The Ineos Grenadier off-roader is once again rolling off its production line in France, after a four-month production hiatus caused by the brief demise of an automotive icon.
Production was suspended in September 2024 after seat supplier Recaro filed for bankruptcy in Germany two months earlier, affecting all examples of the Ineos Grenadier that exclusively use the brand’s front seats.
While Recaro’s Japanese and North American automotive divisions – as well as its non-automotive ventures – continued unaffected, the German arm ceased operations.
Ineos Automotive announced in November that it would resume production this month, before Recaro was acquired by Italian carmaker Proma Group – which makes its own car seats and structural parts – in December.
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It is understood that Grenadier vehicles will continue to be supplied with Recaro front seats, although Ineos has only said: “The resolution of a critical shortage of seats following the supplier’s insolvency late last year will ensure the production line is restarted in time started.”
The first shipment of Ineos Grenadiers 2025 left the Hambach factory in France this week.
“We are very grateful for the patience of our customers, suppliers and production teams as we worked through a difficult situation,” Philippe Steyer, president of Ineos Automotive SAS, said in a media statement.
“We are very proud of our Hambach facility, which is testament to the determination and rigor that underpins INEOS, and reopens its doors ready to build on the solid foundations laid last year.”
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Grenadier 1924
The resumption of production means the new flagship Grenadier 1924 can finally be delivered to customers – despite being a year late for the 100th anniversary commemoration of clothing company Belstaff, an official partner of Ineos.
Only 1,924 examples will be released worldwide, all fitted with exclusive leather upholstery, gloss black diamond-cut 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels and Belstaff Centenary badging. Prices start from $123,600, excluding Australian operating costs, and are only available in Station Wagon form.
The Ineos Grenadier will also be produced with a new Devil Red exterior color for the Station Wagon and Quartermaster body styles, although this has yet to be finalized specifically for Australia.
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Ineos Fusilier
Apart from the resumption of Grenadier production, Ineos Automotive has reason to be pleased with its Hambach plant, where additional space has now increased production capacity.
The factory was built in 1994 by Mercedes-Benz and Swatch to build Smart brand vehicles, which were not ready until 2024.
Ineos has now removed the old Smart ForTwo production line “to free up more space for future Ineos product developments”.
The Ineos Fusulier, a smaller electric SUV expected to slot in under the Grenadier, was initially set to launch in 2027 but was shelved last year due to consumers’ “reluctant acceptance of electric cars and uncertainty in the sector on rates, timing and taxes”. INEOS said in July.
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