Search This Blog

Saturday, June 20, 2015

Fortified Mercedes S600 for Reliance Chairman Mukesh Ambani ...

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a series of full-size luxury sedans produced by the German automaker Mercedes-Benz, a division of German company Daimler AG. The classification was officially introduced in 1972.  The S-Class has served as the flagship model for Mercedes for over fifty years in its various incarnations.  "S-Class" is the anglicized version of "S-Klasse," a German abbreviation of "Sonderklasse," which means "special class" (in the sense of "a class of its own"). In automotive terms it refers to "a specially outfitted car."  The 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a step above other elite full-size luxury sedans in terms of refinement, technology and luxury, while the coupe version is every bit its two-door equal. It is truly one of the world's finest automobiles, claims its website.

It adds that with  its body elegantly lengthened by 8 inches, the new Mercedes-Maybach S600 exudes majesty, presence and grace.  Of its many attractive features is the ‘attention assist’ which continuously monitors up to 70 parameters of driving behaviour, and can automatically alert the driver with both visual and audible warnings if it detects signs of drowsiness on long trips. With enhanced sensitivity, the system can also help detect drivers who begin their trip drowsy, and offer more useful information to drivers along their journey via a new dashboard display.  Besides, the  7-speed automatic offers the ideal response in virtually every driving situation, from relaxed cruising to quick acceleration. Two overdrive ratios enhances highway fuel-efficiency. An electronic selector and shift paddles on the steering wheel let you control all gear changes with your hands on the wheel. Where are the roads for such smoothy drives is no question !

MSN India reports that Reliance Industries has procured the world's most sophisticated armoured vehicle for enhanced personal security of its chairman and managing director.   It is not a normal car, not even a normal S600 – it is a fortified Mercedes Benz is mounted on a normal S600.  The car reportedly was  customised at Benz's Sindelingen plant in Germany. That’s because the upcoming S600 Guard is built like a tank, designed to protect important occupants from assault. Combining luxury features with fortified bodywork and glass, the S600  is to become armoured fleets for dignitaries and business chiefs. Mercedes-Benz says the Guard is built from the ground up as a special model with armour plating throughout its bodyshell. Spaces between the car’s structure and skin are filled with steel plates, while aramide and ballistic cloth fabrics also used throughout. Armoured windows are laminated on the inside layer to reduce the potential for injuries, and the underside of the car is designed to protect occupants from explosives.

Newspaper reports suggest that the armoured vehicle was registered at the Mumbai Central Regional Transport Office (RTO) on Saturday.  Reliance Chairman  Mukesh Ambani has been in news as the Company is expected to  begin commercial operations of its 4G telecom services by December 2015 and plans to invest Rs 2 lakh crore in oil business.  It is further stated that  "As chairman of India's largest private conglomerate, Mukesh Ambani is the custodian of the interests of more than 2.8 million shareholders. He has Z-category security since April 2013. An armoured vehicle complies with advice of the security establishment for protectees of this level."

Demand for super-secure carriages for apex protectees in the world of business, politics and the arts has been surging globally. The proof of that, according to the source, is that RIL had to queue up at No. 57 on the global wait list for the 2015-model armoured S600. This meant a wait of eight months before the car could land in India earlier this week.

The base price of a 2015 model Mercedes Benz S600 is a plebeian Rs 1.5 crore; and  with security features -- at the top 'Level-9'  -- and levies such as import duty, road tax and insurance, it  is reported to be over Rs 11 crore.  RIL's 2015-model S600 V-9 armoured vehicle is the first in India. Actor Aamir Khan has the 2014 model.

With regards – S. Sampathkumar

20th June 2015.

No comments:

Post a Comment