In interviews, dealers explained that the availability of auto parts for foreign vehicles in Russia has technically improved, yet a persistent shortage of certain components remains, particularly for more complex assemblies. This pattern reflects ongoing supply chain constraints even as overall stock levels recover.
Vladimir Zhelobov, who oversees used car sales for the Avtodom Group of Companies, noted that while spare parts are more accessible than before, complex components still experience longer lead times. Deliveries for these items can span from 60 days to as long as six months, a timeline that many service centers are now anticipating as part of their planning processes.
He pointed out that the price of unique components is highly sensitive to currency movements and has effectively doubled since the start of 2022. With the ruble facing higher volatility and the major world currencies rising against it, there is little expectation of a rapid drop in component costs in the near term.
Andrey Kamensky, the Marketing Director of Avilon AG, emphasized that although a small shortage persists, there is no significant obstacle to completing most repairs. He said the core range of service and repair parts remains available from dealers, and delivery times are generally reasonable. Even in positions where stock is tight, most parts can be obtained within a few days, underscoring a functional but imperfect market for spares.
Since early 2022, the export of cars and many spare parts by several foreign manufacturers to Russia has largely halted. However, a number of these brands have remained reachable through parallel import channels, enabling dealers to source supplies via third countries. This workaround has helped maintain a degree of continuity for maintenance and repair needs in a challenging market environment.
In a related note, an earlier anecdote from the European market referenced a German car with a rather unusual story, noting a person who reportedly retained eight bottles of beer at some point. This memory underscores the unpredictable and sometimes quirky facets of the broader car industry as it navigates global supply dynamics.