By July, a noticeable strain on vehicle service networks began to show across Russia as shortages of essential components emerged, and observers warned that the situation could deteriorate further into autumn. This assessment comes from Ilya Ivansky, who leads the service department for the Fresh Auto car dealership chain, a position he holds in discussions with major automotive industry bodies. The comment was conveyed through Prime agency.
Ivansky notes that parallel imports were operating far below capacity, with only about 10 to 15 percent of the spare parts needed by the Russian market successfully entering the country. Meanwhile, large service centers have been responding by taking in vehicles from abroad and disassembling them to harvest usable parts. This practice underscores the depth of the supply constraint and the lengths to which dealers are going to keep service networks functional.
According to the expert, several barriers continue to hinder auto retail in the region. Customs clearance procedures, electronic title transfers, certification requirements, and the maintenance of warranty service are repeatedly cited as the main choke points. These issues are actively being discussed with the Ministry of Industry and Trade as the sector seeks practical remedies to keep maintenance and repairs accessible for customers.
The shortages are most acute in certain key components. Ivansky highlights engine parts as the most severely affected, reporting volumes at roughly 65 percent of normal levels. Engine oils, at about half of standard supply, and spark plugs, around 40 percent of typical availability, also represent critical shortages. The data suggests that these gaps in supply are not temporary. They reflect broader disruptions that have persisted for months and require strategic responses from both suppliers and repair networks.
Looking at trends, the source indicates that by mid-July the share of non-original spare parts had increased by a wide margin, from 20 to 50 percent. This shift indicates a growing reliance on alternative components as traditional supply lines tighten. The expectation is that spare-part availability is unlikely to improve significantly before the end of the year, and pricing for components is anticipated to follow an upward trajectory once the market stabilizes.
Industry observers have long noted that car dealers face a turning point as prices for vehicles shift in response to the evolving supply landscape. The current situation in Russia underscores the fragility of the automotive aftermarket when faced with persistent supply-chain disruptions and regulatory hurdles. While some strategies may temporarily mitigate the impact, a durable solution will depend on coordinated policy actions, diversified sourcing, and greater transparency across the distribution network. Market participants remain cautiously optimistic that adjustments in procurement, certification processes, and warranty frameworks could gradually restore normalcy, but the pace of improvement remains subject to ongoing market and regulatory developments. (analyst commentary and industry briefings)