Russian car dealers face shortages of original spare parts and consumables
Recent reports from Gazeta.ru, citing representatives of car centers, indicate that Russian car dealers are struggling to secure original spare parts and consumables. The shortages affect a range of brands including Volkswagen, Skoda, Porsche, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Jeep, and Mazda. In many cases, the specific components required for European-built models are not available, highlighting a broader disruption in the supply chain for genuine parts.
For instance, brake pads for several European models, air filters for popular SUVs like Teramont, DSG gearbox gear oil, and even simple items such as plastic sump plugs for 2.0-liter engines are in short supply. A dealer source noted that these gaps are recurring and not easily forecasted, complicating maintenance schedules for many customers.
When genuine parts are unavailable, dealers often turn to used or non-original alternatives to keep service centers operational. A substantial majority of dealers confirmed purchasing non-genuine consumables to avoid interrupting customer service. The uncertainty about delivery timelines makes this a practical, though imperfect, workaround for many shops that must continue to serve customers who rely on timely repairs.
Earlier, the Russian Automobile Dealers Association (ROAD) raised inquiries with brand representatives to understand the scope of the issue. Sollers Ford indicated the lifting of restrictions on installing non-genuine parts, while AVTOVAZ admitted a temporary halt in shipments of certain parts. Mitsubishi suggested that only existing stock is being used for now, acknowledging that this situation cannot last indefinitely. In contrast, stockpiles exist for models from Kia, Hyundai, Nissan, and Mercedes-Benz. The broader economic sanctions and the Western countries’ blockade on Russia have escalated pressures on the car parts sector, with many manufacturers freezing shipments to the Russian market.
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