Aurus Car Serves as Symbolic Gift Signaling Strong Ties Between Leaders Putin, Kim Jong-Un

Jun 20, 2024 03:07 AM EDT

BLACK LUXURY CAR WITH AURUS NAMEPLATE BLACK LUXURY CAR WITH AURUS NAMEPLATE — (Photo : AI IMAGE/DABBIE DAVIS)

North Korea's Leader, Kim Jong Un, welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin to Pyongyang for his official state visit. This visit was Putin's return to the North Korean capital after more than twenty years. Of course, he came bearing gifts - an Aurus car, an admiral's dagger, and, a tea set-Putin. All showcased his gift-giving prowess during this significant diplomatic encounter. Thus making the event attract more attention across the globe.

Aurus Car for the Second Time

In a move seen as a strategy to bolster ties, Russian President Vladimir Putin gifted North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un with another prestigious Aurus luxury limousine on Wednesday. This marks the second occasion where Putin has bestowed this particular car model upon his counterpart, underscoring the significance of their diplomatic relationship.

In a report by Outlook, it was revealed that Putin's aide Yuri Ushakov disclosed additional gifts exchanged during the meeting. Alongside the luxurious car, Putin presented Kim with a refined tea set. While details of Putin's gifts remained undisclosed, Ushakov emphasized that reciprocal gestures were equally good.

The report also revealed a statement to Tass news agency. Ushakov confirmed that gifts had been exchanged, stating that the leaders had already exchanged gifts. Kim received an Aurus but Ushakov did not specify the exact model. He further clarified that this was the second Aurus, not the third gift for Kim.

Kim was the first to receive an Aurus from the Russian leader.

As shared by Reuters, footage from Russian state TV captured a scene where Putin took the driver's seat of the black armored Aurus, his official presidential vehicle in Russia, while Kim sat in the passenger seat. The video depicted the car navigating through a meticulously landscaped park area before stopping.

A Korean gentleman in a suit and white gloves was seen opening the door for Kim before quickly moving to assist Putin. Following this, Kim, known for his interest in automobiles, was shown driving Putin. Earlier that day, one of Putin's aides mentioned that the Russian leader had gifted Kim a Russian-made Aurus limousine.

According to a report by the New York Post citing the BBC, Kim's car collection boasts various luxury vehicles, such as multiple Mercedes models, a Maybach limousine, and a Rolls Royce Phantom, with the recently gifted Aurus joining his fleet. Additionally, the New York Post highlighted a previous exchange where Putin had offered Kim his initial Aurus limousine.

Although no daggerplay occurred during their interaction, the duo planned a forthcoming tea party, leaving the utilization of the tea set uncertain for the occasion. In reciprocity for the generous gestures, Kim presented Putin with artwork described by Ushakov as "excellent gifts" reflecting Putin's persona, including several busts. Ushakov commended Kim's gifts as "quite skillful" in an interview with the Russian state news agency, Tass.

Aurus Automotive

Exploring the journey of the vehicle to Pyongyang, The Financial Express uncovered that the car was transported to Kim's senior officials in the North Korean capital, Pyongyang. The report delved into specific information about the model, identifying it as the Aurus Senat.

Aurus came into existence following Putin's directive for Russia to produce a high-end vehicle, leading to the creation of the Senat model, which has been manufactured since 2018. Operated by the Central Scientific Research Automobile and Automotive Engines Institute, this car materialized in response to Putin's request for a bespoke presidential automobile.

Offered in three variations - the Standard Senat, Senat Long, and Senat Limousine - the sedan boasts full armoring and is equipped with a potent 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine producing 590bhp. Speculation arose that Porsche may have been involved in the engine's development.

Internally, the vehicle is outfitted with abundant amenities typical of a presidential car; however, the precise specifications of the model delivered to Kim remain undisclosed. While the report presumed it to be armored, details regarding additional features and equipment onboard remain elusive.