Vladimir Putin shows off his driving skills as he gets behind the wheel to test new Russian motor
Vladimir Putin test-drove the new Volga K50 SUV at the brand’s plant in Nizhny Novgorod, presenting the visit as a showcase for the revival of a prominent Soviet-era Russian car name. The appearance matters because it highlights Russia’s efforts to promote domestic manufacturing, although the vehicle is based on Chinese technology, while Russia’s attacks on Kyiv continued for a third day.
Putin drove between production buildings at the former Volkswagen site, toured the assembly lines and signed a K50 bonnet before attending local events. The Volga K50 is the revived marque’s flagship model and is described by industry specialists as a Russian-branded vehicle developed from a Chinese platform; Putin has previously publicised his driving, including a reported 240kph Formula 1 test in 2010.
- Putin test-drove a revived Volga SUV in Nizhny Novgorod.
- The Russian-branded vehicle is based on Chinese technology.
- The visit coincided with continuing Russian strikes on Kyiv.
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Volga was a well-known Soviet-era car brand, and its return is part of Russia’s effort to promote domestic manufacturing. The K50 is the revived marque’s flagship SUV, built at a former Volkswagen plant in Nizhny Novgorod.
The car carries a Russian brand, but industry specialists say it is based on Chinese technology. That reflects the role of overseas designs and components in Russia’s car industry, even as the country seeks to present more production as domestic.
Putin is Russia’s president and has often appeared publicly driving vehicles. The car’s launch also comes amid Russia’s continuing war against Ukraine, which has affected the country’s economy and its industrial links with other nations.