Prices for new cars have climbed higher than many buyers can easily manage, which makes it practical to keep and extend the life of existing vehicles. This reality hits foreign brands especially hard, where ownership often depends on careful budgeting and clear planning to stretch every dollar and avoid sudden, costly replacements.
In Russia, the supply of spare parts for foreign cars is shrinking, says Alexei Pevkhenen, the director of the Association of Distributors of Automotive Components, as reported by Komsomolskaya Pravda. Consumables are also becoming scarcer, underscoring a growing challenge for service centers and car owners alike who rely on steady access to key items for routine maintenance and repairs.
The present stock of spare parts for foreign vehicles is estimated to cover roughly six weeks of demand. Yet experts urge readers not to see Russia as completely cut off from the global auto market. The country shares borders with nations that have not restricted trade, such as Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, where import channels for European and American parts remain possible. Over time, those routes could broaden, though prices may stay elevated because of second- and third-party logistics, leading to longer lead times and careful inventory planning.
Parts for foreign automakers come from a mix of places, not just embargoed regions. For instance, Ningbo Motors in China produces components for brands including Porsche, Audi, BMW, Mercedes, and Volvo; UAE based Al-Ain Class Motors supplies parts for American makes; Turkish company Begel Germany manufactures parts for Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Skoda, BMW, Audi, Opel, Ford, Fiat, among others. As market volatility subsides and exchange rates settle, these and other manufacturers are expected to resume deliveries to Russia, gradually stabilizing supply chains and reducing delays for essential items.
The rapid establishment of parallel import channels matters a lot to prevent a gap in repair supplies. Without timely action, April could bring shortages of critical items such as oils and air filters, shock absorbers, brake pads and discs, and other consumables, complicating the maintenance schedules for foreign-brand vehicles and pushing owners toward more costly service options.
There is a nonzero risk of counterfeit parts as supply chains adjust. However, consumer protection laws in Russia provide a framework for accountability. Car service providers are responsible for the quality and compatibility of installed components, and buyers can expect greater scrutiny when selecting suppliers. This emphasis on verified sourcing helps maintain performance and safety across foreign-brand vehicles, and it encourages buyers to favor vendors with clear provenance and traceable parts histories rather than opaque marketplaces. When informed choices are made, repairs remain reliable and road safety is preserved, even in a shifting supply environment.