Dealers’ warehouses are depleting their inventories of previously purchased European and American cars, and only a small number of units are arriving through the parallel import channel. The market sees a tightening of supply that could alter showroom lineups in a short period of time. Dealers across the country report thinning stocks, and the limited flow of new vehicles through non-traditional import routes is keeping prices elevated and options narrowed for buyers.
Industry observers warn that models from Skoda, Renault, Volvo, Volkswagen and Mazda may vanish from showrooms soon. Audi, Jaguar, Land Rover and BMW are also at risk of reduced availability or withdrawal from the market altogether. This scenario puts pressure on both traditional franchise networks and independent importers who rely on diverse sourcing to meet consumer demand. The risk isn’t limited to a single segment; it spans compact cars, sedans and SUVs that have historically formed the backbone of many Canadian and American showrooms.
What makes the situation particularly challenging is the impact on mono-brand dealers who focused on a single car marque. They face real losses as supply shrinks and confidence in that brand’s local availability wanes. Even when parallel imports are possible, the logistics and clearance times involved push the landed cost of individual vehicles to very high levels, reducing competitiveness for these specialized outlets.
Amid these pressures, market watchers note a rising presence of Chinese-brand vehicles in showrooms and on dealer lots. In addition, expectations are growing that cars from Iran and India may enter markets in the near term, expanding the mix of options for buyers who are exploring non-traditional imports. This diversification could gradually reshape the local automotive landscape, offering alternatives that differ in price, features and after-sales support compared with established European and American models.
Requires 7,000 tires in popular sizes
Without stable supplies, public order and essential services cannot be guaranteed, and access to medical care may be compromised for those in need. In response, a broader effort has emerged to address critical transportation needs.
In collaboration with the Popular Front, the organization Behind the Wheel has started a fundraising initiative aimed at equiping the People’s Police and related operational services with essential mobility assets. The campaign specifically targets the procurement of tires for emergency and support vehicles, including ambulances, units of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, and vehicles used to deliver humanitarian aid to conflict-affected communities. Additional efforts cover the transportation needs of Donbass residents, as well as vehicles deployed for national defense and civilian relief missions. Donations can be made through the campaign page and will be allocated to tire purchases in the most urgent vehicle fleets. While the logistics are complex, the goal remains clear: provide reliable mobility to those who protect and serve the public in challenging conditions.
Source: Russian newspaper