Putin’s inaugural ride in new Russian limo

RUSSIAN President Vladimir Putin travelled to his inauguration on Monday for a new sixyear term in a new Russian-made limousine (pix), ditching his old stretch Mercedes-Benz to send a patriotic message of self-sufficiency amid increased tensions with the West.

Putin, in power since 2000, wants Russia to reduce its dependence on imported goods and technology, a drive that has gathered pace since Russia was hit by Western sanctions.

Some guests broke into applause at the sight of the car conveying Putin the short distance from his office to the Kremlin hall for the inauguration, Russian news agencies said.

Putin has in the past publicly driven Russian-made cars in front of television cameras in an effort to nurture patriotism and support the domestic auto industry. Monday marked the first public outing of the new limousine, part of the Kortezh series of cars which is also expected to include a saloon, minivan and off-road vehicle.

Under development since 2012, the limousine is being produced by a Russian research institute known by the acronym NAMI, and will be distributed in partnership with Russian carmaker Sollers. The new limousine is set to become the heir to the Russian-made ZIL saloons that for decades transported Soviet leaders.

Trade Minister Denis Manturov said state officials would be able to switch to Kortezh vehicles when enough of them become available, TASS news agency reported.

The ministry said the cars would be marketed under the brand “Aurus” and made available for sale from the beginning of 2019, RIA reported.

In his inauguration address, Putin said technological innovation and research were essential for Russia’s future to keep pace with global change. – Reuters