Introducing The CEO - a right hand drive American SUV with a luxurious interior
If you thought you knew the meaning of luxury, think again.
If you’re a movie star, dignitary or head of state, then this may just be the car for you…
Introducing The CEO, a GMC Yukon Denali XL that has been taken by Autogroup International, converted to right-hand drive and fitted with a luxury interior unmatched by even the most high-end brands.
Who are Autogroup International?
Based in Sri Lanka, Autogroup International (AGI) specialises in converting, armouring and adding luxury interiors to American Pickup Trucks, Luxury SUVs, and Muscle Cars. The company has converted over 4500 vehicles during the last 30 years and claims to be the world leader in right-hand drive conversions, with its 175+ employees helping export vehicles to over 40 countries around the world.
How does The CEO work?
The company take a donor GMC Yukon Denali XL and convert it to right hand drive, the process taking between 8-10 weeks. The roof is immediately raised by six inches to create space, while the middle row and back row seats are removed, making way for a privacy screen between the driver and rear cabin. From there, a luxurious private rear cabin is created that the client can customise in whatever spec they desire, with no request seemingly too outrageous.
Much of the interior is made up of handmade features, with the CEO leather seats particularly luxurious, featuring massaging, heating and cooling functions, as well as electronic reclining and leg rest. The attention to detail is what Autogroup International and its 175 staff pride themselves on, with small features like two wooden floor mats taking around 40 hours to handcraft. Everything is done in house, meaning that the build process is streamlined.
The luxurious feel is further highlighted by the installation of a wireless router, satellite dish and use of an xBox or Playstation thanks to the 40 inch television screen, while many customers have requested the addition of a champagne fridge.
Privacy is paramount to many of AGI’s clients and multiple layers of soundproofing have been added as well as black out window tint, side curtains and a hands free intercom system between the driver and rear cabin. No two CEO models are the same, such is the scope for each client to customise their vehicle.
On the exterior, AGI says it can remove the GMC badge at the front entirely for a more stealthy look or even replace it with a personalised touch like your company’s logo. For an even higher level of luxury, AGI is offering the President, a vehicle identical to the CEO in every way, but with the added quality of being bulletproof.
How much does it cost?
Speaking to Chief Executive Officer and Co-Chairman, Rob Hill, he told me that he expects a right-hand drive 'The CEO' to be cost under £170,000 on the road in the UK and homologated for UK conditions. By keeping everything in house, Hill reckons it saves around 2 months of time during the build process and once completed, the company itself ships the vehicle to the client, saving around £5,000 to £10,000 in additional sea freight costs.
words: Mike Booth
pictures: Autogroup International