Moscow, May 16. Two of Russia's largest producers of aluminium alloy wheels, K&K and SKAD, who are members of the Aluminium Association, have partnered up to produce 20-inch aluminium alloy wheels for the new Russian-made limousine Cortege, which Vladimir Putin was driven in for the first time on the day of his inauguration.
The new limousine has been designed to incorporate all the latest requirements for security, technology and comfort. The aluminium alloy wheels for the Cortege project were produced in Russia using the innovative Flow Forming process, which combines low pressure casting and subsequent extraction of the rim at a pre-set temperature.
Wheels produced using this process are lighter and stronger and can withstand much greater loads than aluminium alloy wheels produced using the traditional casting methods. At present, these new aluminium alloy wheels are completely unique in the Russian market. SKAD's bake hardening line, the only one of its kind in Russia, was used in the production process for the new wheels.
The Standard Modular Platform project (also known as Cortege), which aims to make executive vehicles in Russia, is curated by the Central Scientific Research Automobile and Automotive Engines Institute (NAMI). The new limousines will be made under the AURUS brand. They are going to be unveiled to the general public at the Moscow International Automotive Show in August 2018.