An official state car is a car used to transport heads of state. It is usually a limousine or an executive car. Official state cars are sometimes domestic cars that are generated by the domestic car company (if there are any) as a source of national pride, to show trust in their own vehicles or to support domestic manufacturing. For instance the President of the United States rides in the domestic Cadillac, the Emperor of Japan uses a Toyota, the British monarch uses a Bentley and the Prime Minister of Italy uses a Maserati.

Argentina

In recent years, Argentine Presidential vehicles have been armoured Audi A8s, which wear the same kind of registration plates as any other car in Argentina.

Australia

The Prime Minister of Australia is often seen in a Holden Caprice, a large Australian-built luxury sedan, bearing the number plate "C1" and a centrally mounted Australian flag. The vehicles are known to have some security modifications and unlike many overseas counterparts, the PM is frequently seen in the front passenger's seat.

Austria

Senior government figures in Austria use Audi A8, BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class models.

Bhutan

The then-King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, is known for driving his Toyota Land Cruiser in meet-and-greet tours of his kingdom.

Brazil

The official state car used by the President of Brazil is a 1952 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith which is reserved exclusively for Independence Day commemorations, state visits and the inauguration of the President-elect.

For everyday transport, the president uses Chevrolet or Ford models. In 2008, the government purchased a Ford Fusion to replace a Chevrolet Vectra. The same models are used as escort cars for the presidential motorcade.

The federal government's most important officials (President, Ministers, etc) use yellow-green plates with their function written on them (ie. President of the Republic, President of the Senate, Minister of Defence, etc).

Canada

The Governor General of Canada is driven in a Lincoln Sedan, bearing the flag of the Governor General on the right side in the front.

The Prime Minister of Canada is driven in a motorcade of four cars or more, usually including a black Chevrolet Tahoe and a black Dodge Caravan. The Prime Minister himself rides in a armoured long-wheelbase Cadillac DTS and the lead car is a Mercury Grand Marquis.

Cayman Islands

The Governor of the Cayman Islands is driven in a beige Cadillac Deville sedan. Surmounted on the hood is the flag of the office, and instead of license plates the car has a crown on the front and back. It is likely that the car is armoured but this is not known for certain. Other senior officials and visiting VIPs utilize a fleet of armoured Ford Excursions.

Chile

The official presidential vehicle in Chile is a black Ford Galaxie XL Convertible, purchased in 1966. It is only used to for official ceremonies celebrating national days on May 21, September 18 and September 19. It has a normal license plate (EL-2801).

For daily transport the president was previously driven in a Lincoln Town Car, but the incumbent President Michelle Bachelet now uses a 2008-model Peugeot 607 saloon.

President Bachelet is also often seen in her own Suzuki Grand Vitara model, driving her daughters to school.

Colombia

Since 1991, the Colombian Presidential vehicles have usually been BMWs. In 2006, the Presidential fleet included two armoured BMW 7-Series and several units of Toyota Land Cruiser 100, whose level of armour is a state secret. These BMWs and toyota's are equipped with GPS and runflat tires.

Croatia

The President of Croatia uses an armoured Mercedes-Benz S600.

Denmark

Queen Margrethe II of Denmark uses her 1958 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith seven seater LGLW 25 body no. 10181 commonly referred to as Store Krone (Great Crown). It was purchased by her father, Frederick IX of Denmark as new. The coachbuilder and seller was Hooper & Co. (Coachbuilder) Ltd. 54 St. James Street, Picadilly, London S.W.1.

In addition she uses several lesser cars for more common occasions. Noteworthy are Krone (Crown) 1, 2 and 5, which are all Daimler DS420 "Limousines" Eight Seaters of year 1970, 1989 (purchased 1994 with 1500 km) and 1986. The name Krone and number refers to the license plate used when carrying members of the Danish royal family inside Denmark.

The ministers in the Danish government drives different kinds of VW Phaeton and BMW 7 Series. They are also seen in Volvo S80s. The prime minister himself, drives an armoured Mercedes-Benz S Class.

Dominican Republic

The President of the Dominican Republic, Leonel Fernandez uses an armoured version of the 2007 Lexus LX 470. His motorcade is made up of a fleet of Toyota Prado's, Chevrolet Suburban's & a few more Lexus LX 470's.

Ecuador

The presidential state car in Ecuador is an armored Lincoln Town Car purchased by president Lucio Gutierrez in 2005, they also use an armored Chevrolet Trooper.

