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Pope Francis Gets An Opel Ampera-E As New Popemobile

By Sanjoy Alexander

FATIMA, PORTUGAL - MAY 12: Pope Francis arrives to the Sanctuary of Fatima on May 12, 2017 in Fatima, Portugal. Pope Francis will be attending the Sanctuary of Fatima, in Portugal, on May 12 and 13 to canonize two Portuguese shepherds, Jacinta and Francisco Marto, who are said to have witnessed the apparition of what they believed was the Virgin Mary, together with their aunt Lucia Santos, 100 years ago. Thousands of pilgrims and worshippers from around the world are expected to gather at the centenary celebration. (Photo by Pablo Blazquez Dominguez/Getty Images)
FATIMA, PORTUGAL - MAY 12: Pope Francis arrives to the Sanctuary of Fatima on May 12, 2017 in Fatima, Portugal. Pope Francis will be attending the Sanctuary of Fatima, in Portugal, on May 12 and 13 to canonize two Portuguese shepherds, Jacinta and Francisco Marto, who are said to have witnessed the apparition of what they believed was the Virgin Mary, together with their aunt Lucia Santos, 100 years ago. Thousands of pilgrims and worshippers from around the world are expected to gather at the centenary celebration. (Photo by Pablo Blazquez Dominguez/Getty Images) /
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The new Popemobile is an Opel Ampera-E and underneath that Opel badge are the underpinnings of a Chevrolet Bolt EV.

Vatican City is making solid efforts to be the first country in the world to have zero-carbon emissions. And leading from the front is the Pope Francis himself as he took delivery of the new Popemobile – an Opel Ampera-E.

Pope Francis has always been someone who prefers to lead by example. He is frugal and that’s a refreshing change. His choice of Popemobiles in the past too have been humbler compared to his predecessors. The M-Class that he was gifted with by Mercedes Benz in 2013 made way for a more restrained and less flashy Hyundai Santa Fe in 2015. And now the pontiff has switched to an Opel Ampera-E.

The Opel electric car is a huge step down for the Pope in terms of luxury, image and brand value. But it’s so much rewarding and pleasing to see Pope Francis opting for a simpler, cheaper and cleaner mode of transportation.

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The car was presented to the Pope by Opel CEO Karl-Thomas at the recent Laudato Sì: the Sustainability of Communication and Innovation conference.

Pope Francis had chosen a little Fiat 500 L on his 2015 visit to the US.

The conference was held in Vatican City and with the Pope being a strong exponent of policies that have to be taken to protect and conserve the environment, he was present to share his thoughts and views with the attendees.

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Back to the car. Based on the Chevrolet Bolt EV, the 2017 Opel Ampera-E has a range of 323 miles on a single charge and since Popemobile aren’t used for long-drives, the leader of the worldwide Catholic Church won’t be finding it inconvenient in any way to be driven around his new ride.

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