Actually, whenever the official convoy of the country’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi goes anywhere, it consists of 25-30 cars. In this caravan, not only is his official car black, but the other cars in his official security caravan are also black. Why only Modi? The official cars of most of the heads of state of the world are black in color and their security convoys are also of black colour. Why is this so?
Well, it is also a fact that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi uses black colored car and motorcade because black color is considered a symbol of power, formality, elegance and authority. The Prime Minister’s motorcade consists of black Toyota, Land Cruiser and BMW vehicles. So that high speed movement can be done in one way. Many security reports suggest that if the motorcade is of a uniform color then the risk of attack is much less.
This tradition is common among heads of state and prime ministers globally, where black vehicles stand out from other government vehicles (such as police or military vehicles). According to psychology, black color represents strength and high position, which was adopted around the world after being inspired by America’s Secret Service.
Also because of security protocols
However, the reason why the cars or motorcades of most of the heads of state in the world are black in color is also related to security and protocol.
Now let us understand in detail why this happens. The first reason for this is security reasons, because black is the most “neutral” color and least attention-grabbing. Black color is considered the safest for protective details as it is the least distracting color. Looking at a car or vehicle of this color from a distance, it is difficult to decide who is sitting in this car. A person wearing black does not become a suitable target for snipers and other threats.
black color symbol of power
The cars of heads of state are mainly black in color because black color is considered a symbol of power, authority, formality and elegance, which according to psychology shows the dignity of leadership. This tradition started in the US and was adopted globally, where the President’s ‘The Beast’ and escort vehicles are black to distinguish them from other government vehicles.
How did the rulers like black color?
In the early automobile era (1886–1920), black enamel paint was fast-drying and durable, making luxury vehicles black. Due to this, high class cars started turning black. Heads of state adopted it as a symbol of power.
Black color shows dirt and scratches less, which is suitable for security and privacy. The US Secret Service chooses it to distinguish it from other vehicles. In some countries like the Philippines, presidents have been using white or silver cars.
Motorcade gets a similar standard look
When all the vehicles are in the same color, it is easier for the security team to identify them. From the outside the motorcade looks like a uniform block. There is less chance for any other vehicle to intrude. The fake intruding vehicle is immediately caught. Anyway, black color looks best in security and armored vehicles. With all this the black color looks “classic” and effective.
Are cars always black everywhere?
Yes in most countries. There are some exceptions also. In Japan, the Emperor’s Toyota Century Royal is not in deep blue but in imperial deep navy tone. But the rest of the vehicles in the motorcade are black. In Britain, the King’s Betnley state limousine is in maroon sea color while the escort and security vehicles are black.
Colors of cars of previous Prime Ministers of India
Indira Gandhi used a white Ambassador car, which was the standard for government vehicles at that time. Atal Bihari Vajpayee used to travel with a convoy of black bulletproof BMW 7-series cars. Manmohan Singh officially used a black BMW 7-Series, although he personally preferred a white or bright Maruti 800.
Jawaharlal Nehru used to use luxury cars like Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith. In the 1990s, leaders like PV Narasimha Rao usually drove a white or black Hindustan Ambassador.
Pope’s carriage is white
The Pope’s Popemobile is often white, hence the name. However, their security vehicles are black in colour. The Pope uses this vehicle for public appearances. This is a specially designed car or vehicle. This is done to bring them closer to the devotees and ensure their safety. In 1930, Mercedes delivered the first official Popemobile. Bulletproof versions were developed after the 1981 attack on John Paul II. Mercedes itself provides vehicles to the Pope.