Finland

The President of Finland uses an armoured Mercedes-Benz S600L with the Coat of arms of Finland as its "license plate". A similar car is used by the Speaker of the Parliament, whereas the Prime Minister's official car is an armoured BMW 760Li. Each of these cars cost around half a million euro when bought.

Most Finnish cabinet members use Audi A6s, but there are also Volvo S80s and Saab 9-5s. The only armoured car besides the three most notable ones is the Foreign Minister's Audi A8.

France

The President of France can choose between several armoured versions of high-end French cars including the Citroën C6, Renault Vel Satis and Peugeot 607. These are traditionally provided by the manufacturers and different Presidents will have their own preference. For example, Nicolas Sarkozy prefers Renault, while Jacques Chirac was a Citroën fan, occasionally using his own long-wheelbase Citroën CX model.

For his inauguration parade in 2007, Sarkozy used the one-off Peugeot 607 Paladine model, a stretched limousine with landaulette body, originally built as a concept car in 2000. The model was brought out of storage for the occasion and updated with a new grille and lights to bring it in line with the 2004 re-style of the mainstream model. It has since been returned to Peugeot and, as it effectively remains a concept car in its fit and finish, will not become part of the Élysée fleet.

The most famous association between a President of France and a single model was that of Charles de Gaulle with the Citroën DS, as portrayed in the film, Day of the Jackal. The President was saved in two assassination attempts by French Algeria supporters by the car's unique ability to drive on three wheels and to keep running when more than one tyre is punctured.

For ceremonial occasions, the President also has access to two unique Citroën SM Présidentielle landaulette models, created for President Georges Pompidou by the coachbuilder Henri Chapron. Based on the SM Opera, itself a special edition two-door convertible, these cars are still used for state occasions and military parades, when the open-top layout enables the President to stand in the back seat and survey the crowd. Built for an official visit by Queen Elizabeth II in 1972, the cars have a standard mechanical layout with the addition of a special gear for low-speed cruising. One of the these cars was also used by President Francois Mitterrand for the official opening of the Channel Tunnel in 1994, when it accompanied the Rolls-Royce Phantom VI of Queen Elizabeth II. Number plates on these cars are standard French ones, although specially created for the model (2 PR 75 and 3 PR 75, '75' denoting the Paris region). Both are still maintained in working order, but are now rarely seen in use.

An international museum of official state cars also exists in France.

Germany

Over the years, German heads of state, chancellors and senior politicians have often used Mercedes-Benz S-Class vehicles and their predecessor models. The most famous variants were the Mercedes 300 series "Adenauer" and the stretched "Pullman" variants. Currently the State Car of the President of Germany is an armored Mercedes-Benz S600 with license plate 0-1, but he has also used an Audi A8. Additionally, the President is nowadays the only German official who's official car shows a flag (a version of the President's standard) placed on the front of the hood.

All officials under personal protection from the Bundeskriminalamt (BKA), Germany's equivalent to U.S. Secret Service protection, use transportation from the BKA pool of armoured cars and BKA driving staff. The car pool includes armored limousines from all German car manufacturers, usually high-end models such as the Audi A8, Volkswagen Phaeton, BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

Some German politicians choose to express their regional origins through the make of car they use. In particular officials from Bavaria customarily prefer cars from Munich-based BMW over the more common Mercedes brand. Some high-ranking politicians from Alliance '90/The Greens (Germany's green party) have choose Audi, VW or BMW cars to avoid the posh and elitist image of Mercedes models. While in office, former Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder initially used an Audi for his official car, a brand he is known to prefer as his personal car as well. Later during his administrative term, Volkswagen presented him with a VW Phaeton which found its way into the car pool.

One of the earliest links between a leader and a particular marque was the association of Adolf Hitler with Mercedes-Benz. The Fuhrer was known for his love of luxury cars and ordered a succession of custom vehicles from Mercedes, culminating in the 770-K model of 1941, which was rumoured to weigh up to five tonnes These cars and their predecessors became synonymous with Nazi parades and Hitler's visits to conquered cities such as Vienna and Paris.

Hong Kong

The Chief Executive of Hong Kong Donald Tsang is driven in the Lexus LS 600hL hybrid vehicle, without a license plate and bearing a HKSAR logo. The British Governor of Hong Kong (until 1997) used a Rolls-Royce Phantom V as his ceremonial car and a Daimler Limousine for day to day transport. Having dropped the governor at the dockside for his departure on the Royal Yacht Britannia, these vehicles were removed by a Royal Navy transport ship on the night of the handover to China.

