The press secretary for the President of the Russian Federation, Dmitry Peskov, expressed reservations about the Predator snowmobile following a test ride. He told RIA Novosti that the ride did not leave him with a feeling of complete satisfaction and that there is room for improvement in the vehicle.
Peskov added that he would turn to the manufacturers to press for enhancements. The goal is to refine the machine so it can meet a higher standard of reliability and performance in challenging winter conditions.
According to Peskov, a driver responsible for the Predator noted adjustments had been made after previous feedback, including attempts to tighten certain components with a file because the steering and gearbox performed unevenly, while the engine operated without issue. He also disclosed that the engine was sourced from abroad, which factored into discussions about local production and potential domestic options.
Peskov questioned the market dynamics that seem to enable the Predator’s producers to set terms without facing robust competition. He suggested that this lack of competition could undermine quality and pricing in the snowmobile sector, and he indicated that such a situation requires attention from authorities and industry stakeholders alike.
Prior to these remarks, Peskov recalled that President Vladimir Putin was photographed traveling by all-terrain vehicle along a sparsely traveled, unofficial winter route during a visit to Chukotka. This trip highlighted the use of rugged transport for navigating remote terrain in the Arctic region.
Earlier reports indicated that during his first trip to Chukotka, Putin departed from the airport aboard an all-terrain vehicle to head toward Anadyr, the regional capital. Putin himself admitted that this marked his initial visit to Chukotka, underscoring the region’s remote and expansive landscape.
There was also a note that Putin, during a separate moment, took a stroll while riding the Predator, navigating snow and wetland terrain in Chukotka. The vehicle’s performance in those demanding conditions was a point of public and media interest, illustrating the challenges of Arctic travel and the role of specialized equipment in regional mobility.
Source documentation indicates these events and assessments were reported by RIA Novosti and other outlets, reflecting ongoing coverage of transport technology and presidential travel in Russia. The discussions point to a broader conversation about domestic manufacturing capabilities, procurement strategies, and the balance between imported components and local production in high-end winter vehicles. [Source: RIA Novosti]