Launch Pad

New INIOS Grenadier - soon ready to rock!

Just over four years ago, car enthusiast and experienced adventurer Jim Ratcliffe, INIOS Chairman, identified a gap in the market for a stripped back, hard-working 4x4 utility vehicle, engineered for modern day compliance and reliability. (Obviously, the demise of the original Land Rover Defender came to mind). Subsequently INIOS Automotive Limited was formed and a senior team of automotive professionals assembled to bring the vision to reality in creating a go anywhere 4x4 passenger and commercial vehicle.

Combining British design with German engineering, the new INIOS Grenadier will be a true 4x4 built from the ground up. Engineered to overcome all conditions, it will provide best-inclass off-road capability, durability, and reliability for those who depend on a vehicle as a working tool, wherever they are in the world.

Recent developments have included the acquirement of a production facility from Mercedes-Benz in Germany, while the first of a series of dealers have been

appointed across the UK and in the EU. The Irish market will be served in due course.

Since acquiring the Hambach factory in January 2021, INEOS has invested over €50m in addition to the €470m invested in 2019 by Mercedes-Benz in an all-new production line. The manufacturing facility dedicated to the Grenadier includes a new fully-automated bodyshop, a new semi-automated paintshop, and upgraded general assembly areas. Hambach also benefits from a new high-tech quality assessment centre.

Having taken just 12 months to reconfigure the new line for the Grenadier, INEOS is nearing the end of a first production try-out (PTO1) phase. Building 130 PTO1 Grenadiers is crucial for defining the assembly process and also provides the engineering team with production-representative vehicles for final rounds of testing and certification.

The PTO2 phase started in March to validate the assembly process and build quality, before production of launch series vehicles will establish the supply chain, logistics, and build rate requirements.

In parallel, preparations in all commercial parts of the business continue at pace to ensure INEOS is ready for customers.

“Some 15,000 customers worldwide have reserved their Grenadier,” said Dirk Heilmann, CEO of INEOS Automotive. “We want to deliver a vehicle that’s ready, and we won’t cut corners. With the benefit of the highly skilled and experienced team at Hambach, as well as the expertise in safety and quality that we have employed, we are on target to begin series production in July.” The interior of the INEOS Grenadier is purpose designed to deliver the space, practicality and versatility owners need from a hard-working 4x4. Starting from a clean sheet, the design incorporates the modern technology and comfort expected of a vehicle for the 2020s and beyond.

“When we started thinking about the Grenadier’s interior, we looked carefully at modern aircraft, boats and even tractors for inspiration, where switches are sited for optimal function, regular controls are close to hand, auxiliary ones are further away,” said Toby Ecuyer, Head of Design.

Toggle switches and dials on the centre and overhead consoles are widely spaced and clearly labelled. Auxiliary switches have been built in, pre-wired to support the addition of winches, work lights and other accessories.

Advanced technology is included only where it benefits functionality and usability. The infotainment system is accessed via a 12.3-inch touchscreen, or by using a rotary dial. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration means users can rely on smartphone navigation which will always be up to date. And the off-road pathfinder navigation system allows drivers to programme, follow and record their route via waypoints, when roads and tracks are left behind.

With hard-wearing surface materials throughout, the Grenadier is designed to endure. Drain plugs in the rubber flooring and wipe-down upholstery mean the interior can be hosed out. Water-resistant anti-stain Recaro seats provide ergonomic support and comfort on or off the road. Carpets and leather upholstery will be available for those aiming to leave the mud and sand outside.

Stowage space has been maximised, with a dry storage box under the rear seat, a lockable central console cubby box, and secure side-mounted storage in the rear load area.