Iceland

The President of Iceland, Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, is driven by a chauffeur in a Lexus LS600hL with the license plate of "1.

Indonesia

The President of Indonesia is driven in one of two black, armoured Mercedes-Benz S600L W221 models, bearing the license plates "RI 1" and "INDONESIA 1". The President rides in one vehicle, while the other is commonly used as a decoy. Even though the official car has been changed, he is more frequently seen in the older car (W140 models). The current President, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, also privately owns a Lexus LS460L, which carries his civilian licence plate, but is maintained and operated by the presidential garage.

The presidential garage contains two armoured W140 and W220 Mercedes-Benz S600L, an armoured Mercedes-Benz G500, two armoured E38 and E66 BMW 760Li, an armoured BMW X5, an armoured Range Rover, an armoured X305 Jaguar XJ, a Volkswagen Caravelle, a Toyota Alphard, an armoured Toyota Land Cruiser, an old Cadillac DeVille, a Volvo 760 and an old Bentley. The cars are black in colour and each has its own special license plate, although this is changed to "RI 1" or "INDONESIA 1" whenever the president is travelling.

The President's motorcade is accompanied by security personnel in Mercedes-Benz G500, Range Rover, BMW X5 and Toyota Land Cruiser models, sometimes accompanied by a number of Honda Accord, Peugeot 407, Ford Expedition and Volkswagen Caravelle models carrying his entourage. Also in the motorcade is a number of BMW motorcycles and Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

The vice president is driven in a black BMW 760Li E66, bearing the "RI 2" license plate, which has the same armour level as the Mercedes. The vice president also has access to the presidential garage. Therefore, he sometimes travel in an armoured BMW X5.

Government officials use Volvo S80, Toyota Camry, Toyota Alphard and Mitsubishi Pajero models, while members of the cabinet use Toyota Crown, Nissan Cima, Audi A6 and BMW 530i models. These cars use the same license plate format as the president, starting with "RI" and followed by a number ("RI 35"), or a civilian plate with special suffixes ("BS", "BD", etc.) for daily use.

Ireland

The official state car in Ireland is a 1947 Rolls Royce Silver Wraith. Douglas Hyde, the first president of Ireland was provided with a state car, but his near fatal stroke early into his term of office meant that he rarely travelled in public. When he retired in 1945 the Irish state decided that, his successor, Seán T. O'Kelly, needed a special state vehicle for formal occasions. The daily transport of the president of Ireland is a Mercedes-Benz S-Class limousine.

Italy

The then President of Italy, Giovanni Gronchi, personally ordered four custom-built Lancia Flaminia limousines for a state visit by Queen Elizabeth II in 1961. The cars, all of which are landaulettes, were designed by Pininfarina and based on an extended wheelbase from the standard saloon. The cars are still in service today for state occasions. The current official prime ministerial car is a Maserati Quattroporte, while the government fleet also includes other models such as the Audi A8, Lancia Thesis, BMW E65/E66 and the Alfa Romeo 159.

Japan

The official state car currently used by the Emperor of Japan is a specially prepared Toyota Century Royal, a one-off $500,000 custom car. It stretches around 20 feet in length and 6.5 feet across, with extra amenities such as bulletproofing and a granite entryway. The vehicle is the only Japanese product to use a V12 engine, either for domestic or international use. The emperor was previously driven in a Nissan Prince Royal.

The Prime Minister of Japan travels in a regular Toyota Century or Lexus LS 600hL, escorted by a police motorcade which comprises numerous Toyota Celsiors.

Jamaica

The Governor-General of Jamaica is driven in a BMW 5-series (530i) bearing the Jamaican flag and the flag of that office. Its license plate is "GG11". The Prime Minister of Jamaica is driven in a dark blue Volvo S90 bearing the Jamaican flag and the flag of that office. The Prime Minister's car uses a civilian license plate. It is unknown if these cars are armoured.

Jamaica is not the only Caribbean country to use such vehicles for dignitaries. The current Governor General of Grenada, for example, is driven in a white BMW 7-series (750Li) with a crown license plate symbolizing the Queen while the Prime Minister drives in a black BMW 7-series (750Li) bearing a Grenadian flag and a coat of arms license plate, escorted by police motorcycle outriders and two black Mitsubishi SUVs.

