Obama to take custom Cadillac limo to inauguration

Following longstanding tradition, Obama will ride to inauguration in a Cadillac limo

• On 6:52 pm EST, Wednesday January 14, 2009

NEW YORK (AP) -- President-elect Barack Obama will take his first ride as president in a custom-made Cadillac.

Cadillac unveiled the sleek, heavily armored limousine that will carry Obama to the inauguration ceremony on Tuesday. Obama will be the latest president to ride in a Cadillac, a tradition that dates to President Woodrow Wilson, the luxury carmaker said.

Cadillac, a General Motors Corp. brand, said the limo's style is inspired by the company's CTS sport sedan and the Escalade sport utility vehicle. Cadillac spokesman David Caldwell said the car's exact specifications are highly secret, including the vehicle's safety features and production cost.

The limo will remain in service after the inauguration.

President George W. Bush rode custom-made Cadillac limousines to his 2001 and 2005 inauguration ceremonies. Bill Clinton, Ronald Reagan and Dwight D. Eisenhower all rode Cadillacs to their inaugurals as well.

The choice of vehicle is also a likely show of support for GM, the beleaguered Detroit automaker that received a $13.4 billion government loan last month. Obama has expressed his support for federal aid to the auto industry in the past, and his administration will determine whether to extend additional loans to the automaker this spring.

Buzz up!