The Russian automotive service sector reports new limits on access to manufacturer information for major brands. Mercedes-Benz has informed dealer principals that support for official service programs in the Russian Federation will end. The union of service stations notes that Volkswagen Group dealers, including Audi, Skoda, Lamborghini, Porsche, SEAT, and MAN subsidiaries, face barriers to accessing internal information resources. This shift could affect how repairs are planned and completed for vehicles across these brands.
“Volkswagen has restricted access to the repair database, but there remains a gap through dedicated service processors. When connected to a car’s diagnostic port and a VIN is entered, information about a specific vehicle becomes available, yet direct access to the internal portal is blocked,” explains Alexander Pakhomov, head of the Automobile Services Association, in an interview.
He adds that Volkswagen also encounters challenges in the spare parts supply chain, although repair warranties continue to apply. For new Mercedes-Benz models, the lack of branded online resources makes it difficult to save new keys in the vehicle’s memory or to update software for multiple electronic components.
Meanwhile, Korean and Japanese manufacturers do not display the same restrictions. “From what I understand, Korean and Japanese companies stopped giving dealers direct access and are not imposing restrictions,” he notes. “Toyota has always maintained an open and cooperative policy toward software use.” The first official notice about this issue appeared from Mercedes-Benz, he says.
Dealers of diagnostic equipment for car services point out that the access problem primarily affects official dealers. Carmod, a company selling diagnostic tools, told socialbites.ca that independent repair shops that previously used workarounds will likely continue to find ways to access needed information.
“BMW operates well under the current model. If you use certain workarounds, options exist,” remarks a representative identified as Maxim from socialbites.ca.
According to him, no diagnostic problems are anticipated with Hyundai and Kia. The expert adds that although new models from Korean brands can still be diagnosed online, their functionality can be verified with alternative diagnostic scanners that support Hyundai software under an OEM contract.
“So far, the main issue concerns newer Mercedes-Benz vehicles from 2016 onward. Without connecting to the servers, official dealers can do very little, including firmware updates. Yet workarounds have always existed and will continue to do so,” the source says, without detailing the alternatives.
Alexander Pakhomov notes that alternative routes to access the servers of European car companies will raise repair costs, because such access carries additional expenses. “There is no comprehensive Russian law obliging vehicle manufacturers to share information with all market participants, unlike in the European Union, the United States, Brazil, Turkey, or China. Such legislation exists globally, but Russia has not implemented it,” he laments.
In English, the picture remains similar. “Lack of direct access to automaker information will complicate vehicle maintenance but won’t make it impossible, since service information for cars already sold in Russia largely exists offline,” says Oleg Moseev, founder of the Automarketologist project.
“We won’t rush to buy scanners for new models, but that’s not expected either. If new machines are imported via parallel channels, the challenge will be getting diagnostic programs,” he adds.
Beyond Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen Group, British Jaguar Land Rover dealers have also faced server access issues. Yet dealers continue to adapt. “We have a large dealer network that supplies Mazda models to Russia through parallel imports, which aren’t officially distributed, and they are maintaining service well,” Moseev notes.
He remarks that the option to procure software from a trusted vendor in a friendly country remains viable.
Sergey Parshikov, deputy general director for services at the Avilon automobile group, tells socialbites.ca that it is impossible to forecast exact restrictions from each automaker. “Dealers are actively developing action plans for different scenarios so customers won’t be left without support. One thing is certain—the issues will be resolved with time,” he says.
Most automakers that suspended deliveries to Russia declined to comment on restrictions regarding dealer software. BMW previously stated that customers continue to receive a broad range of aftermarket car services. The Russian arm of Japanese brand Suzuki reported that no restrictions were imposed on this issue.
“Suzuki Motor Rus remains in contact with customers and partners, offering comprehensive support. Official dealers can receive any information from Suzuki Russia at any time, including through internal online services and various communications channels,” the company’s press service told socialbites.ca.
And in English this discussion reveals the same dynamic: information access gaps affect maintenance workflows, but they do not halt service entirely for vehicles already circulating in the market. End-user technicians and independent shops will find ways to keep vehicles on the road while manufacturers sort out policy alignments and technical access.