In fulfilment of their promise, Volkswagen Philippines has given the Apostolic Nuncio a Touran multipurpose vehicle (MPV) last January 29, 2015. It was the same nameplate used by Pope Francis during his Papal Visit last January 15 to 19.
Receiving the night blue metallic seven-seater MPV in behalf of the Nunciature was Archbishop Giuseppe Pinto, the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines. Presenting the Touran was Volkswagen Philippines president and CEO John Philip Orbeta.
The inconspicuous Touran has a highly functional interior that belies its simple and down to earth appearance, making it the perfect chauffer for the likewise humble Pope. It’s powered by a Euro 4 compliant 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel power plant mated to a dual-clutch Direct-Shift Gearbox (DSG). This engine is capable of 110Ps of power and 280Nm of torque.
The Pope’s Touran had the SCV 1 license plate and ferried him to the Malacañang Palace for his holiness’ state visit last January 16. It also carried the Pope to the Villamor Air Base the following morning when he flew to Tacloban City, Leyte.
Afterwards, the Touran was back in service on January 18 as it brought Pope Francis from his residence at the Apostolic Nunciature to the University of Santo Tomas where he held a meeting with religious leaders and more than 20,000 people, both young and old. He went back to Rome on January 19.
“It’s an honor and privilege for us to become part of His Holiness’ historic visit to the Philippines. Volkswagen’s reputation for reliability is very much reflected in the Touran and we are proud to donate this vehicle to the Manila Nunciature,” said Orbeta.