With the beginning of 2017, the time for government ministers to change their state-provided cars has arrived, and many are quick to take advantage of the perk worth hundreds of thousands of shekels.
The selections came after the government's vehicle administration selected the vehicles available after a tender. The most popular thus far has been the Skoda Superb, which has been ordered by Interior Minister Rabbi Aryeh Deri, Health Minister Rabbi Yaakov Litzman, Sports and Culture Minister Miri Regev, Tourism Minister Yariv Levin and Minister of Regional Cooperation Tzachi Hanegbi.
The 200 horsepower car can accelerate from 0 to 100 kh/h in seven seconds, and its listed price is 200,000 to 220,000 shekels. The state receives a discount on car purchases.
The Nissan Maxima was selected by Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon and National Infrastructure, Energy and Water Resources Minister Yuval Steinitz. This car with six-cylinder 300 horsepower engine is the most powerful vehicle offered to the ministers, reaching 100 km/h from 0 in 5.9 seconds. It is less roomy than the Skoda, however. It is priced at NIS 240,000.
Education Minister Naftali Bennett and Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan chose the 276 hp Kia Carnival. This car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.4 seconds and costs NIS 225,000.
Agriculture Minister Uri Ariel selected a hybrid 193 hp Hyundai Sonata, which takes 9.3 seconds to reach 100 km/h from 0 and costs a relatively low NIS 165,000.
The Nissan Altima, which has the same price, was not ordered by any minister. Transportation Minister Yisrael Katz, who is currently travelling in a rented Chevrolet Traverse, has yet to select his new car.