Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un recently toured Pyongyang in a Russian-made Aurus limousine, showcasing their deepened anti-Western alliance with laughter and jokes.
The Aurus limousine, a symbol of Russia’s technological self-sufficiency when launched in 2018, relies significantly on imported components, contradicting its initial domestic production claims. Customs data reveals that millions of dollars’ worth of parts, including sensitive components from South Korea, continue to be imported, underscoring Russia’s ongoing dependence on Western technology despite geopolitical tensions.
During Putin’s high-profile visit to North Korea, the two leaders took turns driving the armored limousine, emphasizing their nations’ strengthened bilateral ties as nuclear powers.
Since its official production launch in Russia’s Tatarstan region in 2021, Aurus has imported over $34 million worth of components, with substantial shipments arriving even after Western sanctions were imposed following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Notably, around $15.5 million worth of parts originated from South Korea, alongside imports from China, India, Turkey, Italy, and other EU countries.
Despite being sanctioned by the United States in early 2024, Aurus LLC, the manufacturer of the luxury sedan, continues to receive foreign supplies legally. The specific parts used in the limousine gifted to Kim were not disclosed.
Aurus Motors, led by CEO Andrey Pankov, declined to comment on the origin of components used in their vehicles. The company plans to expand production in St. Petersburg later this year, repurposing a former Toyota factory amid an exodus of foreign automakers from the Russian market.
South Korean firms, including Kyungki Industrial Co and BYT CO LTD, remain key suppliers to Aurus, reflecting ongoing international partnerships despite geopolitical tensions. Meanwhile, Aurus Senat, reminiscent of the Soviet-era ZIL limousine, serves as Putin’s official presidential car and has gained popularity among high-profile customers in Russia and abroad, despite its hefty price tag starting at $528,356.
