Putin’s Official Fleet: Domestic Cars Dominate the Presidential Run
Russian President Vladimir Putin travels primarily in vehicles built at home. According to reports from RIA Novosti, citing Denis Simonov, who leads the press and public relations office of the Special Purpose Garage of the Federal Protection Service, the head of state largely relies on Russia’s own automobiles for official journeys. Foreign models are not the default choice for Putin, and any foreign cars in the garage are kept for future use only after accumulating a certain amount of mileage. This detail underscores a deliberate preference for domestically manufactured transport in the highest level of state duties. [RIA Novosti]
For several years the Aurus limousine has been the mainstay of Putin’s travel arrangements. The authoritativeness of the Aurus brand in Russia has grown since the car’s public debut, and the presidential use has been ongoing for six years. The Aurus Senat Limousine was first introduced to the public in 2018 at Putin’s fourth inauguration, marking a milestone in Russia’s automotive ambitions for state needs. [RIA Novosti]
Beyond routine travel, Aurus vehicles have featured in diplomatic and international settings. In September 2023, Putin showcased Aurus to North Korea’s Kim Jong-un during a visit to the Vostochny Cosmodrome, a moment that highlighted the cars as a symbol of Russia’s automotive and technological aspirations on the world stage. [RIA Novosti]
Plans for domestic mass production of Aurus vehicles have been a long standing component of Russia’s automotive strategy. In May 2021, announcements indicated that mass production would begin at the Ford Sollers plant in Yelabuga, with Putin participating in the opening ceremony via video link and noting that he had driven such a car and sat behind the wheel on more than one occasion. The emphasis on local assembly highlighted the goal of expanding domestic manufacturing capacity while maintaining the prestige of the presidential fleet. [RIA Novosti]
Looking ahead, there are proposals that the Aurus Senat could expand its capabilities with an extended version as early as 2025. The contemplated enhancements include a partition inside the cabin and a rear seating arrangement that provides two separate seats for the back. These changes reflect evolving requirements for security, comfort, and confidentiality in high-level travel. [RIA Novosti]
In a broader context, the discussions around Aurus underscore Russia’s push to integrate advanced, citizen- and state-friendly technology into critical roles. Putin has periodically commented on price dynamics and accessibility of Aurus vehicles, indicating a policy emphasis on domestic production and strategic autonomy in the nation’s automotive sector. The overall trajectory suggests continued emphasis on self-reliance and technological modernization within the presidential fleet. [RIA Novosti]