MOSCOW — Manufacturing started on Monday of the Aurus Senat luxurious sedan promoted by President Vladimir Putin.

Russia unveiled plans for the Aurus line of vehicles in 2013. Putin helped to advertise its limousine mannequin by driving it throughout his 2018 inauguration as president for a brand new six-year time period.

Manufacturing of the sedan is unlikely to have a big impression on Russia’s automotive trade within the close to future. Trade Minister Denis Manturov stated 200-300 vehicles can be produced this 12 months, the Vedomosti newspaper reported.

The automotive, seen as a status challenge for the Kremlin, with its most simple accessible options will value 18 million rubles ($245,000).

Russia has additionally been attempting to cut back its dependence on imported items and expertise, a drive that gathered velocity after Moscow was hit by Western sanctions in 2014.

Aurus is a brand new Russian firm that hopes to problem Bentley and Rolls-Royce on the very prime finish of the luxurious automobile market. The model is owned by a Russian automotive analysis institute recognized by the acronym NAMI in alliance with Russian automaker Sollers, which additionally companions with Ford in Russia.