"The Chinese market is developing very intensely, with the number of people buying [products by] luxury brands growing. We expect that a similar showroom will be opened in China in 2020-2021," Manturov told reporters.
The Aurus luxury cars are part of the Kortezh project which envisages the creation of luxury cars for top state officials. The cars are already used by Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Federal Protective Service, which is charged with protecting high-ranking Russian officials.
Retail prices for Aurus cars are expected to start at 10 million roubles ($152,000).
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. In the meantime, the limited run of vehicles for state and civilian use has already been sold out for two years in advance, in spite of a price tag starting at 10 million rubles (about $151,000 US).