The head of Russia’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, Denis Manturov, indicated that the Aurus Komendant SUV could be unveiled by the close of summer. He told RIA Novosti, “I think towards the end of the summer. And where – we will decide.”
Delays surrounding the Komendant are not new. Earlier projections had expected the premium SUV to appear in spring 2022, but timelines have repeatedly shifted. Observers note that the program has faced a series of postponements as officials weighed design, safety, and policy considerations before presenting the vehicle to the public.
glimpses of the Komendant seen online suggest a bold design language. The SUV is expected to wear Aurus’ recognizable branding, including a grille with vertical louvers, pronounced air intakes, rectangular headlights, and a spoiler integrated into the tailgate. These design cues align with Aurus’ broader lineup, which already includes a limousine, a sedan, and a minivan alongside the SUV in the premium family.
Investments behind the Aurus project reflect substantial government and corporate backing. The state channel has allocated a multi‑billion ruble budget to advance development and production, underscoring the program’s strategic importance for national automotive capabilities. Ownership of Aurus is distributed among several stakeholders. FSUE NAMI holds the majority share, while the UAE Tawazun Defense, Security and Development Fund holds a significant minority stake, and the Sollers Group maintains a minor position in the project. Notably, Russia’s president has publicly used a domestically produced Aurus limousine, a signal of political support and confidence in the brand’s national significance.
Analysts emphasize that the Komendant represents more than a single vehicle release; it is a statement of Russia’s intention to advance domestic automotive advanced manufacturing, upscale engineering, and local supply chains. The program has been framed as part of a broader strategy to cultivate high-end manufacturing know-how, foster domestic technological sovereignty, and demonstrate that the country can produce luxury automobiles with competitive performance, safety, and aesthetics. Observers also point to the potential impact on related industries, employment, and export opportunities if the Komendant achieves commercial success and import substitution goals. Financial and strategic assessments continue to be updated as official statements and test results become available, and stakeholders watch for final confirmation of a formal unveiling window that could set the tone for subsequent launches in the Aurus lineup, including variants tailored to different markets and customer segments.
In summary, the Aurus Komendant’s public debut remains a focal point for national automotive ambitions, industry modernization, and the broader story of Aurus as a domestic luxury brand. When the official reveal occurs, it is expected to provide a clear benchmark for design, engineering, and production plans as Russia solidifies its position in the premium automotive landscape.