Liberia

The current President of Liberia is driven in a black Mercedes-Benz W220 S-class with black interior. It is a pre-updated W220 and possibly a 2002. The presidential car is often escorted by several Nissan SUVs and security personal armed with M16. Previous dictators such as Charles Taylor and Samuel Doe are also driven in Mercedes-Benz. Some claim that Doe has purchased over 60 luxury Mercedes each cost over US$ 60,000.

Malaysia

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong (elected King of Malaysia) travels in a red Rolls Royce, bearing the Royal Standard, during official state functions.

The Prime Minister has historically used a Proton Chancellor bearing the license plate Chancellor13, although he has also been seen recently in a BMW 740Li with the license plate Perdana Menteri, which means Prime Minister. He is usually escorted by traffic police outriders as well as Volvo XC90 security cars.

Government officials usually travel in Proton Perdana, a mid-size sedan, larger than Proton Chancellor. A stretched variant of the Perdana (the Executive model) is usually employed by cabinet ministers of Malaysia. The only exception is the Chief Minister of Sarawak, Abdul Taib Mahmud, who is driven in his bullet proof Rolls-Royce bearing the plate Ketua Menteri Sarawak, meaning "Chief Minister of Sarawak".

Mexico

The President and the First Lady have available for their use an official fleet of armoured Chevrolet Suburban vehicles, managed by the Estado Mayor Presidencial.

Monaco

Albert II, Prince of Monaco acquired a Lexus LS 600h hybrid sedan, making it one of his official transports. In addition he owns a Toyota Prius and Lexus RX 400h, and has also made use of a vintage Bentley.

New Zealand

The Prime Minister travelled in one of two cars, one being a Holden Statesman sedan or Ford Fairlane, followed by the other vehicle containing their security detail. But as of December 2007, New Zealand has bought a massive fleet (34) of BMW 730Ld limousines as its new fleet of ministerial cars to be commissioned in 2008. This was the first time in recent decades that the government has not gone with the Australian Ford vehicles. The estimated purchase price per unit is guessed to be NZ$ 69,900

Norway

The King of Norway, Harald V, uses a Lexus LS 600h limousine, acquired in early 2008. The vehicle does not have a sunroof, due to the hats the royals often wear.

Oman

HMS Sultan Qaboos is seen driving around the country with the following cars:

• 2 Maroon colored 2007 model Mercedes S-class pullman.
• 4 Red colored 2003 model Mercedes S600 pullman.
• 4 Maybach 62.

In addition to this Garage contains:

• Several Rolls Royces
• Line of Lamborghinis
• Couple of Ferraris and Aston Martins.
• More than 20 Mercedes.

Pakistan

The President and Prime Minister of Pakistan both have armoured Mercedes-Benz W221 cars which are equipped with a bomb jamming device in each car. In each of their motorcades, up to three of these identical cars may travel in a line. The Government of Pakistan has also arranged for armoured cars equipped with jamming devices for the Senate Chairman and Speaker of the National Assembly. The Pakistan Foreign Ministry also operates up to ten of these identical armoured cars which are used to transport VIPs and visiting Heads of States. Politicians are also seen in Toyota Landcruiser

The Philippines

The President of the Philippines uses two black, bullet-proof, armored Mercedes-Benz W221s, whereas one is a decoy vehicle. In convoys, the President is escorted by a combination of the following patrol vehicles: Toyota Landcruiser, Nissan Patrol, Toyota Camry, Chevrolet Suburban, and police 400cc motorcycles. Motorcades of high-security involve as much as 30 vehicles, depending on the president's destination. The presidential cars are designated and registered a plate number of 1.

Puerto Rico

The Governor of Puerto Rico uses one of two black or red Nissan Armadas. They carry standard Puerto Rico license plates.

Romania

The President of Romania is frequently seen driving his personal Volkswagen Golf, which wear the same kind of registration plates as any other car in Romania.

Russia

The President of Russia is usually seen in an armoured Mercedes S-Class stretched limousine. The first such model, a W140 variant, was purchased by Boris Yeltsin and has recently been superseded by a W221 model. The presidential motorcade will usually be escorted by police motorcycle outriders and a series of support vehicles including, but not limited to, the Mercedes G-Class, Mercedes E-Class, standard S-Class models, BMW 5-Series and Volkswagen Caravelle.

