The US Secret Service (USSS) has been in talks with General Motors (GM) to develop a new fleet of armored vehicles, including SUVs and The Beast limousine, exclusively for the US President.
According to Carscoops, discussions about the new fleet of armored SUVs took place last week at GM's Global Design Center. There, USSS Director Sean Curran met with GM executives to discuss improvements to the vehicles to improve safety.
Images from the event shared by USSS show an SUV that is said to be an upgrade of GM Defense's Chevrolet Suburban Shield, but with the appearance of a Cadillac Escalade. This large SUV is equipped with thick tires, presidential flags and American flags mounted on the hood.
Other upgrades could include new bulletproof glass, reinforced bodywork, and advanced technology systems inside the cabin.
According to Reuters, GM CEO Mary Barra met with US President Donald Trump to discuss the new fleet. In recent years, the USSS has used customized armored SUVs from the Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, Ford Explorer, Expedition and Dodge Durango.
In addition to the SUVs that play a supporting role, GM is also researching the next version of the US President's limousine "The Beast". According to Reuters, in September 2024, GM received a $14.8 million contract from the Department of Homeland Security and the USSS to develop this model.
The process will take several years to ensure the next-generation Beast is equipped with the latest platform and safety technology. The total cost of the project could reach $40.8 million by the time the vehicles are delivered in 2029.
The current version of the Beast limousine debuted in 2018, designed as a Cadillac sedan on the chassis of the GMC TopKick heavy-duty pickup truck. Previous versions debuted in 2001 and 2009, and each generation has seen major upgrades in protection and technology.