[Merce320]

In my opinion since Mr. Modi has been considered to be one of the most stylish and influential politicians of our time he need to have an impression to last and arrive in style. Rather than the President using the old Mercedes Pullman, which I think is rarely seen, its the PM who would truly utilize the vehicle and since he is considered to be the most powerful man in India, needs to use the safest car in the world.

More than 97% of the world dignitories use an armored Mercedes-Benz S-Class (600 Pullman) as it is considered to be the safest car that is built like a tank.

Just a thought ! I'm no judge.

This looks just fantastic to me for the political figures.



And as I understand from previous posts, that Mr. Modi prefers a high-seating position, a G-Class would also be a perfect match since it is widely popular to be known as a car that is built like a TANK.






Source: http://www.security-technologynews.c...tarmor_01.html

May be even a extended wheelbase version of the G-Wagen would be idle.





Source: http://g-class.ru/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=111&PN=15

-- KaranVeer Modi

[msdivy]

Modi arrived to the swearing ceremony in a Scorpio. But couldn't find in which vehicle he left.

[VeyronSuperSprt]

Modi arrived today for his first day at his office at South Block in a spanking BMW 760Li with quad (4) chrome tipped exhausts at the rear. Way to go man!! Good riddance to the Scorpio!!

End of story.

[Sonubbsr]

I would really appreciate if our PM uses an Indian Vehicle! My two cents would be, why go in for a BMW or a Range Rover, rather go in for a limo type elongated scorpio!

[microaubin]

It was reported in yesterday's papers that Modi after swearing in will use Dr.Manmohan Singh's existing cavalcade of specially designed two BMW 7 series of which one will serve as a decoy vehicle. The fleet also consists of several BMW X5 escort cars and a specially designed Mercedes Benz ambulance.The fleet also consists of Tata Safari's which are also quite popular with the SPG's.

By continuing to use the existing fleet, the PM has managed not to put additional burden on the tax payers but also arrive in style!!

[S_U_N]

Ah. So, the speculation in this thread is over?
This was a good read for me.

I think once he manages to bring back the billions in black money, he can upgrade to a newer fleet. For now, more focus is needed on the work in store for him and not the ride to office.

[DicKy]

Good to know the PM has retained the old fleet of cars instead of ordering a new one.
But i pray that in an year or couple of years down the line, either Tata or Mahindra will be able to present a worthy state car to the PM, which he will accept and use during the Republic day parade of 2016. Wishful thinking maybe....

[amolbh]

Source: Indian Autos Blog FB Page

Anand Mahindra wants the Prime Minister to use a Mahindra Scorpio as his official car
The Chairman of the Mahindra & Mahindra group, Anand Mahindra, has written a letter to the newly-appointed Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi urging him to use the Mahindra Scorpio as the official vehicle.
...
The letter says that it would be a matter of great pride for the company if the Prime Minister chose to continue using a Scorpio.

[saket77]

Originally Posted by amolbh

Source: Indian Autos Blog FB Page

Since, Mr. Modi has already decided and has gone for the existing BMW fleet, I feel that writing to the PM is utterly useless by Mahindra, (if indeed it was written after the choice was made). Mahindra, obviously wants to make hay out of this as it will boost the image of their most important vehicle in the portfolio, but is Scorpio a vehicle suited for what a country's PM should be riding?
Hence, purely a marketing gimmick from Mahindra rather than the indigenous factor. Can they produce a vehicle as safe as the existing BMWs without any support from foreign technology? Can they produce such a vehicle with their in-house technology? Simply not. Then why the hue & cry over the 'Indian-ness' of the vehicle? Just for symbolism?

[batterylow]

To call a spade a spade, a misguided sense of patriotism and symbolism.

It's nice to get the PM to ride in an indigenous product, however considering his importance, its better that he be provided the best.

[deetjohn]

A very good decision by the new PM.

Using PMO' existing BMW fleet is a safe choice, SPG will be glad. And it doesn't put any additional burden on the exchequer. I am also pleased that the usage of the Scorpio was not prolonged to gain political mileage or drama.

[swiftnfurious]

Originally Posted by saket77

...Hence, purely a marketing gimmick from Mahindra rather than the indigenous factor. Can they produce a vehicle as safe as the existing BMWs without any support from foreign technology? Can they produce such a vehicle with their in-house technology? Simply not. Then why the hue & cry over the 'Indian-ness' of the vehicle? Just for symbolism?

I say nothing wrong in trying to grab a bit of marketing share. My take is instead of asking the PM to allow the car into the fleet, Mahindra should go ahead and make two Scorpios according to the SPG standards and then give it to SPG for test & trials to prove it's worth. That would have been a credible move rather than sending a letter etc!

[mpksuhas]

Detailed report of the same in NDTV can be found here.

[veyron_head]

Originally Posted by mpksuhas

Detailed report of the same in NDTV can be found here.

But the NDTV report doesn't state its the same that was used by the former PM. Looks like the SPG bought another set of 7s.

[mpksuhas]

Originally Posted by veyron_head

But the NDTV report doesn't state its the same that was used by the former PM. Looks like the SPG bought another set of 7s.

The reports makes us believe that way. However I feel that is an highly unlikely scenario, for this to happen they would have ordered the vehicle before elections.