Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin shows his new car, a locally-produced Niva SUV, to the media in his Black Sea residence in Sochi, southern Russia. Photo by AP.
Putin appeared before journalists behind the wheel of his new khaki-colored Niva, which is produced by Russia's biggest car maker Avtovaz.
A pleased-looking Putin invited reporters to take a ride, according to Russian television footage. Appearing at his Black Sea residence in the Olympic city of Sochi, Putin said he would use the three-door, stick-shift car to go fishing.
Putin has urged Russians to support domestic producers - especially automobile makers - against their foreign competitors as the economy struggles amid the global financial crisis.
