For the four-day visit by Pope Benedict XVI. End of September in Germany Mercedes-Benz, according to the "Wirtschaftswoche" is currently building a new Popemobile with eco-friendly hybrid.
As the magazine reported Saturday, citing business circles, the car "in the sales of the Vatican" in Sindelfingen in strictest secrecy by hand is established.
The new Popemobile supposedly build on the new M-class of Mercedes and will painted like his previous Pearl White. An into the outlet in 60 minutes on rechargeable lithium ion battery and a 60 HP strong hybrid module allowed the Holy Father to drive up to 30 km wide emission-free. The technique have realized for the first time 2009 vision S500 plug-in Mercedes at the IAA in the concept car. A purely electric drive came not into question. In the event of an attack, the Popemobile must be "capable of escape", it was said to explain in Stuttgart.
Mercedes is according to the report for more than 80 years the purveyors of the Vatican and has built already several dozen special-purpose vehicles for the Pope.
