The Ulyanovsk Automobile Plant, known for its rugged post‑Soviet utility vehicles, plans to broaden its lineup in the coming year. Yet the company, controlled through Sollers and managed in part by UAZ, has no intention of halting the production of its enduring staples, the “bread” and the Hunter. These two models remain central to UAZ’s identity and output strategy.
Adil Shirinov, who serves as chairman of the board of directors and is a principal owner within Sollers, underscored that the brand will keep the “bread” in continuous production for as long as there is customer demand. He also emphasized that the UAZ Hunter, a rugged SUV with a loyal following, will not be sacrificed despite industry shifts. In his view, the bold move would be to retire a legend that still enjoys robust market interest.
Shirinov argues that removing the iconic “bread” model would be short‑sighted. The vehicle stands as a pillar of UAZ’s heritage and continues to meet practical needs in many markets. The company possesses the capability to manufacture certain models in limited runs, ensuring the product line can refresh itself without losing its essential identity. This approach balances nostalgia and practicality, allowing the brand to retain its core customers while exploring newer offerings.
At the same time, the leadership signals a natural evolution toward more modern products. The plan is to gradually phase in replacements that align with contemporary consumer expectations, while maintaining a steady presence of proven models in the catalog. This strategy aims to preserve brand trust and provide alternatives for buyers who require reliability and simplicity in a changing automotive landscape.
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