The BRICS TimesRussian energy giant acquires controlling interest in the limousine maker used by President Putin to boost production.
The Major Acquisition Deal
Gazprom has secured control of luxury carmaker Aurus. They acquired a 51% stake in mid-2025, reports Vedomosti business daily. Three sources confirmed this news on Tuesday. Gazprom Tech handled the purchase. This subsidiary manages assets in aviation and shipbuilding. The deal value sits between 12-13 billion rubles. This equals roughly $148-160 million.
Changing Ownership Structure
Gazprom bought shares held by Abu Dhabi’s Tawazun fund. They also acquired part of the stake owned by NAMI. One source claims Gazprom was initially hesitant. However, they agreed on one condition. They demanded that Aurus’ top management be replaced. The new investor will likely commit more funds. These funds will help develop the brand further.
Leadership and Future Plans
Aurus shareholder details remain private. However, a leadership change occurred in September 2025. Andrei Boginsky replaced the longtime CEO Andrei Pankov. Reports link this reshuffle to production goals. They plan to use the former Toyota plant. This facility in St. Petersburg will manufacture premium vehicles.
Production Targets Set
Aurus aims to assemble three models there. This includes two sedans and an SUV. Production at the St. Petersburg site starts in 2026. The project faced delays recently. Talks with Chinese carmaker Hongqi had stalled. Experts say the state wants tighter control now. They need faster progress on this project.
History of the Brand
NAMI developed Aurus with Sollers in 2013. It was part of the “Kortezh” government program. The Senat limousine debuted at Putin’s 2018 inauguration. Mass production began in 2021 in Tatarstan. The model currently sells for around 50 million rubles. Production still relies on imported components. Aurus sourced parts from South Korea and China.
