Taking part in the ceremony were Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov, Head of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov, Rostec CEO Sergei Chemezov and Aurus Director General Adil Shirinov.
The project to develop and begin the serial production of a new unified modular platform and lineup of automobiles based on it started in 2013. The development of the components and cars based on them was carried out with wide international cooperation of automotive manufacturing and engineering enterprises involving leading companies from Europe and Asia. More than 50 Russian enterprises are participating in the project.
As of today, the Aurus lineup includes 15 models of cars and two motorcycles.
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Vladimir Putin: Colleagues, friends, good afternoon.
It is a pleasure to congratulate you on the opening of the new, up to date capacities for the serial production of Aurus cars in the Republic of Tatarstan. Of course, this is an important event for the Russian automobile industry and Russian industry in general.
I remember how this began and would like to thank those who took part in the implementation of this project, in developing and equipping this industrial site. I am sure that the cars assembled here will be in high demand.
As you are aware, I use these cars and drove them a few times. It is in fact an excellent, high-quality car that complies with all global standards.
You know only too well how much work was gone ahead of today’s ceremony. It involved thousands of experts, such as engineers, constructors, and designers, from everywhere across Russia. And they have succeeded in their job.
We can say that for the first time in Russia’s history, an entire line of executive cars was created from scratch. Among other things, this involved designing a modern, common platform for them, creating a recognisable design that is traditional for executive cars, and forming a part base, which is very important.
I would like to add that the Aurus family of cars was developed in close cooperation with leading car manufacturers and engineering hubs in both Europe and Asia. This expanded the possibilities for acquiring new knowledge and advanced, and in many ways, unique skills. Moreover, everything was done very quickly. And I know that our partners were surprised many times by this and were delighted along with us. All this is extremely important for Russia to develop its own competitive auto industry and a number of related industries.
About 70 percent of the suppliers of parts for Aurus cars are our Russian companies. This is a good chance for them to master new technologies and get additional orders.
We hope that the serial production of Aurus cars will strengthen the presence of Russian cars in the international market and will give us an opportunity to increase the export of high-tech products.
The opening of a production site in Tatarstan is certainly another impetus for the region’s development. Tatarstan is already among the leaders in many respects, and it will take another step forward with the emergence of modern jobs and an increase in tax revenues, which are necessary for solving social problems.
I would like to thank once again everyone who worked on the creation of the new production facility, as well as on the development of Aurus cars in general. My congratulations to the staff on the launch of work. I wish you all further success and all the very best.
Thank you.
Colleagues, you have the floor.
Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov: Thank you very much.
Mr President, colleagues,
Today, as we continue to develop the Aurus project, we are launching full-cycle production of Senat vehicles, from body-welding operations to final testing. Each vehicle to roll off the assembly line will feature a range of custom options for each client, including colour combinations and interior options.
Given this client-oriented approach, we will gradually expand production to 5,000 vehicles annually, and the model range will also increase. For example, Aurus will introduce the Komendant next year, which is the long-awaited SUV model.
Mr President, all of this plant’s technical operations are part of an integral IT system. This is basically a convincing example of an industrial network that integrates all production processes at every stage, that is, from accepting materials and components to making digital adjustment to units and systems. This will make it possible to quickly upgrade the assembly line and to change the platform itself. I would like to use this opportunity to thank our Russian and foreign industrial partners, as well as component suppliers, for contributing to the development of this project.
This modern plant is located in Alabuga, one of the most rapidly developing special economic zones. Of course, Mr Minnikhanov who works hard to involve investors in creating high-tech production facilities has personally contributed to this project to a considerable extent.
Mr President, allow me to thank you for this opportunity to involve our ministry and the team of developers from the Central Scientific Research Automobile and Automotive Engine Institute (NAMI) in implementing your idea for the Aurus project. You always support young people, and this project involves a team of young and highly professional specialists who continue to expand this project still further, as per your instruction. They have already developed a prototype of the Aurus luxury vehicle with a hydrogen fuel supply system. I would like to wish the project participants success in implementing these plans.
Thank you.
If you allow me, I would like to give the floor to Head of the Republic of Tatarstan, Mr Minnikhanov, who will discuss the role of the industrial segment in the Republic of Tatarstan.
Vladimir Putin: Mr Minnikhanov, you have the floor.
Head of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov: Mr President,
Thank you very much for entrusting our republic with the mass-production of the Aurus vehicle. We have already gained a reputation of being an automobile republic; our KAMAZ lorries are famous all over the world. And I am confident that Aurus will become as popular a brand as KAMAZ, and that we will make the Russian Federation famous for this.
Of course, this project would not have been possible without the Government’s support. Resolution No. 1119 allowed us to carry it out and prepare an industrial site in a special economic zone. Of course, we are very grateful to our partners, the Tawazun company, with which we maintain close cooperation.
Mr President, thank you very much. We will work to make Aurus a very successful project.
Dmitry Manturov: Mr President, allow me to give the floor to Aurus Director Adil Shirinov.
Vladimir Putin: Yes, please.
Aurus Director-General Adil Shirinov: Good afternoon, Mr President.
Allow me to thank you on behalf of the entire friendly Aurus team for the high trust accorded to it, and the opportunity to take part in this project. I would also like to express our deep gratitude to Mr Manturov and Mr Minnikhanov for their confidence and support in implementing this project, and to assure you that we are ready for the next stages of this impressive project.
Thank you.
Vladimir Putin: Thank you.
Dmitry Manturov: Mr President, allow me to launch the production line.
Vladimir Putin: You have my permission.
(Production launched.)
My congratulations to you once again.
Indeed, many problems have been resolved during this work: a new engine and a new transmission were designed; a special aluminium casting technique was mastered, and the production of automotive grade leather was developed. As I have mentioned, domestic content is at about 70 percent. I hope the first vehicles will be available in June as planned.
But I would like to draw your attention to one point. If we consider all the contractors involved in this process, by 2022, domestic content must reach 80 percent. I am referring to all involved in the manufacturing process. Right now, you are at 53 percent. There is quite a gap between 53 and 80 and I would like you to pay attention to this. I know the Ministry of Industry and Trade is continuously working on this issue. However, considering that we have many Russian contractors, about 100 companies in all, it is necessary to work with each of them and encourage every company to raise the level of localisation. I would simply like to point this out.
But in general, this is a great accomplishment that has been reached in record time. I would like to thank all of you again and congratulate you on this achievement.
All the best to you!
Thank you very much.