Russian firm uses South Korean parts for Putin's gifted car to Kim Jong-un
WORLD 29 June 2024 - 09:05
During a recent visit, Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un showcased their strengthened alliance by driving around in a Russian-made Aurus limousine.
This luxury car was intended to symbolize Russia's self-reliance and reduced dependency on foreign technology. However, customs records reveal that the manufacturer of the Aurus relies heavily on imported parts, particularly from South Korea, which Kim has labeled a major adversary, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.
From 2018 to 2023, Russia imported at least $34 million worth of components for assembling Aurus vehicles, including nearly $15.5 million from South Korea. Even after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, imports continued, with almost $16 million worth of goods arriving, including $5 million from South Korea.
These imports highlight Russia's ongoing dependence on Western technology, despite efforts to isolate it from global supply chains as a response to its actions in Ukraine.
The Aurus sedan, developed by Russian state-owned institute NAMI in partnership with carmaker Sollers, is assembled using parts from various countries, including China, India, Türkiye, Italy, and other EU nations.
The company launched official production in 2021 and will expand to a former Toyota factory in St. Petersburg. The exodus of foreign carmakers from Russia has left a gap quickly filled by Chinese manufacturers. South Korean companies, among others, continue to supply parts to Aurus.
Despite sanctions, Aurus Motors has maintained its operations, and its CEO has not commented on the use of foreign parts. The Aurus Senat, Russia's official presidential car, has been gifted to Kim twice. Prices for Aurus cars start at over $528,000, with notable customers including the President of Turkmenistan. In 2023, Aurus sold 107 cars in Russia.
Caliber.Az
1
|
Is the US ready to cut through the Zangezur corridor? Experts weigh in on O'Brien's visit
28 June 2024 - 14:30
|
2
|
Yerevan's scandalous statements undermine peace process Unreliability as a brand of Yerevan
29 June 2024 - 12:20
|
3
|
A lesson for Armenian diplomacy Naivety or political posturing?
29 June 2024 - 11:48
|
4
|
Armenia's constitution blocks border opening with Türkiye Yerevan's adventurous combination
29 June 2024 - 10:55
|
5
|
Armenian security supremo points fingers at Russia as French arms deal stirs controversy Blame & betrayal
28 June 2024 - 09:22
|
Armenian PM opposes EU membership referendum
Cites strong European aspirations among Armenians01 July 2024 - 12:49
A golden opportunity for lasting peace in the South Caucasus
Article by Arab News01 July 2024 - 12:35
Armenian Forum for Democracy launched in Yerevan
01 July 2024 - 12:21
Armenia counteracts renewable energy technologies
Metsamor nuclear power plant still operates01 July 2024 - 12:07
Slovak minister: PM Fico to return to work soon
01 July 2024 - 11:57
NATO’s outgoing chief: China poses challenge to West
01 July 2024 - 11:42
Israeli army strikes Hezbollah military facilities in southern Lebanon
01 July 2024 - 11:28
Azerbaijan to participate in North-South Transport Forum in Kazakhstan
01 July 2024 - 11:14
NATO deploys early warning aircraft to monitor Ukrainian airspace
01 July 2024 - 11:01
Russian Defence Ministry reports repulsion of massive Ukrainian drone attack
01 July 2024 - 10:49
Japan's H3 rocket successfully launches advanced land observing Satellite-4
01 July 2024 - 10:36
Saudi Arabia's Aramco secures over $25 billion in deals
01 July 2024 - 10:23
Israeli artillery strikes Rafah, outskirts of Gaza City
01 July 2024 - 10:11
President Tokayev: Kazakhstan enhances framework to strengthen ties with China
01 July 2024 - 09:58
National Rally leads in first round of French parliamentary elections
01 July 2024 - 09:45
Azerbaijan Airlines announces regular flights to Karabakh
Maintains ticket prices to Nakhchivan01 July 2024 - 09:20
Azerbaijani freestyle wrestlers triumph at European U-17 championship
01 July 2024 - 09:09
Nike stock dives following unexpected sales forecast decline
01 July 2024 - 09:00
Exploring answers from psychology to air traffic
Are we closer to UFOs than ever?01 July 2024 - 08:01
Germans embrace British-themed hotel experience
01 July 2024 - 06:02
Climate crisis spurs surge in wonky vegetables in Netherlands
01 July 2024 - 04:03
World's first hydrogen-hybrid research vessel reduces emissions by 75%
01 July 2024 - 02:04
India moves closer to S-400 production and service
01 July 2024 - 00:04
Iranian security forces thwart terrorist plots ahead of presidential election
30 June 2024 - 23:59
Italy finalises deal for last submarine in U-212 NFS series
30 June 2024 - 22:03
China unveils colossal hydroelectric power plant at 3,000 metres altitude
11 billion kWh and as big as Eiffel Tower30 June 2024 - 20:03
Media: NATO, EU fear Biden's withdrawal from presidential race
30 June 2024 - 18:25
Israeli Finance Ministry extends cooperation with Palestinian banks
30 June 2024 - 18:14
Bomb blasts in Nigeria's Borno state claim 18 lives
30 June 2024 - 18:00
North Korea warns about severe consequences due to “Asian NATO”
30 June 2024 - 17:44
Azerbaijan, Croatia discuss cooperation, demining efforts
PHOTO30 June 2024 - 17:30
NATO raises concerns over Russian underwater operations in North Sea
30 June 2024 - 17:16
Türkiye boosts gas production in Black Sea
30 June 2024 - 16:57
Iran condemns Western involvement in chemical warfare
30 June 2024 - 16:40
Azerbaijan, Armenia in focus: Rebuilding, delimitation, US interest in peace treaty
Weekly review30 June 2024 - 16:19
Hungary's Orbán unveils "Patriots for Europe" alliance with Austrian, Czech far-right parties
30 June 2024 - 16:02
Israel issues stern warning to Iran, Hezbollah amid escalating tensions
30 June 2024 - 15:46
Chinese president to embark on diplomatic tour to Central Asia
30 June 2024 - 15:29
French election: Observer gets into fight with polling station chairman
30 June 2024 - 15:12
Five Indian Army soldiers die in river-crossing exercise
30 June 2024 - 14:54