ROME (ITALPRESS) – Mercedes-Benz has been supplying cars to the Vatican for 94 years, and for the past 45 years the Pope has been using the famous “Popemobiles” based on the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Today, for the first time, Mercedes-Benz’s Popemobile becomes fully electric: Ola Kàllenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz, and the team members involved personally delivered a unique handmade vehicle based on the new electric G-Class to Pope Francis at the Vatican. This means that the Pope will travel emission-free in a new Mercedes-Benz in time for the 2025 Jubilee, an event that takes place only every 25 years and for which millions of pilgrims are expected in Rome. The vehicle meets the highest requirements and was developed in close collaboration with the Vatican specifically for the Pope’s use. Its electric drive, adapted to the particularly low speeds required for public appearances, contributes to the realization of the encyclical “Laudato Si.” In it, Pope Francis advocates, in fact, the need for sustainable development. On the occasion of the handover, Ola Kàllenius thanked Pope Francis and all participants, emphasizing Mercedes-Benz’s sustainable business strategy: “With the new popemobile, Pope Francis is the first pontiff to travel in an all-electric Mercedes-Benz during his public appearances. This is a great honor for our company and I would like to thank His Holiness for his trust. With this Popemobile we are also launching a clear call for electric mobility and decarbonization. Mercedes-Benz is not only synonymous with exclusivity and individuality, but also with the commitment to achieve a net-carbon-neutral fleet of new cars by 2039.” Ola Kàllenius was accompanied to the appointment just outside St. Peter’s Basilica by Britta Seeger, Board of Management Member in charge of Sales and Marketing, and Marc Langenbrinck, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Italy. But the Holy Father also met with those who developed and built his new vehicle. Thus, employees from the Research & Development, Manufacturing and Sales & Marketing departments were also invited to the event and were able to hand over ‘their’ vehicle on behalf of many other colleagues involved. The handover was followed by a private audience with the Pope. A team of specialists from Graz (Austria), Sindelfingen (Germany) and Rome (Italy) worked together for about a year. The project was managed by the Rome team, while the electrical transmission was adapted by the Graz team. Sindelfingen experts produced the bodywork, interior fittings and custom equipment using traditional craftsmanship. The electric drivetrain of the new G580 with EQ technology was adapted to take full advantage of all-wheel drive with four electric motors on individual wheels for the special purpose of slow travel at public events. In the rear, the bench seat has been replaced by a single, centrally positioned, height-adjustable seat. This swivel seat allows flexible movement and the ability to address the audience from different angles. Behind the center seat, two single seats were integrated to the left and right for additional passengers. The roof has been removed at the height of the B-pillar, and the B-pillar itself has been harmoniously integrated into the side wall to create an unmistakable profile. In the event of rain or inclement weather, a separate hardtop provides protection for the occupants. The left rear door has been disassembled and rebuilt by specialists–according to traditional body style–from a single piece and welded seamlessly to the body. From the right side, the rear door hinges were moved to the opposite side. “Today we experience a new, important moment that underscores the deep bond that has united Mercedes-Benz Italy and the Vatican for more than half a century. As Pope Francis has repeatedly stressed, business must be an integral part of the community, so it is a great honor for us to have contributed to this unique project. On behalf of the great family of Mercedes-Benz Italy, I want to extend to the Holy Father the most sincere wishes for his well-being and the fruitful continuation of his Magisterium. We look forward to a wonderful Jubilee and we are sure that ‘our Papamobilè will be able to be a valuable support for His Holiness in the many commitments that await him,” said Marc Langenbrinck, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Italy.
photo: press office Mercedes-Benz Italy
(ITALPRESS).
