Long-time popemobile makers Mercedes
on Wednesday handed Pope Francis the first electric version of
the iconic vehicle in which the pontiff trundles around St
Peter's Square and farther afield, accessible to well-wishers
and kiddies seeking a ride.
German company Mercedes-Benz has been supplying cars to the
Vatican for 94 years, and for the last 45 years the Pope has
used the famous 'Popemobile' based on the Mercedes-Benz G-Class.
Today, for the first time, the Mercedes-Benz Popemobile is going
fully electric.
Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz, and the team members
involved personally handed over a unique, hand-built vehicle
based on the new electric G-Class to Pope Francis in the
Vatican.
This means that the Pope will travel with zero emissions in a
new Mercedes-Benz in time for the Jubilee of 2025, an event that
only takes place every 25 years and for which millions of
pilgrims are expected in Rome.
The vehicle meets the highest requirements and was developed in
close cooperation 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 realisation
of the 'Green' encyclical 'Laudato Si''.
In that text, the 87-year-old Argentine pontiff advocates for
the need for sustainable development and greater care for our
common Creation amid rampant climate change.
At the handover, Källenius thanked Francis and all participants
and emphasised the sustainable corporate strategy of
Mercedes-Benz: "With the new Popemobile, Pope Francis is the
first pontiff to travel in a fully electric Mercedes-Benz during
his public appearances. This is a great honour for our company
and I would like to thank His Holiness for his trust. With this
Popemobile, we are also making a clear appeal for electric
mobility and decarbonisation. Mercedes-Benz not only stands for
exclusivity and individuality, but also for the commitment to
making a fleet of new cars net-carbon-neutral by 2039".
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