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BERKELEY, California, May 21 (Reuters) - Los Angeles-based
Fisker Inc plans to supply the first pure electric
vehicle for Pope Francis next year, it said on Friday, with
features such as a solar roof and carpets made of recycled
plastic bottles from the ocean.
Fisker will covert its all-electric Ocean sport utility
vehicle for use by the pope, providing a retractable glass
cupola and sustainable interior materials, such as the carpets.
Co-founders Henrik Fisker, formerly a designer for British
luxury carmaker Aston Martin, and Dr. Geeta Gupta-Fisker
met the head of the Roman Catholic Church in Vatican City, the
company said.
"I got inspired reading that Pope Francis is very
considerate about the environment and the impact of climate
change for future generations," said Fisker.
Production of the Ocean electric SUV is planned to start in
November next year, through contract manufacturer Magna
International Inc in Europe.
The firm did not reveal the cost of the modified vehicle
intended for the pope, but the Fisker Ocean starts at $37,499 in
the United States, and 32,000 euros ($39,152) in Germany.
Last year, Francis received a hydrogen-powered Toyota Mirai
sedan specially designed to ensure his mobility.
($1=0.8173 euros)
(Reporting by Hyunjoo Jin; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)
