Check out UN's most interesting drives

As a large organization operating in numerous countries worldwide, the United Nations (UN) has a diverse fleet of vehicles. And with its operations ranging from child welfare, humanitarian missions, human rights activities, and even peacekeeping activities, there’s no doubt several examples will catch the eye (and the admiration) of many car enthusiasts.

To honor the hard-working people of the UN, let’s take a look at its array of coolest rides as a celebration of its charter signing day this June 26. 

Toyota Land Cruiser

Just like the International Red Cross, the UN also makes use of the Toyota Land Cruiser. 

Depending on the service and territory, the global organization’s fleet of Land Cruisers ranges from the tried-and-tested 70 Series modified by Toyota Gibraltar or Mercury Global Dubai, the more modern LC200, and, depending on the country and UN sub-group, the Land Cruiser Prado. 

For the Land Cruiser 70 Series produced by Toyota Gibraltar, the iconic off-roader was further enhanced with specialized tools for off-road use. The LC200 and Land Cruiser Prado units used by the UN, meanwhile, are primarily used for ferrying or escorting officials and executives. 

Interestingly, the UN Peacekeeping force, specifically in Mali, has also used the Land Cruiser 70 Series as a technical, otherwise known as a “non-standard tactical vehicle (NSTV)” with mounted weaponry or as a troop carrier. The UN Land Cruiser LX10 (wagon) modified by Mercury Global Dubai was also kitted out to function as ambulances - convenient for far-flung areas with harsh terrain. 

Toyota Hilux

Another tough and rugged Toyota used regularly by the UN is the Hilux. One example is for the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), where UN Peacekeeping forces play an active role in combating floods. 

The Toyota Hilux, of course, is well-suited to the aforementioned task, as it is durable enough to handle the rugged conditions the organization faces in the African country. And of course, the Hilux trim they are using is a modified version of a base model, which may be the equivalent of the Philippine-spec Toyota Hilux J 4x4. 

In the local market, the Toyota Hilux J 4x4, priced at P1.201 million, may appear basic, but it is a competent ride with over a ton of carrying capacity. It also boasts a 4x4 drivetrain and a relatively peppy 2.4-liter turbodiesel mill. 

Here is a table showing the basic mechanical specifications of the locally available Toyota Hilux J 4x4: 

Engine	2.4-liter 2GD-FTV inline-4 turbodiesel
Drivetrain	4x4
Transmission	Six-speed manual
Horsepower	148
Torque	400 Newton-meters
Front suspension	Double wishbone
Rear suspension	Leaf spring, rigid axle
Brakes	Front discs, rear drums

Sherp ATV

One very interesting ride fielded by UNMISS is the Sherp all-terrain vehicle (ATV). Per the organization, the stubby-looking Sherp ATV was needed in South Sudan for “enhanced mobility.”

A key mission of the UNMISS, after all, is dealing with the intense floods in the country. And with the help of the amphibious ride, the group will have an easier time getting crucial tools and personnel to waterlogged areas. 

In its most popular form, the Sherp ATV, specifically the US-spec 1000 trim, is capable of carrying up to a ton of cargo. Its engine, meanwhile, is a 1.5-liter turbodiesel mill made by Kubota that can generate up to 44.3 horsepower (hp) and 118.6 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. 

Its maximum output figures aren’t too impressive at face value, but the model’s one-meter approach angle, pneumatic circulating suspension system, tubeless low-pressure mud tires, and skid steering ensure that it will never be bogged down even by the thickest mud. 

Moreover, the Sherp ATV is designed to float. It isn’t as fast as a regular boat, but Sherp USA shared that it can travel through rivers and lakes with no issues. 

Hyundai Equus

During the sixth year of his term as UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon was provided with a heavily armored Hyundai Equus. The said vehicle was donated to the South Korean government for UN use by the Hyundai Motor Corporation. 

While it wasn’t sold locally, the Hyundai Equus was a very stately-looking full-size sedan that was produced by the South Korean marque until 2016. 

Depending on the version, the model came with a 5.0-liter V8 engine paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox. At maximum, the Tau 5.0 GDi versions sold from 2011-2015 can generate up to 429 hp and 510 Nm of torque. 

For its time, the model was quite advanced, with its 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, 9.2-inch upper stack LCD display, triple-zone automatic air-conditioning system, rear 9.2-inch digital displays, and a blind-spot monitoring system. 

The armoring for the former UN head’s car, meanwhile, was provided by the German-based Stoof International, which said it was capable of stopping rifle-caliber bullets. The company also provided it with an armored fuel tank, reinforced door hinges, and bullet-resistant glass. 

Inkas Sentry XL CCV

The UN Peacekeeping force, comprising military units from various UN member states, utilizes a diverse range of armored vehicles. One eye-catching example, however, is the Sentry XL CCV, produced by Canadian company Inkas Group. 

While Canada is a member of the UN, Inkas shared that its connection to UN Peacekeeping is actually via the United Nations Global Marketplace — a platform that links suppliers to the UN’s procurement departments. As such, the Sentry XL CCV may be utilized by a variety of UN Peacekeeping units in any part of the world. 

With regard to its specs, the Sentry XL CCV is propelled by a 6.7-liter V8 diesel engine capable of producing up to 330 horsepower. It can seat up to 12 occupants, and it has armor capable of stopping hand grenades and 7.62 millimeter bullets. 

Final thoughts

There you have it, folks, Zigwheels Philippines’ list of the most compelling vehicles utilized by the UN. Obviously, this isn’t an exhaustive list, but the ones listed above are just too interesting to ignore. 

So, which one is your favorite? 

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