by Michael Gauthier
- A number of automakers are halting deliveries to the Middle East.
- Bentley and Maserati paused shipments, while Ferrari cut back.
- Roughly 20 ships have been attacked, cutting delivery options.
Supercars and ultra-luxury vehicles are extremely popular in the Middle East, but the war with Iran is putting some deliveries on hold. This is yet another sign that the impacts of the US-Israeli effort are expanding beyond oil.
According to Bloomberg, Ferrari has stopped most deliveries in the war torn region. However, a few models have been flown in.
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Fellow Italian brand Maserati has also temporarily stopped shipments to the Middle East. This is said to be in response to “logistical challenges and safety concerns.”
The delivery freeze isn’t limited to Italy’s automakers as Bentley has also hit the pause button. CEO Frank-Steffen Walliser addressed the war earlier this week as he said “We don’t have an impact from a production side but, for sure, people in the Middle East have other thoughts than looking for a new Bentley at the moment.” This is a subtle hint that demand is weakening in the region as people are increasingly concerned about Iran’s retaliatory attacks on neighboring countries.
Bloomberg also talked to tuning firm Mansory, which said it’s assessing shipments on a case by case basis. However, they noted delivering cars by air can cost roughly three to four times more than by sea.
Delivery problems will likely continue as long as Iran keeps attacking ships and effectively shuts down the Strait of Hormuz. PBS reports approximately 20 vessels have come under fire since the start of the war, although a few are getting through.
Iran Ramps Up Attacks
Despite claims by President Trump that the war is almost over, Iran lashed out with a series of attacks on oil and natural gas infrastructure across the Middle East. This is said to have been in response to an Israeli attack on the South Pars natural gas field.
The Associated Press reports a SAMREF refinery in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia was hit, while Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG facility suffered “extensive damage” from Iranian missiles. Sites in Abu Dhabi and Kuwait were also said to have been targeted.
The attacks pushed the price of oil up once again and Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi promised “Zero restraint if our infrastructures are struck again.”
Our response to Israel's attack on our infrastructure employed FRACTION of our power. The ONLY reason for restraint was respect for requested de-escalation.
ZERO restraint if our infrastructures are struck again.
Any end to this war must address damage to our civilian sites.
— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) March 19, 2026
Context:
Luxury automakers Ferrari, Bentley, and Maserati halt Middle East deliveries due to regional conflict and shipping attac
Context:
The delivery freeze signals how geopolitical tensions are disrupting global luxury markets beyond just oil and energy se
Context:
Air delivery costs three to four times more than sea transport, making luxury car shipments economically challenging.
