Grenadier is the automotive division of the multinational INEOS.
In 2017, INEOS' President Sir Jim Ratcliffe sees an opportunity: the market does not offer a functional 4X4. In the Grenadier pub in London together with some friends, he decides to fill this market's gap. Together, they devise a plan for creating an all-new vehicle. The rest is history.
INEOS is a global manufacturer employing more than 22,000 people in 183 locations and 26 countries. The secret to this company's success is the ability to make things happen. In manufacturing, the chemical industry, sports, and now also in the automotive sector through the Grenadier brand.
Since the journey towards creating a usable and functional 4X4 began started, INEOS Automotive has consolidated itself as a serious player in the development and production of 4X4 vehicles. Thanks to collaborations with some of the biggest names in the automotive industry, they have gone from a vision to a prototype. The acquisition of a class-leading manufacturing facility and team made then Grenadier ready for the final sprint toward the delivery of its off-road 4x4 vehicles.
The project was born from the idea of the president of INEOS, Jim Ratcliffe, a big fan of the original Land Rover Defender. When it went out of production Jim saw an opportunity: there was no longer an off-roader on the market suited to adventure, an active lifestyle, and well-working in difficult conditions. The Grenadier, however, was not destined to be a simple replica of the Defender, but to embody its philosophy. The market target is global and includes operators in the agricultural and forestry world, explorers and adventure lovers as well as Defender enthusiasts looking for a tough and pure 4X4.
“I'm a big fan of the old Land Rover Defender and really admire its off-road performance,” Jim Ratcliffe, president of INEOS says, “and we went from there to our 4X4.” Our new off-road vehicle will embody his spirit, but will far surpass it in terms of construction.”
This new vehicle will be a great alternative to today's boring SUVs.
INEOS is one of the largest manufacturing companies in the world but the production of such a vehicle is an absolute novelty. “This project is very inspiring,” said Jim Ratcliffe, president of INEOS. “We want to build an off-road vehicle dedicated to explorers, farmers, and enthusiasts around the world.”
The history of the Grenadier project
February 2017. After completing a six-month study of feasibility, INEOS confirms that they will continue the development and construction of a new 4X4 vehicle without compromise.
February 2018. A team of 200 experienced and qualified engineers begins their full-time work on the vehicle in the Grenadier offices in Stuttgart, combining British design with German engineering precision.
September 2019. The 4X4 community is asked to choose a name for the vehicle. Over 6,000 responses were sent and the solution was immediately clear to everyone: the name of the new vehicle will be Grenadier, like the London pub where it all began.
December 2019. The transition from concept to series development is always a milestone. It was the moment when the INEOS Grenadier team started the collaboration with Magna Steyr. 4X4 experts took care of the design of the production vehicle.
July 2020. The Grenadier body design is unveiled to the world. The vehicle was designed to meet the demand for a solid, versatile, capable, and functional work tool.
December 2020. To guarantee and meet the highest standards, a production plant at the top of its category was needed. The Hambach site, previously owned by Mercedes-Benz, is thus acquired. The perfect basis for the production of the Grenadier.
July 2021. The interiors of the INEOS Grenadier are designed with a clear objective: to offer the space, practicality, and versatility that owners seek in a robust 4X4. Conceived from scratch, the design integrates modern technologies and solutions designed for comfort, as expected from a vehicle built for today and tomorrow.
October 2021. Bookings were opened. Those who chose priority access had the opportunity to book before anyone else, two weeks in advance of the opening to the general public. The response was really positive and many decided to be among the first.
May 2022. After 1.8 million kilometers of tests, the production version of the 4X4 Grenadier is presented. At the top of the delivery list are those who have paid the booking fee. Customers all over the world have been able to use our online configurator to build their own Grenadier. In most markets, they were also able to know the exact price and order it online.
Grenadier and the bicycle
The most victorious team in the history of cycling today is called INEOS Grenadiers. The change marks the start of a new major partnership with INEOS Grenadier.
The team that has revolutionized the way of thinking about and experiencing professional cycling restarts with renewed enthusiasm. A team that has dominated the last decade with an impressive series of victories. And now it is ready to take on new challenges under the name INEOS Grenadiers. The team made its debut at the 2020 Tour de France aiming to defend Egan Bernal's title won in 2019.
INEOS Grenadiers Team Principal Sir Dave Brailsford had a difficult task in choosing the squad. The chosen group represents the perfect mix of talent, experience, and racing vision necessary to reconfirm itself at the top, year after year.
The INEOS Grenadiers team is the cycling team of the automotive group of the same name, which competes in the Grand Tour races: Giro d'Italia, Tour de France, and Vuelta de Espana.
Just like the vehicle, the team was also designed to overcome any adversity. To withstand the daily efforts in the most demanding cycling races, as well as on the most impervious terrains in the world. A team that embodies the true meaning of resistance, driven by grit, determination, and assion. A team designed to get the job done.