Ineos Starts Production of Grenadier for North America

Moneyed types in this country who’ve been pining for the spiritual successor to Land Rover’s old-school Defender will be gratified to learn the first series production Grenadier models for North America have started rolling off Ineos Automotive’s factory floor.

They’ll be sourced from the company’s production line in Hambach, France. If you’re wondering how a startup like Ineos managed to get shovels in the ground for a factory so quickly, know they acquired the manufacturing facility from Mercedes-Benz in January 2021. They then plowed 50 million Euros into the place prepping it for Grenadier assembly.

If you’re in need of a reminder, the Grenadier deploys a full box-section ladder frame chassis with heavy-duty solid beam axles, a two-speed transfer case, and up to three locking differentials. Combined with boxy styling, it’s the Defender for which much of that truck’s fan base have been clamoring. Under the hood is a BMW 3.0-liter turbo-charged inline-six. Practical gear like a 70/30 split rear door and pre-wiring for auxiliary accessories will make this thing the darling of overlanders.

Already, the first US-bound Grenadier, a Belstaff Fieldmaster edition in Scottish White, has sprouted from the end-of-line Quality Inspection bay. More than 7,000 orders have been placed for the Grenadier in the States, a figure which makes this area the company’s largest market out of the 40 in which Ineos claims to have a presence.

News of deliveries will surely cause the more astute members of the B&B to inquire just how the machines are finding their way into customer hands. Air drop, perhaps? No, through a traditional dealer network, it seems – even though information on the whys, whats, and wherefores of that puzzle piece are still up in the air. Company brass are promising to “soon announce its first wave of appointed dealers”, stating they have “spent a long time selecting an exceptional team.” We’ll note there the gap between knowing who these dealers are and the Grenadier’s expected delivery dates is vanishingly small.

When, exactly? Well, deliveries are planned for November, though any Canucks with a reservation will have to wait until after Christmas for their new Grenadier. Pop us a note if you spy established dealers in your town appending Ineos signs to their stores.

[Image: Ineos]

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