The counterfeit auto parts market in Russia has grown, drawing attention from industry insiders and consumers alike. Vitaly Kolisov, the commercial director of Avtodok, highlighted this trend as a notable concern for the maintained performance of vehicles across the country. The report from Russian newspaper sheds light on how counterfeit products are infiltrating the supply chain and complicating maintenance decisions for Russian motorists.
In the past year, the time required to obtain rare replacement components extended to as long as two months. This delay coincided with a sharp rise in the availability of counterfeit items, especially among components and engine oils originally associated with well-known European and Japanese brands. The phenomenon underscores the risk of fake parts entering the market and the challenge for consumers to verify authenticity amid global supply pressures.
Kolisov pointed out that a growing segment of imports consists of substitute oils and batteries. These substitutes stand out not only for their ready availability but also for the perception of consistent quality and steady supply, which can appeal to car owners facing parts shortages. The data show that in 2023, Russians allocated a larger share of spending to maintenance supplies such as lubricants, filters, brake systems, and suspension components. Oils and batteries, especially those manufactured domestically, were in particularly high demand during the most recent two months reported.
With consultation from Fit Service, 2023 trends reveal that Russians increasingly favored analogs over original spare parts. Drivers began to rely more on these alternatives as a practical response to supply gaps and cost considerations. The shift also reflects broader behavior changes among motorists who aim to reduce running costs and extend the life of their vehicles in a climate where service intervals can be lengthy and parts availability uncertain.
The situation has implications for pricing and service quality across the automotive sector. Prices for car repair services in Russia rose by about a quarter, impacting households and fleets alike. This rise compounds the challenge of maintaining safety and vehicle reliability when the marketplace is flooded with questionable parts and inconsistent access to genuine components. Industry observers emphasize the importance of rigorous supplier verification, consumer education on authenticating parts, and stronger oversight to curb the spread of counterfeit items while preserving the ability of drivers to keep their vehicles in good working order.