German car manufacturers BMW and Audi have recently cut off their Russian dealers from accessing their software, according to a report by Izvestia, a Russian publication.
This move has significant implications, as it denies owners of these prestigious brands access to vital services such as their vehicle’s service history and software updates. Notably, duplicate key creation and car diagnostics for these brands’ owners are now in question.
The impact extends to the popular BMW ConnectedDrive application, known for its remote ignition, preheating, fuel level monitoring, and updates tracking, with service centers alerting customers about potential limitations.
Audi owners are also grappling with similar issues. An unnamed manager from an official dealer center confirmed that software access for Audi owners had been curtailed two months earlier.
The move by BMW and Audi is the latest in a series of setbacks for the Russian automotive industry. Last year, Mercedes Benz withdrew from the Russian market, becoming the third major producer of passenger cars to sell its assets in Russia. Toyota also halted production at its factory in St. Petersburg due to the inability to resume normal operations.
The restrictions on software access are likely to have a significant impact on Russian car owners. Without access to updates and repairs, cars may become less reliable and more difficult to maintain. This could lead to increased costs and inconvenience for owners.
The full impact of the restrictions on software access is still unclear. However, it is clear that they will be a major inconvenience for Russian car owners.
Information for this story was found via UAWire, Izvestia, and the sources and companies mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to the organizations discussed. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.
