Error parsing XSLT file: \xslt\FacebookOpenGraph.xslt BIRD'S EYE VIEW: Obama stretches to a Caddy, but what will he change?
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BIRD'S EYE VIEW: Obama stretches to a Caddy, but what will he change?

Date: 30 January 2009

Guy Bird is our editor-at-large and political columnist

If you are what you drive, what does Barack Obama's new stretch Caddy say about his possible auto-related politics?

On one hand he wants the American car industry to get greener to justify future bail-out cash, but on the other the brand new President of the United States has taken delivery of a massive, one-off, black, stretch Cadillac appropriately called the 'Presidential Limousine'.

Despite the global downturn and general mood of austerity Obama's not gone for the entry-level 'LX' version. A man's got to work but this model seems built as much for relaxing and showing off, with "an extensive rear executive compartment with ample seating", plus ornate presidential seals embroidered into the centre rear seat back and more seals all over both sides of the rear doors. Even the bonnet flags come with high-tech LED spotlights to illuminate them for nighttime cruising.

It's not clear at this stage whether Obama's adding equally 'trick' under-car neon blue lights or indeed whether he's riding on 23-inch rims or merely 22s, but first official photographs show they are suitably 'chromed out'. Either way, it's a far cry from little old Brown (or Blair before that) and their modest (by comparison) Jaguar XJs.

Of course, this Caddy is official transport, but even Obama's personal preferences show 'super size me' tendencies. BusinessCar understands his current private ride is a Ford Escape Hybrid - one of the best SUVs in the US for 'gas mileage' - but still a big old beast, and before that a V8 Chrysler 300C saloon with a Hemi V8 (the latter being the best decision of the lot if you really want to 'large it' - 'Go Obama' for that.)

Still, where does this seemingly trivial information lead us as to how he'll affect the global industry? Firstly, all his car choices are American - suitably one from each of the 'Big Three' makers - so he's likely to be nationalistic, protective and possibly equal-handed about future US car industry bailouts if he deems them politically and economically necessary. This is good news for the future stability of UK and European outlets of Ford and General Motors, but perhaps bad news for those non-affiliated European brands who don't get a bailout elsewhere.

Secondly, his already evident even-handedness and steadiness in decision-making should reduce the global sabre-rattling his predecessor was so fond of and hopefully have the useful side effect of keeping global oil prices steadier.

And thirdly, although his business ride is a big Cadillac, largely for reasons of tradition and partially for political expediency, his private transport is hybrid, suggesting he's keen to be greener and promote similar personal choices in others. Give it a few months and I wouldn't put it past him requesting some 'plug-in' Volt-style tech for his limo Caddy too. I can just picture the additional 'hybrid' badge on the sides near the presidential seals now - chromed to the max of course. You can overdo the 'green posturing' thing, after all.



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