Visitors of the Geneva Motor Show, one of the largest and most important annual events of the automotive world, got a first-hand glimpse of Russia's new high-end Aurus-brand vehicles, which made their European debut at the event.
Aurus' display, which included a traditional, armoured limousine version of the Aurus Senat, was flanked by an Aurus sedan, as well as a full-scale mockup of the vehicle's undercarriage and 4.4-litre turbocharged V8 engine.
Speaking at the show, Aurus Motors CEO Franz Gerhard Hilgert explained that the sedan version's unique colour, dubbed "Russian gold," was created especially for the Geneva Motor Show, and complemented by an appropriate, lightly coloured interior.
Speaking to Sputnik, Hilgert confirmed that the first Russian non-state customers should receive their Aurus sedans and limousines in the third or fourth quarter of this year, with deliveries to state organisations expected to wrap up in the near future. According to Hilgert, the company hopes to begin the first deliveries of Aurus sedans and limos to European customers by late 2020.
Denis Manturov, Russia's minister of industry and trade, who has taken part in the Aurus' development since its early stages, said that today, with the brand's obvious prospects for sales abroad, priorities include attracting trade partners and bringing the vehicles to international markets.
Speaking to Sputnik, Manturov said that mass production of Aurus brand vehicles is expected to kick off in 2020, with production expected to climb gradually to reach about 5,000 vehicles a year in 7-8 years' time.
The Aurus-brand family of luxury vehicles was officially unveiled at Russian President Vladimir Putin's inauguration ceremony last May. Along with the 'Senat' limousines and sedans, the series includes an 'Arsenal' minivan, with work underway on a 'Kommendant' SUV and a presidential motorcade motorcycle, the latter created under the Izh brand.
Visitors of the Geneva Motor Show will have a chance to see unique vehicles from the world's leading manufacturers until March 17.