# Green Pontiff Cruisers Pope Benedict XVI Wants a Solar-Powered Popemobile By Amelia Roblin | Published 2010-12-05 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-powered-popemobile References: [engadget](http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/03/the-pope-desires-a-solar-powered-popemobile-might-just-get-one/) & [washingtonpost](http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/12/01/AR2010120103988.html) Pope Benedict XVI is making a sustainable statement in his request to have a solar-powered Popemobile. Affirming his interest in eco-friendly practices, the head of the Catholic church is concerned with connecting with the earth as he connects with his followers. The solar-powered Popemobile will be yet another specially fitted element on the religious leader's custom-made [Mercedes-Benz](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/project-maybach). To top off the bullet-proof body of the car, the Pope is wondering if designers can begin to consider constructing an [electric vehicle](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eq-technology-suv) as well. Photo Credits: [Autoblog Green](http://green.autoblog.com/2010/12/02/pope-benedict-wants-solar-powered-electric-popemobile/) | [DVICE](http://dvice.com/archives/2010/12/pope-benedict-w.php) | [Good Clean Tech](http://www.goodcleantech.com/2010/12/popemobile_could_go_solar.php) ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.4/10 - Popularity: 30% | Activity: 4% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Eco-friendly Vehicles:** The request for a solar-powered Popemobile reflects a trend towards eco-friendly transportation options. - **Customization and Innovation in Automobiles:** The custom-made Mercedes-Benz with specially fitted elements and consideration for an electric vehicle highlights the trend of customization and innovation in automobiles. - **Sustainable Practices in Religion:** The Pope's interest in an eco-friendly Popemobile demonstrates the trend of incorporating sustainable practices in religious institutions. ### Who This Affects Most - **Automotive:** The automotive industry could explore the production of more eco-friendly vehicles with solar-powered and electric options. - **Customization:** The customization industry could cater to the demand for specially fitted and innovative elements in vehicles. - **Religion:** The religious industry can adopt sustainable practices and technologies to reduce environmental impact. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Sleek Solar-Powered SUVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/humble-one-suv.md) - [Solar-Powered Golf Carts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solarpowered-golf-cart.md) - [Solar-Powered Electric Motorbikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/e-clipse-2.md) - [Solar-Powered Sedan Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vision-eqxx.md) - [Solar-Powered Sleek Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-solaris.md) - [Solar-Powered Autonomous Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/polestar-cladrus.md) - [Solar-Powered Cargo Vans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-electric-van.md) - [Eco-Friendly Cafe Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solarpowered-coffee-truck.md) - [Petite Solar-Powered EVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solarpowered-ev.md)