Weather in the Polar Regions can be quite unpleasant and sometimes even life-threatening. At the end of October, several districts of Yakutia and Chukotka were at the mercy of a blizzard. Gale-force winds reaching 15–20 m/s, combined with temperatures from –7 to –18°C, partially cut off electricity in a number of settlements, cancelled road and air travel, and posed a threat to the health of local residents. In such conditions, a person can easily freeze to death if they stay outside for too long. As of 22 October, traffic on several road sections was halted, and local residents were advised to avoid long-distance travel.

However, even ordinary polar life outside of cataclysms and blizzards imposes special requirements on vehicles. In summer, the few existing roads can be washed out, not to mention the difficulty of moving through the sticky tundra. In winter, one can encounter heavy snowfall, strong winds and other challenges that are all too ready to test the durability of any equipment. In response to the demands of the Far North, Zvezda LLC announced the production of a new amphibious all-terrain vehicle for passenger transportation between settlements. According to General Director Alexander Blokhin, the company intends to supply Yakutia with vehicles that can transport up to 24 people regardless of weather conditions. He emphasised that the technology had already been tested in Yamal, where drivers could travel 400–500 km during heavy blizzards along pre-planned routes. Moreover, it's not just about buses: Alexander spoke about possible modifications of the all-terrain vehicle. These include an ambulance, a food truck and specially prepared vehicles for emergency services, repair crews and other specialists.

Previously, the all-terrain vehicles were known under the Rusak brand, but today they are produced under the BEAM trademark. The family includes about 35 types of vehicles for various purposes. As Alexander Blokhin emphasised, due to the high degree of production localisation and standardisation of unit assemblies, the company has extensive opportunities for product conversion based on customer needs. Zvezda LLC uses its own transmission, frame, wheels and tyres, can supply tracks and adapt the body to specific conditions. In the summer, the company also announced a new engine that uses hydrogen fuel. This is one of the few projects that could potentially combine high off-road capability with zero emissions.

The announcement of serial production of all-terrain buses for the Arctic can be seen as the beginning of a new era in the company's history. The design work for creating domestic vehicles for the Polar region began back in 2010—development of all-terrain vehicles started at the Nizhny Novgorod State Technical University, which was completed only 7 years later, and in 2020 began small-scale production. The project was carried out as part of the federal target programme 'Research and Development in Priority Areas of Russia's Scientific and Technological Complex for 2014–2021' by the Russian Ministry of Education and Science. Notably, in 2022, the Russian Government recognised the development of the Rusak K-8 all-terrain vehicle as one of the five most significant outcomes of the programme.

It's likely that passenger versions of all-terrain vehicles, currently known under the Rusak K-8 brand, will serve as buses in Yakutia's remote settlements. This 16-wheeled behemoth, equipped with ultra-low-pressure tyres, has a kerb weight of 6,300 kg and can carry a payload of about 3–4 tons. It features an insulated body, heated front and rear windows and wing mirrors, and seats that can be converted into beds. The vehicle can reach speeds of up to 60 km/h on roads, easily navigate inclines of up to 35°, and has positive buoyancy. The all-terrain vehicle can be fitted with a water propulsion system, allowing it to travel at speeds of up to 8 km/h in water. Without the water jet, it can still manage a swimming speed of about 4 km/h. The company is keeping pace with modern trends—alongside the 2.8-litre Cummins diesel engine, a hybrid option is now available, significantly reducing the vehicle's impact on the delicate northern environment. Naturally, the package includes various locking mechanisms, enabling the vehicle to navigate even the most challenging slopes.

In the Arctic, these features are often crucial, particularly when establishing regular transport links between settlements. Roads in the Polar Region are prone to shifting, bridges tend to deteriorate, and in many areas, there are no proper highways—instead, there are only rough tracks, much like centuries ago. Crossing small rivers and streams is commonplace there, not to mention treacherous bogs and swamps.

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