Renault gave a new custom-made electric vehicle to His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI. The white vehicle is based on the Kangoo Maxi van. Its doors have the Papal coat of arms. It is powered by a 44-kilowatt electric motor and lithium-ion battery. It can go 106 miles on a single charge. Renault said that this vehicle is an “ecological, sustainable-development version of the Popemobile.” In addition, Renault provided a second electric vehicle to the Vatican Corps of Gendarmerie to handle the pope's security. It is somewhat similar to the first but it has blue livery and a white and yellow stripe on each side. Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn himself handed over these vehicles to the pope. Renault said that this car was co-developed with French coach builder Gruau. The pope usually travels in a white Popemobile, which is based on the Mercedes-Benz M-Class that comes with bulletproof windows. This is Renault’s contribution to the Vatican’s sustainable development message. The Pope is concerned about environmental issues. Carlos Ghosn, Chairman and CEO of the Renault Group, said that this donation is a way for Renault to reaffirm its commitment to sustainable development and respect for the environment. “This donation to His Holiness is a means for Renault to reaffirm its strong and durable commitment to sustainable development and respect for the environment,” said Carlos Ghosn, Chairman and CEO of the Renault Group.
Pope Benedict XVI receives his customized Renault Kangoo Maxi Z.E.
by Andrew Christian, Email, 07 Sep, 2012
Pope Benedict XVI Kangoo Maxi ZE
