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‘title’ => ‘Škoda Cars Reach Russia Via Kazakhstan Amid Sanctions’,
‘subtitle’ => ‘Automaker Denies Direct Involvement as Parallel Imports Surge’,
‘lede’ => ‘Despite Škoda Auto’s official withdrawal from the Russian market following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, vehicles manufactured by the Czech company continue to enter Russia through Kazakhstan, with sales of popular SUV models seeing a significant increase.’,
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‘heading’ => ‘Surge in Grey Market Imports’,
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‘Škoda vehicles are reportedly the third most frequently imported cars from Kazakhstan into Russia. In the first five months of 2025, at least 400 Škoda cars entered the Russian market, with the Kodiaq SUV being the most common model. These cars are being sold by Russian dealers at prices comparable to those in the Czech Republic, despite the automaker’s official exit from Russia.’,
‘A Škoda Auto spokesperson, identified as Vladimír Rysecký, stated that the company has no direct involvement in these unofficial exports. He explained, “It has nothing to do with the official exports and activities of the Škoda brand. Some organization will buy a car and sell it. It can hardly do something about it.”‘,
‘The automaker emphasized its commitment to legal compliance and sanctions. “Škoda Auto is a responsible brand that honors laws and other rules and fully undertakes to comply with all sanctions related to Russia. The company has already adopted and will continue to take, all necessary measures to consistently comply with these rules. Skoda Auto does not realize cars to Russia or in any way. He does not even mediate him or help him. Nevertheless, through the dealers of the cars of the Czech car manufacturer, they come to Russia,” the company stated.’,
‘Škoda Auto is actively monitoring the situation and engaging with business partners to prevent unauthorized trade of its products. “Škoda Auto is in contact with its business partners, monitors the situation about compliance with international sanctions and takes all other available measures to prevent unauthorized trading in its products,” added Rysecký.’,
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[
‘heading’ => ‘Warranty Woes for Russian Owners’,
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‘The parallel import of Škoda cars presents challenges for Russian consumers, particularly concerning warranty services. According to reports, owners of Škoda vehicles imported from Kazakhstan are unable to claim official warranty services, as the responsibility lies with the seller in Kazakhstan. However, some Russian retailers are offering alternative warranties.’,
‘Škoda has ceased providing after-sales services and support in Russia, including disconnecting its diagnostic systems like ODIS Service (OffBoard Diagnostic Information System). This move aims to ensure adherence to export restrictions and prevent unauthorized use of its services.’,
‘In 2023, Škoda Auto re-entered the Kazakhstan market, appointing Allur as its new automotive partner in Kostanay. This move is part of the company’s internationalization strategy, particularly after withdrawing from significant markets like Russia and China.’,
‘Kazakhstan is considered a strategic base for Škoda, offering access to the wider Central Asian region. While sales volumes may not rival those of previous years in Russia, the market is deemed significant enough to warrant attention.’,
‘Škoda has also expanded its presence in Vietnam, establishing three production facilities in Quang Ninh province. The company is assembling vehicles, including models like the Slavia and Kushaq SUV, which are not produced in the Czech Republic.’,
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Škoda Cars Reach Russia Via Kazakhstan Amid Sanctions

Automaker Denies Direct Involvement as Parallel Imports Surge

Despite Škoda Auto’s official withdrawal from the Russian market following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, vehicles manufactured by the Czech company continue to enter Russia through Kazakhstan, with sales of popular SUV models seeing a significant increase.

Surge in Grey Market Imports

Škoda vehicles are reportedly the third most frequently imported cars from Kazakhstan into Russia. In the first five months of 2025, at least 400 Škoda cars entered the Russian market, with the Kodiaq SUV being the most common model. These cars are being sold by Russian dealers at prices comparable to those in the Czech Republic, despite the automaker’s official exit from Russia.

A Škoda Auto spokesperson, identified as Vladimír Rysecký, stated that the company has no direct involvement in these unofficial exports. He explained, “It has nothing to do with the official exports and activities of the Škoda brand. Some organization will buy a car and sell it. It can hardly do something about it.”

The automaker emphasized its commitment to legal compliance and sanctions. “Škoda Auto is a responsible brand that honors laws and other rules and fully undertakes to comply with all sanctions related to Russia. The company has already adopted and will continue to take, all necessary measures to consistently comply with these rules. Skoda Auto does not realize cars to Russia or in any way. He does not even mediate him or help him. Nevertheless, through the dealers of the cars of the Czech car manufacturer, they come to Russia,” the company stated.

Škoda Auto is actively monitoring the situation and engaging with business partners to prevent unauthorized trade of its products. “Škoda Auto is in contact with its business partners, monitors the situation about compliance with international sanctions and takes all other available measures to prevent unauthorized trading in its products,” added Rysecký.

Warranty Woes for Russian Owners

The parallel import of Škoda cars presents challenges for Russian consumers, particularly concerning warranty services. According to reports from denikn.cz, owners of Škoda vehicles imported from Kazakhstan are unable to claim official warranty services, as the responsibility lies with the seller in Kazakhstan. However, some Russian retailers are offering alternative warranties.

Škoda has ceased providing after-sales services and support in Russia, including disconnecting its diagnostic systems like ODIS Service (OffBoard Diagnostic Information System). This move aims to ensure adherence to export restrictions and prevent unauthorized use of its services.

In 2023, Škoda Auto re-entered the Kazakhstan market, appointing Allur as its new automotive partner in Kostanay. This move is part of the company’s internationalization strategy, particularly after withdrawing from significant markets like Russia and China. The company also recently established three production facilities in the Vietnamese province of Quang Ninh, as detailed by seznamzpravy.cz.

Kazakhstan is considered a strategic base for Škoda, offering access to the wider Central Asian region. While sales volumes may not rival those of previous years in Russia, the market is deemed significant enough to warrant attention.