Rides of Heads of State (Part 1)

Recently, I saw footage of Chinese leader Hu Jintao on a visit to Sudan riding in a Maybach. I assumed that it is from Omar Al-Bashier's personal fleet. This led me to ask, what the hell are heads of state around the world riding in? What do their choices (or lack thereof) say about the leader and his/her country?

Research has been more difficult than expected. Part 1 will include the easy ones-- those from the big boys (and girl). As this series progresses (hopefully), we'll get to some pretty obscure countries. My bet is that most of the third world leaders rely on Benz'. But we shall see.

1. Great Britain. Tony Blair rides in a bottle green Jaguar Super 8, a long wheelbased, supercharged XJ8. It is stately, powerful, and very British.

2. Germany. The W12 powered Phaeton, the People's Car, moves Frau Merkel. Her country, known for making the world's best luxury saloons, chose the proletarian Volkswagen over the Benz, BMW, and Audi. With 443 horsepower under the hood, it can still whisk her (and over 1,000 kg of armor) away quickly-- Mach Schnell!

3. France. Renault Safrane Biturbo. The what? Huh? The dirth of luxury saloons in Renault and Citroen's current line-up means that poor Jacques has to ride in a used, underpowered (246hp) hatchback. Did I mention that it has a manual transmission too? Sacre bleu! At least his other car is a four door Citroen SM convertible.

4. Canada. Stephen Harper's Lincoln Town Car is seen here at a hospital entrance after he recently suffered an asthma attack. The choice of wheels is bland, conservative, and very North American.

5. Australia. GM's Holden division Down Under produces the Statesman. It is the largest rear wheel drive sedan made by the General, anywhere. It seems that many of these executive cruisers are white. I shall assume that is because it reflects the heat of the hot Australian sun, thus making it more comfortable for the blokes in suits inside. Here is a shot of John Howard's Holden under attack last summer (or winter) in Perth. Popular guy, him.
CKY