Under the USSR, the General Secretary of the Communist Party was always driven in a Russian-built Zil Limousine , escorted by Chaika models. Two of the Zil limousines are still maintained in the Kremlin garage and occasionally seen in use

Singapore

The President of Singapore alternates between a 2001 Lexus LS430 and a 1999 Mercedes Benz S320L, both of which are white like all of Singapore's previous state cars. When travelling to official events such as the National Day Parade, the Presidential crest is displayed in place of a license plate, while normally it carries the plate SEP1.

The Prime Minister usually travels in a white, short-wheelbase Mercedes Benz S280, with civilian plates. The Prime Minister's Office keeps four official cars, all white Mercedes, ready for state occasions and visiting foreign dignitaries.

The President and Prime Minister, who are the only political appointees to be given official cars, are not given car grants unlike other members of the cabinet.

South Korea

The President often rides in an armoured BMW 7 Series limousine which was purchased in 2005. Previously, a 2002-model Mercedes-Benz W220 was used, also used during peace talks with North Korea. When he travelled to North Korea for the talks, he was also escorted by Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban and Ford Excursion,also with some identical Mercedes-Benz W220. Then president-elect Lee Myung Bak drove in a Kia Carnival limousine during his presidential campaigns.

Spain

The Spanish Royal Family has one of the largest fleets of cars in Spain. Various armoured vehicles are used by the family, including Audi A6s, Mercedes-Benz S-Class models and the exclusive Rolls-Royce Phantom IV. Only 18 of the latter were ever built, all being reserved for royals or heads of state. Three were ordered by General Franco for his personal use and are now available for use by the Spanish Royal Family. One is a landaulette and the other two are limousines. A special order was placed on the marriage of the current Prince of Asturias when a Phantom IV was rebuilt to include armoured protection. Modifications included heavy duty air conditioning and a special glazed armoured bubble to protect the rear passengers. The modifications cost over €360,000.

The Spanish Royal Family currently uses mainly Mercedes-Benz S600 models for its official transport, with BMW 5-Series (2007-2008) cars as escort vehicles. The motorcade is composed of around 15 cars.

The Prime Minister of Spain and Deputy Prime Minister of Spain both use Audi vehicles. The premier's Audi A8L was purchased in March 2005 shortly after retiring the former A8 used by PM José María Aznar. The vehicle, which then cost the Spanish government well over 380.000 Euros (aprox. 520.000 USD), is said to be equipped with the latest features, runflats, level B7+ armouring, satellite communications and various special items that are kept secret by the Spanish officials. The vehicle park has been renovated and now includes various new Audi A8L, Mercedes-Benz S600 and A6s.

Taiwan, Republic of China

The President of the Republic of China has historically travelled in Cadillac sedans, reflecting the island nation's diplomatic ties to the United States.

Thailand

The King of Thailand travels in a Maybach 62 limousine, with police motorcycle outriders, and and an escort of Mercedes S-class (W220) and BMW 5-Series (E60) police cars. Other members of the royal family usually travels in a 2007 Mercedes S-Class (W221), a Rolls-Royce Phantom VI, a Rolls-Royce Silver Spur stretch limousine, Rolls-Royce Silver Spur Park Ward, Lexus LS460L , Cadillac DTS stretch limousine (The same version of the president of the USA.), Volkswagen Caravelle T5 limousine version or a Mercedes E-class E55 AMG (W211). All of the royal cars are cream in colour.

HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn also have a large collection of cars including many classic models, many vehicles that formerly belonged to his father and many modern cars such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Porsche, Ferrari, Cadilac ETC.

There are also royal cars in convertible form for the royal ceremonies, such as a Rolls-Royce Corniche and a Cadillac STS.

In the important official royal journey, there are also a group of more than 20 official cars in the motorcade including Mercedes S-class (W220), Mercedes E-class (W210&W211), BMW 7 Series (E38), BMW 5 Series (E34, E39 and E60), Honda Accord, Nissan Cefiro and Nissan Teana. These cars are painted in ruby red.

In the unimportant official royal journey, the cars in the motorcade are a group of about 5 cars including BMW 7 Series (E38), BMW 5 Series (E36 & E60), Mercedes S-class (W221 & W220), Mercedes E-class (W210 & W211) and Nissan Teana. These cars are all in cream. Some of these cars are the ex-royal vehicles.

