Mercedes Gives New Popemobile to Benedict XVI

Pope Benedict XVI has received a new Popemobile that was given to him by MercedesMercedes-BenzGermany, 1924 > present197 models
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. The modified M-ClassMercedes-Benz M-Class Gen.3 [W166]Germany, 2011 > present7 versions
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has a lower height than the previous version to make it easier to ship between locations by plane. Benedict XVI used the car for the first time on December 8 at the Catholic Feast Day of the Immaculate Conception at the Spanish Steps in Rome.

The vehicle is meant to allow people to easily view the Pope while giving him a high amount of safety. The interior has been redesigned with an extended dome to give the Pope more space but with a lower overall height. There are also larger glass panels on the sides and a larger roof panel. Like all previous Popemobiles, it is painted diamond white. It took Mercedes nine months to design and produce the new Popemobile.

"It is an honor for Mercedes-Benz to be accompanying His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI on his future journeys with our new Popemobile. As such, we are continuing our long-standing partnership with the Vatican. For more than 80 years now, Popes have been able to rely on the quality, safety and comfort of our Mercedes-Benz vehicles," said DaimerDaimlerGermany, 1889 > present12 models
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Chairman Dr. Dietrich Zetsche at the car's delivery.

Mercedes has been supplying cars to the Pope for the last 80 years. The first car was a 460 Nürburg Pullman SaloonMercedes-Benz 460 NürburgGermany, 1928 > 19332 photos
to Pope Pius XI in 1930. The first car called the "Popemobile" was built for Pope John Paul II that was based on a modified G-ClassMercedes-Benz G-Class Gen.1Germany, 1979 > 199176 versions
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. It featured a large, enclosed area in the rear that the Pope could stand in, and people could easily see him.