INEOS Automotive’s Hambach plant in Germany has restarted production of the Grenadier and Quartermaster 4x4 following the resolution of a critical shortage of seats after supplier insolvency at the end of last year.
Lynn Calder, INEOS Automotive’s CEO, said: “This is a great start to the year for us, one I strongly believe will be our best yet and will build on the more than 40% growth year-on—year we achieved in 2024. We are so proud to have more than 20,000 Grenadiers on the road around the world. Significant new markets like Mexico and China created incremental demand just when we had to hit pause on the production line, so it is heartening to already hear the familiar ‘toot’ as vehicles roll through the quality check lines again. We have got some catching up to do, but we are up for the challenge.”
The plant celebrates the start of its third full year of Grenadier series production, with customer orders already leaving the plant gates. The first vehicle off the line on 16 January was a Scottish White five-seat Utility Wagon destined for southern France, followed by a pair in Devil Red - a bold, new exterior colour.
Devil Red marks the first opportunity to tweak the product offering for the Grenadier Station Wagon and Quartermaster, adding an 11th shade – a solid red available with the contrast roof in white or black. Also joining Devil Red off the line this month will be customer orders of the Grenadier 1924. Adding a package of key lifestyle accessories and premium design flair for customers that want to add timeless and durable style to their 4x4’s substance, the Belstaff centenery celebration special edition is limited to 1,924 units.
Meanwhile, with smart ForTwo production coming to an last year, the now defunct production line has been dismantled to open further space for future INEOS product developments.
Philippe Steyer, president INEOS Automotive SAS, said: “We are very grateful for the patience of our customers, suppliers and production teams as we worked through a difficult period. We are very proud of our Hambach facility, it is testament to the grit and rigour that underpins INEOS, re-opening the doors ready to build on the solid foundations laid last year.”
The INEOS Grenadier is now available to customers in 50 countries world-wide.