Daimler exports cars around the globe, with the exception of North Korea.
We have seen North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un riding his Rolls-Royce Phantom last summer, which was said to have replaced his Mercedes-Benz. It seems that Kim is back to his German-engineered love. At least he is while he is in Russia.
Kim was riding the Mercedes-Maybach S600 Pullman Guard during his visit to Russia to meet with President Vladimir Putin, as you can see in the video.
It’s not surprising that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un chose Mercedes. The Maybach S600 Pullman Guard is known for catering to the power elite, particularly those in government. German automaker Maybach exports its vehicles all over the globe.
The problem is that North Korea is not one of Daimler’s customers.
According to Associated Press, Silke Mockert, a Daimler spokesperson said that she doesn’t know how Mercedes vehicles were shipped to North Korea. Daimler adheres to laws when delivering its products, she said.
The U.N. bans North Korea from selling luxury goods, such as limousines, to its members.
“Our company has not had any business relationships with North Korea in over 15 years and strictly adheres to the E.U. Mockert sent a written statement to the Associated Press, stating that his company had no business connections with North Korea for more than 15 years. Daimler has established a comprehensive export control program to prevent North Korean deliveries and any embassies around the world. We are not responsible for the sales of vehicles by third parties, particularly used vehicles.
Kim Jong Un was not the only one to ride a Mercedes Maybach S600 as his official vehicle. The video below shows Kim riding the same Pullman Guard that he rode in South Korea last summer.