STEERING THE GLOBE

By ALAIN L. SANDERS WITH BUREAU REPORTS

President Clinton uses a caddy (8) for "routine movements" and a Lincoln for parades. What do other world leaders do for wheels?

MOST GO WITH MERCS Classy and armor-plated on demand, Mercedes is the car of choice for more than 40 heads of state and government. Top riders:

Chairman Arafat P.L.O. (1) President Fujimori Peru President Havel Czech Republic Chancellor Kohl Germany (4) President Mugabe Zimbabwe Prime Minister Sharif Pakistan President Yeltsin Russia

OR BAVARIAN MOTOR WORKS The second choice, especially in Europe, is also German: BMW. Bosses in BMWs:

President Kwasniewski Poland Prime Minister Rasmussen Denmark Prime Minister Simitis Greece

IN AMERICA THEY TRUST Driving American is the top coupe for a number of U.S. allies. Chile's President Eduardo Frei likes a Lincoln (2), but others choose Cadillac:

President Kim South Korea President Lee Taiwan Prime Minister Netanyahu Israel

DRIVING DOMESTICALLY And for some, patriotic wheels are the choice: Nissan: Emperor Akihito Japan (5) Citroen: President Chirac France Rolls-Royce: Queen Elizabeth Britain (6) Ambassador: PM Gujral India (7) Lancia: President Scalfaro Italy (3)

--By Alain L. Sanders, with bureau reports