The much-anticipated INEOS Grenadier 4×4, the rugged-looking off-roader designed to be a ‘capable and comfortable go-anywhere working vehicle’, is edging closer to making its way into the hands of customers with production prototypes rolling off the line at INEOS Automotive’s Hambach plant in France.

The company is nearing the end of a first production try-out (PTO1) phase and is building 130 PTO1 Grenadiers to assist in defining the assembly process and to provide its engineering team with production-representative vehicles for final rounds of testing and certification.

A PTO2 phase is scheduled to start in March to validate the assembly process and build quality, before production of launch series vehicles proves out the supply chain, logistics, and build rate.

INEOS acquired the Mercedes-Benz Hambach site in January 2021 and has invested more than €50 million ($AU78 million). Mercedes-Benz invested €470 million ($AU741 million) into the plant in 2019 for the building of the company’s Smart EQ ForTwo vehicle, which will continue to be built at the site.

The line now dedicated to the Grenadier includes a new fully automated body shop, a new semi-automated paint shop, and an upgraded general assembly facility.

The Grenadier is being built on an all-new platform, will have a box-section ladder frame; solid beam axles; multi-link suspension with separate coils and dampers; diff lockers front, rear and centre; and two-speed transfer case amongst other features that look to make it a rock-solid platform for off-road work. Power will come from a choice of 3-litre turbo BMW petrol or diesel engines.

INEOS says preparations for commercial parts of the business continue too, with over 100 sales and service partners around the world nominated, and contracts signed with parts distribution and retail finance partners.

Initially available in a five-seat wagon body, or two-and five-seat utility wagon, reservations for the Grenadier can be made now at the company’s website. Full pricing and specifications will be announced in April.

Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (March 2022) 

16 March 2022