The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) looks set to transition from Chevrolets to a new type of vehicle. The protective vehicle fleet has for many years been largely formed of Chevrolet Suburban SUVs; however, it is now set to move to BMW SUVs in what is quite a notable shift in its transportation organization.
It will come as no surprise that the FBI, like many organizations, will sometimes review its fleet to decide what the best vehicles are for it to use. This can come down to a myriad of factors such as cost, what is required from the FBI’s vehicles, and also general reliability.
The FBI has been utilizing the Chevy Suburban for decades. They protected details and officials, and were used for official travel as well as surveillance operations. A shift from Chevrolet to BMW is a big one, not least because it means the FBI won’t be using an American brand for its main vehicle fleet.
The BMWs will receive upgrades, such as heavy-duty armor, to protect those inside. But as it transpires, despite these modifications, the BMW SUVs will still cost a lot less than what the FBI was paying for its Chevrolet equivalent.
Cost Reasons Are Behind the Switch From Chevrolet to BMW
Reports from Autoblog and other automotive outlets have detailed why the FBI has decided to switch vehicles. Armored Chevrolet Suburban SUVs cost a lot, and some estimates have priced them as high as $480,000 per vehicle. That includes all the armor protection they need, plus communications equipment and specific modifications for certain missions.
In contrast, the BMW X5 Protection VR6 that has now been selected as the FBI’s new vehicle can cost as low as $200,000. Some estimates have them as high as $300,000 or somewhere in between, from $230,000 to $250,000. Even at the higher end of the price range, that still represents a huge saving per vehicle for the FBI. While nothing has officially been confirmed on that front, FBI officials did confirm to MS NOW that the BMWs were selected due to them being a cost-effective option.
It represents a big change for the bureau. Some have questioned whether the move from an American to a European luxury brand is the right one, and if it is appropriate for the bureau. However, others have stated that the BMW X5 is produced in the United states, at the Spartanburg production facility in South Carolina. This is a plant that employs thousands of individuals, so plenty of American workers are still being utilized.
TV Shows May Have Also Played a Part in This Move
Another factor behind the move could be down to TV shows. For police shows or detective shows, many production teams like to pick American cars for law enforcement to use. These are often unmarked vehicles such as the Chevrolet Suburban or Caprice, as well as other types such as the Ford Explorer. It means if one is seen in public, many members of the public instantly assume it is a law enforcement vehicle and it looks quite conspicuous.
A move to a different and European manufacturer changes things slightly. While it is public knowledge that the move is taking place, many might not instantly register an unmarked, black BMW X5 as a law enforcement car. It is far less conspicuous, and could blend in much better with regular traffic. It is not the main reason for the move, but it certainly appears to been one of the factors behind the move to the European brand. Time will tell if it works in the FBI’s favor.