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2009/09/28 15:21 KST
Lee to use Hyundai's bullet-proof limo

  
SEOUL, Sept. 28 (Yonhap) -- Lee Myung-bak was set to become the first South Korean President to ride a domestically-built bullet-proof presidential limousine, according to the limo's manufacturer Hyundai Motor Co. Monday.

   No South Korean-made cars had been fit for a presidential car for security concerns, so South Korean presidents have traveled in cars made by Americans and Germans.

   But Lee opted for one of three bullet-proof versions of the Equus limousines made by Hyundai as the carmaker donated them to the presidential office, Hyundai said in a statement.

   "Leaders of the world's major auto-producing nations use their own bullet-proof cars," said an official at Hyundai.

   In tandem with South Korea's status as the world's fifth-largest automaker, it's time for Lee to ride a domestically-built presidential car, the Hyundai official said.

   Hyundai said the presidential cars would also increase its brand awareness as the vehicles will be shown to the world next year when South Korea hosts the Group of 20 summit.

   Details of the presidential cars, including a photo, weren't revealed for security reasons, officials at Hyundai said.

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