When a war breaks out, the countries involved are affected in all kinds of ways. Although in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine The first thing we think about is the victims, there has also been a transformation of the automotive sector in both countries. While Ukraine received support from the European Union, Russia was punished by blocking material goods. That included a ban on selling cars there. So much so, that some manufacturers abandoned their Russian facilities and left them for management.
However, we already know about the mischief and double standards that appear in these situations. For example, BMW has caught a dealer selling black market cars to Russia, something that was strictly prohibited. Sales between individuals would be allowed, the problem comes when the manufacturer is directly involved. In this case, it was done by a dealer from Hannover and with your back to the brand. This illegal transaction was finally detected and those involved have been fired by order of BMW.
Apparently, There were more than 100 vehicles that were transferred from Germany to Russia irregularly. BMW had apparently made clear the prohibition on selling to that country since the war began and had tools to avoid it. However, some employees looked for a way to bypass them and do business. It is not clear if it will end up splashing the German manufacturer in some way, since It is the European Union that set that standard. Since March 2022, the sale of high-end cars is not allowed in Russia.
Manufacturers like Mercedes claim that They have had to be more rigorous with the request for information in their orders, especially with those high-end ones such as the G-Class and S-Class. In the case of BMW, it has not emerged which smuggled vehicles have arrived in Russia, but it is assumed that They reached the level of Series 7 and X7. what is known as the “gray market”which is not illegal, but which follows unofficial channels, has increased its presence in that country and little can be done. The black market copies will be sold second-hand and the track will be lost as they do not follow the official route.
