Smart factory retooled for rugged 4×4 off-roader that will be built alongside current pure-electric ForTwo
INEOS Automotive has started building the first batch of 2022 INEOS Grenadier 4×4 off-road wagons ahead of full-scale production commencing in July.
Confirming that production prototypes had begun rolling off the line at the former Smart factory in Hambach, France, INEOS says it will first build 130 examples of the Grenadier to help it refine its production process.
This follows a €50 million ($A79m) investment to build a new production line, body shop and paint facility at the plant.
A second run of pre-production builds will follow in March that will validate the final assembly process and ensure the company meets its internal quality targets with every INEOS Grenadier it builds.
Ahead of production commencing in July, INEOS has announced it will release full pricing and specifications for all its global markets this April.
Celebrating more than 15,000 reservations, INEOS says it has already established over 100 sales and service partners around the world, with contracts already signed for finance partners and companies willing to distribute parts.
Commenting on the production breakthrough, INEOS boss Dirk Heilmann said: “We want to deliver a vehicle that’s ready, and we won’t cut corners. With the benefit of the highly skilled and experienced team at Hambach, as well as the expertise in safety and quality that we have employed, we are on target to begin series production in July.”
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Keyword: INEOS Grenadier begins rolling out of French plant