A Matter of Security--Official Vehicles Used by Different Heads of State

Being the Head of State of a country is certainly not an easy job--though it may have its rewards (like a really cool, plush office chair--and that's just one of them!), along with this high-profile job comes its share of challenges and major headaches that the leader must overcome in order to ensure a happy, safe, and prosperous living environment for everyone. 

Part of the Head of State's job is to travel from one place to another--either to meet up with fellow dignitaries, open an art exhibit, give speeches at Universities, visit different government offices, and so much more--all of which may undermine the leader's safety and security. No Head of State is safe from the possibility of an assassination attempt.

Ensuring the Head of State's safety thus creates the need for an Official State Car--one that is heavily armored and of course, fitting for a passenger of such a high stature as the President or Prime Minister. The government just cannot choose any car, though--a lot of considerations must be made to ensure the Head of State's safety. It is thus considered an honor for a car manufacturer to be selected as the official manufacturer of the official state car. 

So, what cars do the different Heads of State around the world use, exactly? Here's a quick rundown of the official vehicles used by the leaders of certain countries (photos may not necessarily be that of the actual unit):

1. UNITED STATES (Cadillac One)

President Barack Obama travels on a customized, heavily armored limousine referred to as "Cadillac One" or more informally, "The Beast". The car resembles the Cadillac DTS (albeit larger) and comes equipped with features such as high-tech communication systems, gas-proof chambers, night-vision cameras, and internet connection, among others. The President takes his limousines (aside from the one the President actually uses, another one is included in the motorcade as a decoy) everywhere he goes--they are usually transported on large military aircraft.

2. GERMANY (Mercedes-Benz S600)

The Head of State of Germany travels around in an armored Mercedes-Benz S600, accompanied in the motorcade by a line-up of luxury vehicles from other German car manufacturers.

3. NORWAY (Lexus LS600h and BMW750Li)

The King of Norway, Harald V, travels around in a Lexus LS600h (hybrid), while the rest of the Norwegian Royal Family uses a combination of vehicles including the Audi A8 and BMW 7-series. The Prime Minister, meanwhile, uses an armored BMW750Li.

4. BRAZIL (Ford Fusion Hybrid)

Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff uses an armored 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid for ordinary days, while a 1952 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith is used for special occasions. 

5. KENYA (Mercedes-Benz Pullman S600)

The President of Kenya may be seen on-board an armored Mercedes-Benz Pullman S600, accompanied by a fleet of security vehicles which include (but not limited to) BMW 5 series, a Range Rover, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.