The conflict with Iran is causing an unexpected effect on the global automotive industry, with a direct impact on the luxury car market and international trade in used vehicles.
Supercars are “stuck” outside their destination
Shipments of high-value vehicles, including models from Lamborghini and Ferrari, are being held in ports such as Sri Lanka, after ships have been prevented from reaching the Middle East.
The problem arises from the near-paralysis of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the main global shipping routes and essential for access to Dubai, one of the largest automotive distribution hubs in the region.
In some cases, cargo ships with hundreds of vehicles have been adrift for days before being able to dock, due to congestion caused by the diversion of routes.
Dubai as a key piece of global trade
The impact is particularly relevant because Dubai serves not only as a final destination but also as a redistribution platform for markets such as Africa.
Japan and South Korea exported about $19 billion in used vehicles last year, with the United Arab Emirates representing a significant portion of that volume.
The luxury market loses one of its main pillars
The Middle East, despite representing less than 10% of global sales, is one of the most profitable markets for luxury brands, thanks to the high demand for customized models.
Manufacturers such as Bentley, Rolls-Royce, and Maserati are now facing a significant downturn, with dealers suspending deliveries and sales recording sharp declines.
Some dealers in Dubai report drops of around 30% in sales, at a particularly sensitive moment for the sector, already affected by a slowdown in China and uncertainty in the United States.
India presses the industry to save energy
The energy crisis is also hitting India, where the government has asked car manufacturers to adjust production and reduce fossil fuel-based energy consumption.
Suppliers to major automotive groups are already warning of possible gas supply failures, signaling risks to the production chain.
A sector under global pressure
The disruption in shipping routes, combined with rising energy prices, is creating a complex scenario for the automotive industry, affecting everything from the luxury segment to the global used vehicle trade.
In a context of high uncertainty, the ability to adapt logistically and energetically will be crucial to mitigate the impacts in the coming months.