Khaberni - The Peugeot 504 is one of the most renowned French cars, manufactured between 1968 and 1983. Despite its global fame, Syrians recognize it in a completely different context, as it is linked in the collective memory with its use by members of the Syrian intelligence during the era of the late President Hafez al-Assad, becoming a symbol of what was known as the "machine of terror" in arrests.
Even in dramatic works, the Peugeot 504 was depicted as the police or intelligence car during the era of the deposed President Bashar al-Assad, which solidified its image as a strict security tool.
Syria .. Revealing the new visual identity for security and police vehicles in Damascus #Khaberni #Syria #Damascus pic.twitter.com/NFczDMXchW
— khaberni - Khaberni (@khaberni) November 30, 2025
However, the Syrian Ministry of Interior, in its effort to change this stereotype, decided to reshape the visual identity of its vehicles, and recently showcased its fleet with a new visual appearance, in a striking scene that attracted the attention of social media users.
Activists circulated photos highlighting the significant difference between the ministry's cars during the previous regime - which suffered from technical deterioration and clear neglect - and the modern vehicles with the new visual identity, which they describe as reflecting the image of modern state institutions.
Twitter users stated that the new visual identity represents the "birth of a state of law," where transparency and justice are the principles, and each department or specialization has a visual symbol reflecting discipline and commitment, expressing the greatness of Syria and outlining the features of its resurgence.
They considered this step a change of direction, confirming that the law is the master of this phase, and that the future is promising for a nation built by its determined people, and that Syria today is thriving through construction and proving the resilience of its generous people.
In contrast, some bloggers sarcastically commented on the scene, recalling a phrase used during Assad's era "Going to your aunt's house," referring to the intelligence branches, where "those without luck" were transported by "UAZ" military jeeps or Peugeot 504s, while influential people rode in Nissan Patrol or Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles. They added jokingly: "Those without luck do not toil and do not suffer."
