[THE INVESTOR] The presidential limousine to be used by South Korea’s new president, who takes office Wednesday, was the talk of the auto industry here on Election Day on May 9.
Former presidents mostly rode vehicles made by foreign automakers with the exception of impeached former President Park Geun-hye.
Park, who rode Hyundai Motor’s luxury Equus Stretch edition, was the first president to choose a limousine made by a local maker.
Hyundai Equus Stretch edition |
Nothing is set in stone, however, as the new president can select a different auto brand depending on personal preference.
Among the possible choices is SsangYong Motor’s flagship limousine Chairman W, which is popular among political and business leaders, who use it as their official vehicles.
Samsung Group’s heir apparent Lee Jae-yong, for instance, changed his official vehicle to SsangYong Motor’s premium Chairman W sedan from Hyundai Motor’s luxury sedan Equus.
German premium brand BMW’s 760Li High Security bulletproof car was used by late President Roh Moo-hyun.
South Korea’s first President Syngman Rhee used US auto giant General Motor’s high-end Caddilac Fleetwood model, made in 1956, as the presidential limousine for state events.
By Kim Bo-gyung/The Korea Herald (lisakim425@heralcorp.com)