STORY: :: The Vatican unveils a new open-top,

all-electric popemobile

:: December 4, 2024

:: Sten Ola Kallenius, CEO, Mercedes-Benz Group

"It's hundreds of hours of craftsmanship and passion of the team that has joined us here today from Mercedes to build a one-of-a-kind popemobile." // "With the chair for the Holy Father, but also every detail, his crest, the platforms in the back that the Swiss Guard can stand on, we even measured the size of their shoes so we know that it fits. And every detail is perfection."

The vehicle, a modified version of the German company's G-Class mid-size luxury SUV, has an elevated seat for Francis, so crowds have a better chance of seeing the pope.

Francis, who has been pope since March 2013, has stressed the importance of environmental issues throughout his papacy. Mercedes officials called the new vehicle the first all-electric popemobile, but Francis has also used electric cars on some of his foreign trips.