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Russia plans serial production of Aurus open-top cars

Aurus is a Russian brand of cars for senior officials

GORKI, April 24. /TASS/. Russia plans to start serial production of domestic Aurus open-top cars in 2020-2021, Minister of Industry Denis Manturov said on Wednesday.

"As far as the commercial use [of Aurus convertibles - TASS] is concerned, we meant subsequent implementation of all the required certification procedures to launch the serial production along with development of the vehicle design for the parade [on the Victory Day - TASS], assuming the end of 2020 - 2021," the Minister said.

"Use of drop-top cars for government officials is definitely not contemplated," he added.

Aurus open-top vehicles took place in the drill before the military parade on the Victory Day, TASS reported earlier.

Aurus is a Russian brand of cars for senior officials. The car was designed as part of the Cortege project, implemented by NAMI (Central Scientific Research Automobile and Automotive Engines Institute) in Moscow, Russia, since 2013.

Initially the goal was to design a limousine for the Russian president. The project envisages by now the creation of the line of cars on the base of a single platform (sedan, limousine, minivan and sport utility vehicle (SUV)). The limousine was first used during the inauguration of Russian President Vladimir Putin on May 2018. Then, the cars were put on display during the Moscow International Auto Salon on August 29, 2018.

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