What VVIPs Are Driving

Guest writer, SUE, wants to know what cars are used to chauffeur the leaders of the world from one important appointment to another. Ever wonder what the big kahunas of the world are driving? Out of curiosity, I did some digging via the World Wide Web and here’s what I found: Obama’s ‘Beast’ Cadillac According to Mail Online, the American President travelled in his ‘Beast’ (pictured above), a gigantic bomb-proof GM Cadillac with 8 inch thick armour plating on its doors when he visited London last 2011.  David Cameron’s Jaguar XJ Sentinel This is the armoured Jaguar XJ Sentinel supercharged 5.0 litre V8 model, which was first seen when newly appointed British Prime Minister, David Cameron, drove up to 10 Downing Street on 13 May 2010. Popemobile The Popemobile is an informal name for the specially designed vehicle used by the Catholic Pope during outdoor public appearances. It’s designed to allow the pope to be more visible when greeting large crowds. Francois Hollande’s Citroen DS5 Hybrid4 Landaulet French President, Francois Gerard Georges Hollande, was photographed waving to the crowds in Paris in this rather understated Citroen. It is nowhere near as elegant as the C6 Sedan used by former Presidents.

Prince Albert II’s Royal Lexus It may not have been as cool as the vintage Aston Martin DB6 convertible that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge drove after their wedding, but this special Lexus LS 600h L hybrid with extended wheelbase used by Prince Albert II of Monaco after his wedding is arguably more interesting. Giorgio Napolitano’s Maserati Quattroporte An armoured version of this Maserati Quattroporte fitted with Italian flags is the official state car used by Italy’s Head of State. Jose Mujica’s 1987 VW Beetle Labelled as the world’s ‘poorest’ President, Jose Mujica donates about 90% of his monthly salary to charity. “I’m called ‘the poorest president’, but I don’t feel poor. Poor people are those who only work to try to keep an expensive lifestyle, and always want more and more,” the Uruguayan President said. Living on a ramshackle farm with only 2 police officers and Manuela, a 3-legged dog, to watch out for him, the President’s only wealth is his beloved VW Beetle. Much respects to you, Mr President! PS: I couldn’t find what my beloved Malaysian Prime Minister is driving, although some say it’s a Proton Perdana? Images:  dailymail.co.uk, wikipedia, automotive-lust.tumblr.com, hooniverse.com, greencarreports.com, realitypod.com, bbc.co.uk