After the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, major car manufacturers like BMW and Hyundai withdrew from Russia, leaving their factories idle. In the absence of these manufacturers, Russian companies have begun producing 'unofficial new cars' using leftover parts from these factories. Questions remain regarding the quality and safety of these vehicles, as they are assembled without the manufacturers' oversight, yet some brands have found significant consumer interest due to ongoing demand for foreign cars amid import difficulties caused by sanctions. Reports indicate that factories now run by Russian companies or former partners are taking the initiative to produce these vehicles, potentially leading to high resale values given the scarcity of imported cars.

For instance, in a Kaliningrad factory, unauthorized BMW vehicles were produced from leftover parts without BMW's permission. Concerns arise not only about the integrity of these 'unofficial cars' but also about consumer awareness, as many potential buyers may not realize they are purchasing vehicles lacking official backing. The situation is similar for other brands; for example, former Hyundai vehicles have been rebranded under new badges by Russian firms that took over the production lines after Hyundai paused operations in St. Petersburg.

While certifying bodies claim these 'unofficial cars' meet the same standards as official vehicles, BMW's Russian division has warned that such vehicles could pose risks to drivers and pedestrians. The long-term effects of these unofficial cars on the automotive market in Russia are still unknown, but in December of the previous year, brands that had exited, such as Toyota, managed to capture significant market shares, indicating that consumer demand remains robust even in the face of political and economic sanctions.