Russian drivers are facing changes in the way Western car brands manage their vehicles’ online capabilities, with officials noting that certain remote functions may be restricted or temporarily disabled. In a discussion carried by the 360 TV channel, Yang Heitzeer, a vice president of the National Automobile Association, explained that these measures are being observed primarily on foreign-made cars and are affecting how some apps can interact with vehicles. Earlier reports from Izvestia indicated that several online features from Western manufacturers such as remote locking, engine start, fuel level monitoring, and other connected services could no longer be accessed by Russian users via those manufacturers’ apps. The changes appear to vary by brand and model, with premium vehicles most likely to experience altered functionality while more basic configurations often retain legacy capabilities. This nuanced picture has been reported by multiple media outlets confirming a shift in how connected car apps operate under existing sanctions and restrictions.[Source: Izvestia]
According to Heitzeer, there is no expectation of a sudden or catastrophic breakdown of services. The expert noted that this phenomenon predominantly concerns high-end brands, so the disruption is not universal across all vehicles. He emphasized that the disruption will be noticeable mainly to drivers who have grown accustomed to seamless remote features, yet it is unlikely to trigger widespread drives into chaos. In his assessment, the situation constitutes a restriction rather than a collapse, and the overall impact should remain manageable for most users, particularly those who own a broad category of licensed premium cars. This framing aligns with the general sentiment that the issue is localized and incremental rather than systemic.[Source: National Automobile Association briefing]
Heitzeer pointed out that, so far, only Mercedes-Benz has reportedly shut down its remote systems entirely for certain markets. Other brands are keeping older, or “legacy,” systems functional, which preserves some level of remote access tied to vehicles that were already in the market before the sanctions were imposed. The distinction between full shutdowns and partial retention of features is central to understanding the changing user experience. It means that many owners may still rely on previously installed software and hardware, while some new app interactions could be delayed or unavailable in the shortest windows after updates or policy changes take effect.[Source: industry briefings]
For vehicle owners, the practical takeaway is adaptation. The changeover might involve using supplementary apps or software updates to manage maintenance schedules and service reminders, albeit with potential delays. In some cases, users could find themselves unable to install new software on fresh devices, or to pair new gadgets with the car’s connected services as readily as before. The dialogue around sanctions and their software consequences mirrors broader discussions about how automotive ecosystems respond to geopolitical pressures, and it underscores the need for owners to adjust expectations while OEMs work to preserve core functionalities. The consensus from industry experts suggests that there will be no dramatic crisis, but rather a period of adjustment as systems align with evolving regulatory and technical landscapes.[Source: automotive industry analysis]
Earlier coverage highlighted that the market share of foreign models in Russia remains under pressure, with persistent shortages affecting many popular brands. Among these, Renault has been notably impacted, while Hyundai and Kia are experiencing similar pressures, albeit not to the same extreme levels. Observers note that the supply-side constraints, paired with restrictions on software connectivity, create a layered challenge for buyers and existing owners alike. The situation illustrates how sanctions can ripple through both the hardware and software layers of modern vehicles, complicating ownership for some buyers and reducing the ease of use for others, depending on the particular model and the year of manufacture. These realities reinforce the idea that the automotive ecosystem is becoming increasingly intertwined with policy, technology, and regional access controls. [Source: market intelligence reports]