First Ineos Grenadier SUVs for North America Roll Off the Line
British company Ineos Automotive today announced that the first series production Grenadier SUVs for North America have started rolling off the line.
More than 7,000 orders have already been placed for the Grenadier in the U.S., making it the brand’s largest market globally. The first customer deliveries in Uncle Sam’s land are due to start in November, while those in Canada will follow in January 2024. Remember, you can make a reservation with a $450 deposit by visiting the Ineos Automotive’s Canadian website.
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Production is taking place at the former Hambach, France assembly plant where the smart fortwo used to be built. Over 50 million euros have been spent since the plant’s acquisition in 2021, resulting in a new semi-automated paintshop, a new fully automated bodyshop and a new quality centre.
“The start of production for North American vehicles is a significant moment for INEOS Automotive, and for Hambach plant in particular,” CEO Lynn Calder said. “We have been ramping up the production rate over the last six months to ensure we can deliver to customers as quickly as possible, while maintaining the world-class quality standards we set for ourselves. With the addition of North America, Hambach is now producing for export to five continents. The Grenadier is truly a car for the world.”
Indeed, Ineos Automotive has a footprint in more than 40 markets, with customer deliveries having already started in 20. Headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina, its North American team will soon provide details about service and maintenance. We know the first two Canadian dealerships will be located in Mississauga and Vancouver.
Missing the Old Defender?
The Ineos Grenadier is a dedicated off-road SUV that serves as a modern interpretation of the old Land Rover Defender. It features a BMW-sourced, turbocharged six-cylinder producing 282 horsepower, eight-speed ZF transmission, Tremec transfer case, Carraro axles, height-adjustable suspension with Eibach progressive-rate springs, Brembo brakes, and 17- or 18-inch wheels that are wrapped in Bridgestone Dueler A/T or BFGoodrich KO2 tires.
When it comes to practicality, the Grenadier offers a 70-30 split rear door, integrated roof bars, pre-wiring for auxiliary lamps and accessories, as well as a front bumper, fenders and hood to sit on. An overhead console provides controls and switches for off-road and auxiliary functions. Hose-out rubber flooring, Recaro seats (available in hard-wearing cloth or leather) and numerous storage options are also part of the package.
How Much?
In Canada, the Grenadier is sold as a 2024 model starting at $91,929 (plus $2,000 freight and PDI). Obviously, that’s much more expensive than the latest-generation Defender, which currently starts at $69,950 in the same four-door configuration.
In addition to the standard truck, customers have a choice of two special editions called Trialmaster and Fieldmaster, each retailing from $101,219 (plus freight, PDI and a luxury tax of $643.80). The former is more rugged and includes locking front and rear differentials, an auxiliary battery and a snorkel, among other things, while the latter boasts leather seats, carpeted floors and safari windows above the front seats.
Naturally, there is a plethora of options and accessories for those who want to customize the vehicle. We expect most if not all of them to do so.
No matter where it’s sold, the Ineos Grenadier is backed by a five-year/100,000-km comprehensive warranty. There’s also a three-year warranty for the paint and accessories, and a 12-year anti-perforation warranty for the ladder-frame chassis and body components.
Ineos Automotive has said it will provide a 3D interactive manual with each vehicle to allow owners to do their own maintenance and repair work. As mentioned earlier, partner service centres will be identified, and since the engine comes from BMW, dealers of the German brand should be able to assist, too.