Bahrain Interested in Purchasing Russian-Made Aurus Cars – Source

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Bahrain has expressed interest in purchasing Russian-made Aurus luxury cars, part of the Kortezh series, a source familiar with the situation told Sputnik.

"After that, we have started receiving signals from various countries about their desire to buy the [Aurus] limousine. Bahrain is among such countries. But while mass production has not been set up yet, there are only a few cars available. In the future, it will be possible," the source said.

READ MORE: Not Just for Presidents: 'Aurus' Cars to Be Produced for Russian Civil Service

An Aurus Senat limousine first made its public appearance during Russian leader Vladimir Putin's inauguration ceremony in May, as the current official state car of the president. Putin has also showcased the car to his foreign counterparts. In particular, he showed it to UAE Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in June, and also took his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah Sisi for a ride in October.

The Kortezh project envisages the creation of luxury cars for top state officials. The Aurus cars are due to become available for sales to the general public in the beginning of 2019. Retail prices are expected to start at 10 million rubles ($147,000).

According to Russian Minister for Industry and Trade Denis Manturov, export of the Kortezh project cars may begin in 2020-2021.