limousines provided by local authorities.

[edit] 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 March 1, 2005. Previously, the Uruguayan head of state 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.

[edit] Vatican

[edit] Yugoslavia

The then Yugoslav president, Marshal Josip Broz Tito used the Zastava 160 Luxe.

[edit] See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Head of States automobiles

• Air transports of heads of state and government
• Royal Train
• Royal Yacht

[edit] References