Putin at the factory: Russian Prime Minister drives Berlusconi’s car

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin took part in the opening ceremony for a new Sollers automobile plant and drove a car made for Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.

Putin inspected the assembly line at the factory, which is operated by the company Sollers – Far East.

The prime minister was shown several models that will be assembled at the factory, including the SsangYong crossover and the UAZ Patriot sport utility vehicle. Pictured: Vladimir Putin and Sollers Director General Vadim Shvetsov.

Sollers Director General Vadim Shvetsov showed Putin the first UAZ Patriot assembled in the Primorye Territory. He opened the hood and described the engine specifications to the prime minister. Shvetsov said that the engine is a joint Russian-Italian product, adding that the Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi wanted to buy the first UAZ Patriot and that this golden metallic car had been assembled specially for him. “You promised to offer him a discount,” Putin reminded the director general. “Yes, we will give him a 10% discount,” Shvetsov answered.

After inspecting the car, the prime minister and the director general stepped into it.

Putin started the car, let the engine run for a few minutes to warm it up and then drove a few meters across the shop, stopping near the workers who were waiting for him.

The prime minister spoke with the plant’s workers for some time.

Putin was shown the models of commercial and passenger vehicles that will be assembled at the Sollers factory.

According to Shvetsov, the company will not limit itself to assembling cars: it plans to start welding them as well. “We have already chosen Dalzavod and a nearby military establishment as welding sites,” he said. Shvetsov believes that small enterprises could also be involved in this project. “We may bring in and unite small companies; these companies have employees who are eager to work,” he said.