Volvo disconnected Russian dealers and car owners from the software

Volvo, following other automakers that have left Russia, has disconnected Russian dealers and car owners from its software.

Source. The Moscow Times reports.

"Due to the sanctions, Volvo On Call is not working now, we have been disconnected since September 25," the Volvo dealership said. They also advised not to lose car keys, as they will not be able to re-program them in Russia.

Prior to that, in August, the big three German brands – Mercedes, BMW, and Audi – disconnected Russian dealers from the software. In addition, this led to problems when installing parts that require programming, such as control units, gearboxes, etc. At the same time, there is no alternative software available yet.

For example, the largest Russian BMW dealership reported difficulties in diagnosing cars without original software.

Modern cars are filled with online systems, and each is tied to a specific car, so it is impossible to reprogram it, experts say.

According to him, if the key is lost, the car will have to be towed to one of the "friendly" countries to program a new one there.

"This is likely to be an unsolvable problem, and slowly these cars will be withdrawn from the market not because of technical malfunctions and breakdowns, but because it will be simply impossible to make a key," Yankovsky said.

The sanctions imposed on Russia prohibit automakers from supplying vehicles and spare parts, as well as providing technical support.

Background. As reported, Audi has joined the restrictions on access to its software for Russians.