Russian firearms manufacturer Kalashnikov gets a makeover
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 3 December 2014 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Russian firearms manufacturer Kalashnikov gets a makeover, 3 December 2014, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/54be12a8c.html [accessed 21 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
December 03, 2014
Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev once called Kalashnikov, the maker of assault rifles used in wars around the world, a "national brand every Russian is proud of."
Now it's getting a rebranding.
Kalashnikov Concern, as the Siberian manufacturer of the AK-47 is now known, unveiled new logos and slogans such as "protecting peace" at an elaborate news conference in Moscow on December 2.
Women in body-hugging outfits toted trademark curved magazines featuring a red-and-white letter K logo, part of a makeover that comes as the company struggles to increase revenue despite a big setback from U.S. and EU sanctions over Russia's actions in Ukraine.
Sergei Chemezov, head of Russian Technologies, a state corporation with a controlling stake in Kalashnikov, said he hoped the new brand would become as well known as Apple worldwide.
The AK-47's inventor, Mikhail Kalashnikov, died last year at age 94.
Based on reporting by BBC, the "Guardian," and "The Moscow Times."
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
