UAZ has temporarily paused taking orders for expeditionary variants of the Patriot and Hunter SUVs, as well as for SGR vans, known locally as Loaf. This development was reported in the automobile news daily and confirmed by the Moscow branch of the company. The pause in order intake is tied to a temporary halt in the production of expeditionary models while the company works through changes in its supplier lineup. According to officials, the disruption affects the availability of Patriot, Hunter, and Loaf configurations at the wholesale and dealer levels. Car dealers and popular online listings currently show little to no stock of these expeditionary models, and even the individual Hunter in a special configuration is scarce, with the remaining unit priced at about 1.66 million rubles. This price reflects the unique equipment package and limited supply typical of expeditionary trims rather than the standard model lines available to the broader market.
The expeditionary versions of the Patriot, Hunter, and Loaf are distinguished by a specialized equipment set that is designed to enhance off-road capability and field reliability. Among the standout features are BFGoodrich All-Terrain tires chosen for improved grip on rough terrain, a roof rack to accommodate extra cargo, a winch for self-recovery in challenging environments, and a guard for the tie rods to protect steering components during rugged use. Additional enhancements typically found on these variants may include upgraded suspension components, reinforced underbody protection, and other accessories intended for demanding driving conditions. These hardware choices reflect the intended role of expeditionary models, which often serve customers who operate in remote areas, require durable practical gear, and place a high value on field-ready readiness over purely cosmetic improvements.
Earlier reporting noted that security authorities had detained the head of one department at the UAZ automotive plant while conducting an investigation into allegations of accepting a commission from a commercial entity in connection with the supply of metal. The implications of that development extend beyond a single incident, touching on corporate governance, supplier relations, and the broader question of how procurement decisions are managed within the company. As investigations progressed, UAZ and its partners faced increased scrutiny about procurement processes, transparency, and the safeguards in place to prevent improper influence in sourcing materials essential to vehicle production. The company has since focused on clarifying its supplier network and reinforcing internal controls, while continuing to serve customers with the core Patriot, Hunter, and Loaf lines where possible given the contemporaneous supply constraints. Stakeholders in the market are watching how production schedules adjust in response to these changes, and whether the pause in expeditionary orders will extend beyond the immediate supplier transition period. Ultimately, the situation underscores the sensitivity of vehicle manufacturing to shifts in supplier arrangements and the downstream impact on availability of specialized configurations for dedicated buyers.