[Big Smoke]

Originally Posted by ChiragM

Indian president gets a W222 Mercedes S600 Pullman Guard

I do understand that these cars are only built on order and take an especially long time to be delivered. But I'm still unable to understand how it takes so damn long to deliver them, that they always end up being delivered after a new generation has hit the market.

Take this Pullman guard for example, this isn't even the facelifted version of the W222 S-Class. IIRC, The facelifted W222 was introduced in 2018. Logically then, this car's production started more than 3.5 - 4 years ago?

[porsche_guy]

Originally Posted by Big Smoke

I do understand that these cars are only built on order and take an especially long time to be delivered. But I'm still unable to understand how it takes so damn long to deliver them, that they always end up being delivered after a new generation has hit the market.

Take this Pullman guard for example, this isn't even the facelifted version of the W222 S-Class. IIRC, The facelifted W222 was introduced in 2018. Logically then, this car's production started more than 3.5 - 4 years ago?

Here's my guess for why it takes so much time. First of all, the armoured Pullman versions must take much more time to develop in the first place since I believe they carry a lot of specific components that are exclusive to the models. Secondly, the armoured ones are apparently built at special high security facilities and only a team of few people would be making them and as ever the order list must be pretty long. It's not as simple as just taking a car off the production line and stretching it.

Thirdly for the armour protection, the strength and other criteria would need to be tested by various agencies before giving a certification or seal of approval.

Besides this, I guess the entire documentation and certification by the SPG would also need time and then the order would be placed.

The Guard versions if you have noticed take quite some time to reach the market (not to be confused with delivery) because of a lot of this stuff and this can be observed across all brands who make these armoured vehicles. If you recall even Mukesh Ambani recently took delivery of his W222 facelifted S600 Guard since the W223 version isn't expected until 2024 atleast.

As an example, the W222 generation S600 guard was launched a whole two plus years after the regular car and I'm not even talking about the more exclusive and expensive Pullman version.


Hope that answers it

[DicKy]

Originally Posted by Big Smoke

Take this Pullman guard for example, this isn't even the facelifted version of the W222 S-Class. IIRC, The facelifted W222 was introduced in 2018. Logically then, this car's production started more than 3.5 - 4 years ago?

The car was supposed to be delivered last year, in time for Republic day 2021. It was postponed/delayed(?) as part of cost cutting from Rashtrapati bhavan, to help the poor affected by Covid-19.

https://www.autocarindia.com/car-new...service-417290

[ashutoshb]

Modi did use Scorpios when he was the Gujarat CM. I remember seeing his motorcade at the IGI airport.

Maybe the XUV700 will make the cut.

[hserus]

Originally Posted by ashutoshb

Modi did use Scorpios when he was the Gujarat CM. I remember seeing his motorcade at the IGI airport.

Maybe the XUV700 will make the cut.

It depends - some politicians are very brand conscious (right from glasses and clothes to cars) while others make it a point to ride in the cheapest vehicle that meets their security needs.

[KGS]

A great looking car and I really hope, President will be feeling elated using that car.

[Sheel]

MOD NOTE : Please be civil and polite in your discussion. You can put forth your points without being rude.

Any further off-topic post will be deleted.

Thanks.

[avishar]

I thought this might be interesting.

The Prime Minister is in Rome, and had gone to meet the Pope. His car in Rome was a humble 2.0-litre TDI Passat Wagon/Variant!

Now that might a first.

A Twitter video clip of the same.

[kosjam]

In another significant departure from flashy vehicles used to transport the Hon. President of India, a workhorse Mahindra Scorpio, most probably from the Mumbai Police stables, was requisitioned for the purpose of transporting President Kovind to INS Hansa, Goa, who was presenting the President's Colours to the Indian Navy. The only modification which was visible was the National Emblem in front of the vehicle.







Another example of the humility of the President of India?

[Dry Ice]

Originally Posted by kosjam

The only modification which was visible was the National Emblem in front of the vehicle.

Another example of the humility of the President of India?

It appears to be a bullet proof vehicle going by the windows. But yes, quite a departure for the President to be using a vehicle in this condition.

[PPS]

Originally Posted by kosjam

Another example of the humility of the President of India?

Wasn't aware of a bullet proof Scorpio but there were 2 bullet proof Safari's in the fleet. 1 was being used by the previous Chief Minister of Maharashtra Fadnavis & the 2nd Safari was meant for dignitaries.

[kosjam]

Originally Posted by Dry Ice

It appears to be a bullet proof vehicle going by the windows. But yes, quite a departure for the President to be using a vehicle in this condition.

In fact, guessing from the number plate on the vehicle, the ZA code is generally reserved for the police vehicles of Maharashtra Police.

It may not even have been bullet proof, which may not be an issue in Goa, because this ceremony was held at INS Hansa, which is the Naval base which hosts the civilian airport. The President's journey may not even have been on public roads at all, just internal roads of the airbase.

[balenoed_]

A lot was spoken about the recently acquired Mercedes-Maybach S650 for the PM.

But looks like it was Fortuner's fate to get stuck on the way the other day. Looks like a makeshift arrangement as not seeing any emblem or flag on it:

[hserus]

Originally Posted by balenoed_

A lot was spoken about the recently acquired Mercedes-Maybach S650 for the PM.

But looks like it was Fortuner's fate to get stuck on the way the other day. Looks like a makeshift arrangement as not seeing any emblem or flag on it:

That photo is captioned security breach and it does seem to be a case of several different violations of the blue book manual for vvip protection (at least speaking as someone who has been around various forms of security for 20+ years). But that said, I don't think the Maybach is carted around in an aircraft along with Modi for wherever he travels, it seems exclusively for Delhi.

[DicKy]

Originally Posted by hserus

That photo is captioned security breach and it does seem to be a case of several different violations of the blue book manual for vvip protection (at least speaking as someone who has been around various forms of security for 20+ years). But that said, I don't think the Maybach is carted around in an aircraft along with Modi for wherever he travels, it seems exclusively for Delhi.

But the Range Rover and more frequently, the Landcruiser is used for the out of Delhi travels.

Wonder if this Fortuner is a protected version.