Gazprom Tech Acquires Stake in Aurus, Putin’s Luxury Car Manufacturer
Gazprom Tech Consolidates Stake in Aurus, Russia’s Luxury Auto Project
Gazprom Tech, a newly formed entity established in 2023 to consolidate assets across aviation, shipbuilding, and the automotive industry, has acquired a significant stake in Aurus, the Russian manufacturer of luxury vehicles used by top government officials. The deal, finalized this summer, includes a 36 percent share previously held by the Abu Dhabi-based fund Tawazun and a portion previously owned by the Russian state research institute NAMI.
The exact shareholder structure of Aurus remains undisclosed. However, previous reports indicated that the 36 percent stake once held by Tawazun transitioned to the Russian firm Dedal at the end of last year. NAMI reportedly held a 63.5 percent share, with the remaining 0.5 percent belonging to Hit Motors Rus, led by Hans-Peter Moser, a former executive at Moskvich and Kamaz.
“The new investor is obligated to provide funds for the development of the company’s business.”
While sources suggest Gazprom was initially hesitant about the acquisition, they were reportedly compelled to proceed under the condition of changes in Aurus’s top management. The company saw a change in its general director in September.
Aurus: A Project Rooted in State Ambition
The Aurus project, launched in 2013, was initiated by the Russian government, tasking NAMI with the development of a vehicle lineup for the country’s highest officials. The government allocated 12.4 billion rubles to this ambitious undertaking. The flagship sedan, the Senat, made its first public appearance in May 2018 during President Vladimir Putin’s inauguration.
Engineering and Future Expansion
Aurus vehicles are produced in limited series and come in four body styles: sedan, limousine, minivan, and SUV. At the heart of these luxury vehicles is a 4.4-liter V8 engine, co-developed with Porsche, boasting a dual-turbocharger system and delivering a total output of 598 horsepower. Power is managed through a nine-speed automatic transmission, feeding a four-wheel-drive system.
Looking ahead, Aurus plans to introduce more affordable models, with production slated to commence in 2026 at the former Toyota plant in St. Petersburg. The company has partnered with Hongqi, the luxury division of Chinese automaker FAW, for this expansion.
