Russian firm uses South Korean parts for Putin's gifted car to Kim Jong-un

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.