NAMI (Automorive Research Institute) has developed a prototype Aurus car powered by hydrogen fuel, according to Russian Minister of Industry and Trade Manturov during the launch of mass production of the Aurus Senat model. According to the minister, this is the only project in the world in the premium car segment.
The price of base Aurus car will be US$ 240,000 (18 million Rubles). Next year it’s planned to start mass production of Aurus Commendant SUV.
Mass production just started in Elabuga. Production capacity of the plant is up to 5,000 cars per year.
PSR Analysis: Aurus is a top luxury car model, developed in Russia by NAMI. It’s used by the Russian president and top State officials during protocol events, including parades, ceremonial receptions and visits. It has a look similar to the Rolls-Royce Phantom and is equipped with a domestic hybrid 600 hp motor. It’s unknown whether the hydrogen modification will come to serial production. PSR
Maxim Sakov is Market Consultant-Russia Operations for Power Systems Research
