Did You Know? The Popemobile Has a Filipino-Designed Model

The Popemobile might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of Filipino craftsmanship, but the Isuzu D-Max used by Pope Francis during his 2015 visit to Manila had a local story behind its creation.

Built by Isuzu Gencars and Almazora Motors, the custom vehicle featured leather seats woven in a pattern inspired by the traditional banig. In September 2026, Pope Leo XIV was also seen riding a similar vehicle during his visit to France.

The project took shape in mid-2014, when Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Sócrates “Soc” Villegas approached D. Edgard A. Cabangon, then president and CEO of Isuzu Gencars, about providing a vehicle for Pope Francis’ visit. The company tapped longtime partner Almazora Motors to work on the design and fabrication.

The team chose an Isuzu D-Max pickup as its starting point, then reworked its double-cab configuration into a single cab to make room for the pope’s chair and two additional seats for his companions. The vehicle was designed around Pope Francis’ preference for an open ride, allowing him to greet crowds along his route. A plexiglass shield at the front offered some protection from the elements, while railings along the sides gave the pope and security personnel something to hold on to.

The interior had its own Filipino detail. Italian leather was woven into a banig-inspired pattern for the seats. Recessed overhead lights also helped keep the pope visible to crowds during evening appearances.

Before the vehicle could be used, Vatican officials inspected it at Isuzu Gencars’ service center in Makati to ensure it met their security requirements. It was blessed by then-Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle shortly before the papal visit.

Pope Francis first rode the Popemobile on January 15, 2015, traveling from Villamor Airbase to the Apostolic Nunciature. He used it again for several engagements, including a Mass at Manila Cathedral and an encounter with young people at the University of Santo Tomas. At UST, he met the Cabangon family and thanked them for the vehicle, telling founder Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon Chua, “This is a beautiful car,” according to Isuzu Gencars.

The project also led to a second Isuzu D-Max Popemobile. According to the ALC Group of Companies, Pope Francis requested another vehicle, which Edgard personally delivered to the Vatican in October 2015.

In September 2026, Isuzu Gencars shared that a Philippine-made Popemobile had been spotted during Pope Leo XIV’s apostolic journey in France, held from September 25 to 28. The company credited its late founder, Antonio, and Edgard, who passed away in March 2026, for donating the vehicle to the Vatican.