Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un showcased their camaraderie by taking turns driving a Russian-built Aurus limousine. This event followed the Kremlin’s announcement that Putin had gifted one of the luxury vehicles to Kim.
In a meticulously staged public relations event under tight security, the two leaders emphasised their strengthening relationship during Putin’s grand visit to Pyongyang, his first in nearly 25 years.
Their drive occurred after the leaders signed a significant deal, which included a mutual defence pledge, marking one of Russia’s most notable moves in Asia in recent years. Kim described the agreement as an “alliance”.
Video footage released by Russian state TV showed Putin behind the wheel of the black armored Aurus, his official presidential car, with Kim seated beside him. The car navigated a scenic route through a manicured park before stopping. A suited Korean man wearing white gloves opened Kim’s door and then assisted Putin.
Putin and Kim were later seen walking side by side, conversing along a wooded path with two men, presumably translators, following them.
Kim, known for his interest in automobiles, then drove Putin back. Earlier, one of Putin’s aides mentioned that the Russian leader had presented Kim with an Aurus limousine as a gift. This is Kim’s second Aurus limousine, the first having been gifted in February.
The Aurus Senat, styled after the Soviet-era ZIL limousine, serves as the official Russian presidential car. Putin used one during his most recent Kremlin inauguration in May.
During Kim’s visit to eastern Russia in September last year, Putin had shown him one of the Aurus vehicles. Kim, sitting beside Putin, appeared to enjoy the experience.
Kim’s collection of luxury foreign vehicles, likely smuggled in despite UN sanctions, includes a Maybach limousine, several Mercedes, a Rolls-Royce Phantom, and a Lexus SUV.
Aurus Motors began manufacturing cars in Russia’s Tatarstan region in 2021. Last month, a senior Russian official announced that Aurus cars would start being produced at a former Toyota factory in St Petersburg this year. This move is part of Russia’s efforts to repurpose car factories left idle after global automakers withdrew from the Russian market following Putin’s decision to send troops into Ukraine in February 2022.
Western sanctions have significantly increased new car prices in Russia, allowing Chinese manufacturers to expand their market share as some Russian carmakers struggle. According to Russian analytical agency Autostat, 40 Aurus-branded cars have been sold in Russia so far this year.
