Russia to invest 4 bln rbl in government car project in 2015

ST. PETERSBURG, Feb 19 (PRIME) -- A project to develop a high-security car platform Kortezh for transporting high-ranking state officials will require a 3.6 billion ruble investment this year, Alexei Godenko, deputy CEO at Central Scientific Research Automobile and Automotive Engine Institute, one of the project’s developers, told PRIME on Thursday.

The sum may change due to the volatile ruble. “The amount for next years is unknown, adjustments are possible,” Godenko said.

The pilot car should be made by the end of 2015. “Currently, the project’s design documentation is being developed. When it is done, a stage for pilot development will be launched. Of course, it will not be a stock car, it will most likely be a leader’s prototype. And sedan is the leader,” he added.

In November 2014, the Industry and Trade Ministry placed an 8.051 billion ruble order for the Kortezh cars, the work on which must be completed before 2017. In December 2014, Minister Denis Manturov said car maker Sollers in cooperation with industrial corporation Rostec will be the project’s contractor.

(62.4001 rubles – U.S. $1)

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