INEOS Automotive has launched the Grenadier Commercial in the UK. A customised version of the 4x4 that qualifies owners to reclaim VAT and receive lower benefit in kind (BIK) tax rates, it replaces the existing two-seat Utility Wagon in the model line-up and features a full-length flat floor with a floor-to-roof cargo barrier behind the two front seats, and can carry a standard 1,200 x 800mm Euro pallet.
George Ratcliffe, INEOS Automotive’s commercial director, said: “Customers in the UK have been asking for this addition to our model line-up since we launched in 2022, so we are pleased to make this available so quickly. The versatility of the Grenadier platform allows this level of modification without any compromise to the driving dynamics or off-road capabilities.
“The Grenadier combines rugged British spirit and design with German engineering rigour.
The backbone of the vehicle is a full box-section ladder frame chassis, with heavy-duty solid beam axles, a two-speed transfer case and up to three locking differentials. It is powered by a BMW 3.0-litre turbo-charged inline six-cylinder gasoline or diesel engine, which has been specifically calibrated for this application.
“The Grenadier Commercial will be built in Hambach, France, at the manufacturing facility INEOS Automotive acquired from Mercedes-Benz in January 2021, with conversion undertaken in the UK by Pontypool-based engineering specialists EDC Ltd. The body-on-frame construction of the Grenadier has provided huge versatility for customisation, with the five-seat double cab Chassis variant of the Grenadier Quartermaster pick-up — aimed at specialist vehicle converters and commercial body builders worldwide — starting production later this month.”
Meanwhile, the thoughts of Sir Jim Ratcliffe (founder and chairman of chemicals giant INEOS and now INEOS Automotive) regarding electric cars have recently been reported globally and include: “Politicians have been dreaming of vote-winning green agendas and utopian engineering and energy switches. Dreams of course, don’t need to be real.
“They don’t need to accommodate the needs of the consumer, the practicalities of installing colossal new infrastructure and the small matter of where all this electricity is coming from. Flipping transportation from fossil fuels directly to electric is not like flipping a light switch. The very notion is barmy, which is why the USA predicts electric car take up by 2050 in the USA will only be 20%. In Europe, our idealists are heading towards 100%.”
Mr Ratcliffe says his preferred transitional design of an EV is one with a range extender (REX). The vehicle can be charged in the normal manner, but with the addition of a small engine and a generator that charges the battery when requested. “The engine is not connected to the pedal, so is simple, efficient and reliable. Why would you ever buy a fully electric car when you have this option of an EV with a range extender and complete absence of range anxiety?”