Bill for top civil servants' new limousines to hit $5.25m
About $5.25 million is to be spent buying new limousines for senior civil servants, it was revealed yesterday.
The Government Land Transport Agency has forwarded estimates to the Finance Branch for around 15 cars at about $350,000 each.
They will replace the Toyota Crowns used by branch secretaries, most of which are entering the final year of their lifespan. Some have another two years before replacement.
The agency rejected reports it was looking at spending over $10 million on BMWs, but admitted the $350,000 per car estimate could go higher.
Executive officer (vehicle procurement) of the agency, Albert Fong Wai-kuen, said the exact model to be purchased had not yet been finalised.
The branch was considering recommendations from the agency and the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department which maintains the cars.
'We have received offers from both European and Japanese manufacturers but no decision has been finalised. Of course we will look at value for money and usually the Japanese vehicles tend to be cheaper,' Mr Fong said.
'There is no ceiling on how much we will spend, it depends on what fits our specifications.' Transport panel legislator Albert Chan Wai-yip said the $350,000 estimates were within the price range of secretary-grade vehicles previously bought. Anything above would be questioned by the panel.
Mr Fong said several senior civil servants had suggested the new vehicles feature more safety equipment such as air bags, which may increase costs.
