Sanctions-related disruptions have pushed the delivery timelines for imported auto parts to Russia into prolonged stretches, with some reports indicating waiting periods extending to one and a half years. This trend, corroborated by Izvestia through industry insurers, highlights the severity of the supply gap facing automotive repair and maintenance in the country.
Industry updates show that Absolut Sigorta publicly noted an 18-month wait as of May of the previous year for installing an AdBlue tank on a Mercedes-Benz model, while the same brand’s wheel rims faced a 16-month delay. These delays reflect broader logistical bottlenecks that affect both essential and decorative components for high-demand luxury and mainstream vehicles alike.
Igor Lappi, CEO of Sovcombank Sigorta, pointed out that the most challenging parts to source are those for popular Japanese and Korean vehicles, including Toyota, Lexus, Mitsubishi, Honda, Kia, and Hyundai. The difficulty stems from limited official channels and reduced regional inventories, forcing repairers to rely on longer lead times or less conventional suppliers.
The Russian Association of Automobile Insurers (RUA) confirmed that, in some cases, waiting periods can reach a year and a half, though such extended delays are uncommon and tend to affect only a subset of vehicles. The association also emphasized that the situation fluctuates with geopolitical developments, port congestion, and fluctuations in currency markets, which collectively shape spare-parts availability.
Alexander Kazachenko, who previously led the Automotive Service Association, noted a shortage of original parts for Chinese-made cars due to the absence of official Russian suppliers. He also highlighted ongoing challenges with the so-called “big German three”—Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW—where securing genuine components can require unusually long lead times. The consensus from industry observers is that parts for these brands still take a considerable amount of time to reach repair centers in Russia.
As a consequence of the ongoing supply limitations, prices in insurance repair catalogs have seen upward movement. Insurers and repair shops alike report that elevated procurement costs for scarce parts are contributing to higher Estimates and repair bills for vehicles affected by these delays.
The broader market context suggests a continuing expectation of tighter availability and higher prices for original spare parts in Russia, particularly for popular and high-demand vehicle models. Dealers and workshops are increasingly turning to alternative sourcing strategies, such as parallel imports and aftermarket components, while balancing quality, compatibility, and warranty considerations for customers.
Overall, the current environment illustrates how external pressures can ripple through the automotive ecosystem—from insurers and service centers to vehicle owners who must navigate longer wait times and potentially higher repair costs. Stakeholders across the sector are monitoring supply-channel developments closely and adapting procurement and repair practices accordingly, mindful that the landscape may evolve with policy changes and global trade dynamics.