The 29th January 2016 was a sad day in the lives of those enthusiasts who love to drive off-road because that was the day production of the legendary Land Rover Defender ended, for good. It also caused a stir among the farming community whose fondness for the Land Rover marque dated back sixty-seven years when the first Series 1 hit the fields of Britain. But, alas, progress will not be halted. It is said that the company ceased production of this vehicle because the engines would not meet future European standards. There is no mention as to why other suitable diesel units from other vehicles in the Jaguar Land Rover range could not have been engineered in but it seems clear that Land Rover had plans to bring this 4x4 into the 21st Century with a brand new model. The new Defender is very nice and very, very accomplished off-road but has more in common with the up-market Discovery than with the old Defender 90.
The Grenadier
The loss of the 90 Series clearly touched a nerve however. Now the huge INEOS brand, involved in so many areas of business, have launched Ineos Automotive to build a utilitarian, all-terrain 4x4. It will be called the ‘Grenadier’ after the pub in which it was conceived, possibly on the back of an envelope, the way so many great new ideas begin. The announcement of this proposed off-roader immediately gained over 6,000 international fans and followers who responded to an online poll.
Images are not yet available but some digital mock-ups can be seen on the internet, although how accurate they are remains to be seen. What is known is that the new vehicle is new from the ground up and will be built on a ladder chassis featuring permanent four-wheel drive, this via beam axles combined with world class suspension to maximise traction and durability. The Grenadier will accordingly be easier to service in the field, we learn. The company insist that the Grenadier will offer class-leading towing and payload capacity, with power and torque to match, all wrapped up in a stripped back, boxy 4x4 body. Function will dictate form. Power will be derived from a choice of petrol or diesel six-cylinder BMW TwinPower Turbo units.
The Vision
“We have had remarkable interest from all over the world. We are aiming to keep it as simple as possible. No frills, uncompromising, off road 4x4. We believe that there is a very serious hole in the market and we’re going to plug that gap again.” States Jim Ratcliffe, the Chairman of INEOS as he shares their Vision for the Grenadier. . .
“It will pull a plough, it will clear a minefield, you can drive up to Buckingham palace. It has to have superb off-road capability … and a certain level of sophistication.”
The New Factory
The vehicle will be built in conjunction with Magna Steyr, a mobility technology company with expertise across the entire vehicle. See the meeting of minds in the image with an earlier Magna Steyr off-roader.
INEOS Group Chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe said: “We have looked long and hard at possible manufacturing locations for Grenadier across the world with lots of good options to choose from. The decision to build in the UK is a significant expression of confidence in British manufacturing, which has always been at the heart of what INEOS stands for.” It's good when someone flies the flag.
MHH International have learned that design and engineering work, as well as marketing and distribution plans are well on the way. Price is yet to be determined and we will update this information as and when we get it. We are intrigued to see how the Grenadier develops, particularly the mention of The Africa Car. In the meantime, if you are interested in any of the Land Rover and Range Rover products for your next vehicle, why not get in touch? We’ll be delighted to help you source your next car.
