9 Car Companies That Have Stopped Doing Business in Russia Since the Ukraine Invasion
It has been over a month since Russia started its brutal invasion of Ukraine. In a show of support against the unjust war, car companies around the globe have stopped doing business with the Russian Federation, and car sales have stopped.
As millions of people flee the war-torn country, automakers are taking a stand against the Russian invasion. Many don’t want Western sanctions imposed on their business, while others don’t want to risk their reputations. As the invasion drags on, automobile imports and exports have stopped inside the Russian border. Here are nine car brands that currently refuse to do business with/in Russia.
1. Daimler Truck
Daimler Truck is a pioneer of automated driving and a leading manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner commercial trucks. On Feb. 28, 2022, the German-based company announced via Twitter that it was suspending all business activities in Russia until further notice. According to CBS News, Daimler Truck “suspended deliveries of truck components to its Russian partner Kamaz.”
2. Ferrari
In a March 8, 2022, press release, Ferrari announced it was donating one million Euros “to support the Ukrainians in need.” The Italian automaker also stated the “decision to suspend the production of vehicles for the Russian market until further notice.”
3. Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company is one of the most recognized brands in America, with headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan. It manufactures an extensive line of trucks, passenger cars, electric vehicles, vans, utility vehicles, and Lincoln luxury vehicles.
In a statement released on March 1, 2022, Ford announced, “we are suspending our operations in Russia, effective immediately, until further notice.” The automaker has limited business ventures in Russia, with only a minority interest in a joint venture with Sollers Ford, a commercial van manufacturer. Ford also promised to support the “strong contingent of Ukrainian nationals” working in its plants.
4. Mercedes-Benz
German auto manufacturer, Mercedes-Benz, announced via Twitter on March 2, 2022, that it would “suspend the export of passenger cars and vans to Russia as well as the local manufacturing in Russia until further notice.”
Market Watch also reported that Mercedes-Benz is closely monitoring supply chain issues since many of its automobile components come from Ukraine.
5. Stellantis
In 2021, Fiat Chrysler merged with Peugeot to create Stellantis. Brands under the umbrella of the world’s number four automaker include Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, Fiat, Jeep, Alfa Romeo, Maserati, and more.
In partnership with Mitsubishi, Stellantis operates a manufacturing plant in Kaluga, Russia. On March 2, 2022, the auto giant announced it is donating one million euros in “humanitarian aid to support the Ukrainian refugees and civilians displaced by the current crisis.”
According to Automotive News, on March 11, 2022, Stellantis announced they are moving its van production facilities in Russia to Western Europe. CEO Carlos Tavares said they are suspending all exports and imports of vehicles to Russia and will “freeze plans for more investments in the country as a consequence of the invasion of Ukraine.”
6. Renault
On March 22, 2022, a Ukraine government official called for a global boycott of Renault for its refusal to “pull out of Russia.” The next day, Renault Group announced it was immediately suspending “activities in its manufacturing plant in Moscow.”
With more than 45,000 employees in Russia, it is one of the largest auto manufacturers in the Russian market.
7. Toyota (and Lexus)
Toyota issued a press release on March 3, 2022, stating it would stop production at its St. Petersburg Plant, which manufactures RAV4 and Camry vehicles. It also announced it “has stopped imports of vehicles, until further notice, due to supply chain disruptions.”
There are currently 168 retail locations in Russia and 37 retail locations in Ukraine that have halted all sales operations.
8. Volkswagen
Under the Volkswagen umbrella are luxury-vehicle manufacturers such as Audi, BMW, Skoda, and Porsche. On March 3, 2022, the Volkswagen Group announced via Twitter that they would be stopping the production and exports of vehicles in Russia until further notice, effective immediately.
BMW also stopped all vehicle exports to Russia and closed its assembly plant in Kaliningrad. According to CNBC, “Audi expects the war in Ukraine to cause ‘tremendous interference’ to the global supply chain.”
9. Volvo
Based in Gothenburg, Sweden, Volvo was one of the first international automakers to cease operations in Russia after the Ukraine invasion began. Last year, approximately 9,000 Volvo vehicles were sold in Russia.
According to Automotive News, Volvo suspended “car shipments to the Russian market until further notice.” The automaker cited “potential risks associated with trading materials with Russia, including the sanctions imposed by the EU and US.”
