Russian dealer threatens to block multimedia in cars imported via gray schemes

Sinomach, the official distributor of Lixiang in Russia, is considering remotely disabling multimedia systems in vehicles imported through gray market channels, company representative Lev Lazarev told Gazeta.ru. The measure would primarily target Lixiang SUVs.

Sinomach Auto obtained exclusive distribution rights for the Chinese brand Li Auto (Lixiang) in Russia in March 2025. The company is now seeking ways to restrict functionality in vehicles brought into the country outside its official network.

According to Lazarev, there are several technical options for disabling multimedia systems in such SUVs — a move that could render the vehicles nearly unusable, as most of Li Auto’s key features are integrated through the multimedia interface.

On May 19, Sinomach Auto announced the launch of 20 official dealerships across Russia, which will sell Lixiang vehicles and provide maintenance services. The company’s strategy emphasizes vehicle sales strictly through official channels.

The distributor had previously expressed its intent to combat so-called parallel imports of premium-class hybrid and electric vehicles. Blocking multimedia systems is just one of several options Sinomach is considering to address the issue.

Li Auto in Kazakhstan

In Kazakhstan, Lixiang vehicles are currently only available through private importers, as there is no official distributor for the Chinese brand. In 2024, Li Auto opened its only official service center in Kazakhstan, located in Almaty.

Kursiv.media submitted an inquiry to the Ministry of Industry and Construction regarding plans to establish official dealership centers for Li Auto in Kazakhstan. In response, the agency stated that the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Trade and Integration, which had not responded as of the time of publication.