There are also cars of Office of the Royal Household Department. These cars are mostly Nissan Teana, BMW 5 Series (E34, E39 and E60) and Mercedes E-class (W124, W210 and W211). These cars are painted in cream.

The official car for Prime Minister is BMW 7 Series E66 LWB. But the current PM is using his personal cars including Jaguar XJ (X350) and Toyota Alphard.

Turkey

Most of the Turkish high-position politicians and statesmen use Mercedes-Benz automobiles. Prime Minister of Turkey, President of Turkey, Chief Staff of the Turkish Armed Forces and the leading opposition party's leader use Mercedes-Benz S Class.

United Kingdom

Bentley State Limousine

The British royal family has a long history of bespoke limousines stretching back to Daimler models owned by King Edward VII. On state occasions, Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom usually travels in one of two bespoke Bentley State Limousines.

The vehicles are based on the Bentley Arnage floorpan, with a twin-turbocharged 6.75 litre V8 engine that produces 400 bhp (298 kW) and 616 lbf•ft (835 N•m) of torque. Maximum speed is 130 mph (210 km/h). The state limousine is three feet longer than a standard Bentley Arnage, 10 inches taller and six inches wider. It is equipped with broad suicide doors, which are hinged at the rear and open almost 90 degrees.

Other state cars

The Royal Mews also contains a rare Rolls-Royce Phantom IV, which was purchased by the Queen in 1950, becoming a state car upon her accession to the throne, along with two Rolls-Royce Phantom VI models, including the bespoke Silver Jubilee Car, presented by the British motor industry in 1977, and three Daimler DS420 limousines, one of which was previously owned by HM Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother until her death in 2002. These cars are used when the Queen is travelling abroad and are also made available for visiting heads of state and other members of the royal family on official business. Under British Law, the monarch's State vehicles do not possess licence plates (although the three Daimler models do have them); but the monarch's personal vehicles and those of other members of the Royal Family do.

A retired Rolls-Royce Phantom V state car, as owned by both the Queen and the Queen Mother until 2002, can be seen in the purpose-built garage aboard the former Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh and a state car (commonly the rarely used Phantom IV model) is usually on display at the Royal Mews in Buckingham Palace.

Prince Charles uses an armoured Bentley Turbo R for offical use and, like other senior royals, uses either Audi A6 models or Range Rovers for regular transport.

Personal vehicles of the royal family

For non-official journeys, the Queen will usually be driven in an armoured Daimler Super V8, similar to that used by the Prime Minister. This is escorted by the same vehicles as a state car. She also occasionally uses a Range Rover. On visits to Balmoral and Sandringham, as well as when portrayed in the film, The Queen, she has been seen at the wheel of a Land Rover Defender. The Duke of Edinburgh owns a Land Rover Discovery and a MetroCab.

British government

The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom is usually driven in an armoured Daimler Super V8 escorted by Range Rovers and police motorcycle outriders. The current model, purchased by Tony Blair, is based on the current Jaguar XJ (X350). For a few months after his appointment in June 2007, Gordon Brown reverted to the previous Prime Ministerial car, a navy blue (X308) model purchased in 2000, but he has now resumed use of the X350 model. The 2000 vehicle replaced a dark green X300 model, built for Prime Minister John Major, which gained international media attention when it bore Tony Blair to Buckingham Palace on the day after the 1997 general election.

The British government maintains the Government Car and Despatch Agency which provides transport for senior government officials.

United States

The President of the United States travels in an armoured Cadillac limousine based upon the normal sedan, the Cadillac DTS, with heavy customisation. Lincolns have also been used extensively in the past.

The vehicle was custom built by a team formerly called O'Gara, Hess and Eisenhart, founded in Fairfield, Ohio in 1942, and specializing in armouring limousines for presidents and heads of state. The vehicle's extensive features include dark windows, state-of-the-art communication and protection systems, a hidden desktop for use of the President and the rear of the limousine is fitted with a gas-proof chamber if Cadillac One were to incur a gas attack.

A new model is expected to be delivered in time for the inauguration of the next President in January 2009.

Uruguay

The presidential state car in Uruguay is an armoured 2005 Chevrolet Vectra, bought by president Tabaré Vázquez when he started his term on March 1, 2005. Before that, the president travelled in a Mitsubishi Galant from the government's fleet of diplomatic cars.

Vatican

See also

• Air transports of heads of state and government
• Royal Train
• Royal Yacht

References