Pope Francis received a new, emission-free, all-electric popemobile from representatives of Mercedes-Benz, the German car manufacturer that has been supplying vehicles for the popes for nearly 100 years.
« We are overjoyed to be able to fulfill the Holy Father’s wish for an electric popemobile and are particularly proud to be able to build the vehicle according to his requirements, » Britta Seeger, head of sales and marketing and member of the board of management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, said in a press release Dec. 4.
It is the first time the company has manufactured an all-electric popemobile and « this cooperation … is a valuable symbol of sustainable change together, » she said.
The pope met with the representatives, which included engineers who led the project, in a courtyard at the Vatican. Ola Källenius, Mercedes-Benz CEO, presented the pope with the white and chrome key fob and showed him the vehicle’s interior.
The new popemobile sends « a clear call for electromobility and decarbonization, » Källenius said.
A team of specialists worked for a year to complete the handcrafted vehicle, which is based on the new G580 model. It is outfitted with « an electric drivetrain, which was adapted to the particularly low speeds required for public appearances, » the press release said.
« The vehicle represents an incredible amount of manual labor and passion — but it’s also full of state-of-the-art technology, » said Klaus Millerferli, one of the development engineers. « The fact that Pope Francis has invited some of us to hand it over personally really tops everything off. It’s an experience that you’ll tell your grandchildren about. »
Mercedes-Benz has been manufacturing and supplying vehicles for the popes for nearly 100 years, the company said, starting with a Nürburg 460 Pullman Saloon for Pope Pius XI in 1930.
The German company was awarded the contract, it said, in part because it was able to transfer to a motor-powered vehicle « an important characteristic » then only found in horse-drawn carriages: « the possibility of traveling with two dignitaries and other staff using folding seats. »
