As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues, the nation is now experiencing blowback from the motoring world.
A steadily increasing list of car manufacturers have confirmed that they will suspend exports to Russia, with some also announcing plans to cease operations in Russia, too.
So far, Toyota, BMW, Honda, Ford, General Motors, Volkswagen Group, and Jaguar Land Rover have all taken actions against Russia. All have suspended deliveries of new vehicles in Russia until further notice.
In a statement, Toyota says it made the decision “to ensure the safety of all our team members, retailer staff, and supply chain partners”.
“We are also monitoring global developments and will make necessary decisions as required.”
BMW were more firm in their words. In a translated statement, the brand says it “condemns the aggression against the Ukraine” and is following the unfolding news “with great concern and dismay”.
“As a global company, the BMW Group stands for peaceful coexistence of different cultures all over the world – every day and at all locations. The thoughts of the employees of the BMW Group are with everyone who has to experience suffering and loss in this war.
“The situation in the war region remains confusing. We expressly support the sanctions decided by politicians. Due to the current geopolitical situation, we will stop our local production and export for the Russian market until further notice.”
Ford CEO Jim Farley led the brand in also suspending its exports to Russia.
“We at Ford are deeply concerned about the invasion of Ukraine by Russia and the safety of the Ukrainian people. Effective immediately, Ford is suspending our limited operations in Russia and taking action to support the Global Giving Ukraine Relief Fund,” Farley said in a tweet.
According to a report posted overnight by the UN, more than 800,000 civilians have fled Ukraine so far. Just over half are said to be going to Poland, with the remainder split among the likes of Hungary, Slovakia, and Romania.
Both the Ukraine State Emergency Service and the UN have reported that more than 2000 civilians have been killed in the invasion so far, with the UN recently adding that the full death toll is likely to be “much higher”.
