Since October 1, 2022, the process of equipping vehicles with ERA-GLONASS devices has involved numerous legal entities and individual entrepreneurs engaged in automobile imports into Russia. The information comes from the press service of GLONASS JSC, confirming a large-scale rollout tied to the country’s evolving vehicle governance policy and safety standards.
In the context of parallel imports, the report highlights which car brands most often come with SOS buttons installed. Among these, Chinese brands show strong presence: Changan accounts for 22 percent and FAW for 9 percent of the vehicles with ERA-GLONASS, while Japanese brand Toyota sits at 8 percent. These figures reflect the practical demand for integrated safety features across cross-border supply chains and indicate preferences among importers and consumers who rely on remote assistance and emergency communications while driving.
Further down the list, several other brands appear frequently in the parallel-import segment. Volkswagen, Chery, Shacman trucks, as well as Dongfeng, Voyah, Mazda, and Omoda are commonly represented in shipments that arrive with ERA-GLONASS units already installed. Within this mix, specific models have emerged as popular choices for safety-enabled, connected driving, including Changan Alsvin, FAW Bestune, Volkswagen Jetta, Chery Tiggo 4, Toyota Camry, and Chery Tiggo 7. These models illustrate how the market combines brand preference with the practical value of built-in safety connectivity for drivers and fleets alike.
GLONASS JSC further stated that a notable share of vehicles connected to ERA-GLONASS via parallel imports originated in 2023, accounting for about 73 percent of the total. The distribution of drive configurations shows a strong leaning toward left-hand drive models, which represent approximately 95 percent of the connected fleet. This trend may reflect global manufacturing patterns and regional demand aligning with the installed safety and tracking capabilities offered by ERA-GLONASS across the transport sector.
Industry dynamics also point to broader implications for supply chains and consumer expectations in both Russia and neighboring markets. While the ERA-GLONASS system provides real-time positioning and emergency response functionality, questions remain about how such integrations affect vehicle resale value, maintenance workflows, and regulatory compliance for parallel imports. Stakeholders across manufacturers, importers, and service providers are watching how adoption rates influence safety standards, fleet management, and the broader mobility ecosystem in North America and beyond.
Meanwhile, discussions about labor actions in related manufacturing hubs, such as Hyundai’s operations in Korea, have raised concerns about potential disruptions to car supply chains. In today’s interconnected market, any interruption can ripple across regions, influencing prices, availability, and the pace at which safety technologies like ERA-GLONASS become standard features in a wider array of vehicles. The overall takeaway is that safety connectivity remains a priority for automakers, regulators, and consumers who value protection and peace of mind on the road.