Carmakers face soaring metal costs as supplies veer clear of Russian goods

Saving up for a new ride? Better start putting more cash aside.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine is ramping up the price of metals used in cars, from aluminium in the bodywork to palladium in catalytic converters to the high-grade nickel in electric vehicle batteries, and drivers are likely to the foot the bill.

While metals have not been the target of Western sanctions yet, some shippers and autoparts suppliers are already steering clear of Russian goods, putting more pressure on carmakers already reeling from a chip shortage and higher energy prices.

"So what happens from here?" asked Carlos Tavares, chief executive of Stellantis,