The multi-million pound gamble to replace a 70-year automotive icon

Countries & Cities · Published 14 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: When Jaguar Land Rover declined to sell the tooling for the legendary Defender, Sir Jim Ratcliffe didn't just walk away. He spent over £650 million to build a successor from scratch—a project so ambitious it faced production shifts, trademark lawsuits, and extreme testing in the Australian outback.

The Ineos Grenadier was born from a specific market gap: the need for a utilitarian, honest off-roader capable of handling the world's harshest environments. While many saw it as a tribute to the Land Rover Defender, which ceased production in January 2016 after 67 years, Ineos Automotive intentionally avoided using any original tooling or components. Instead, they conducted an exhaustive study of diverse vehicles—including Jeeps, Toyota Hiluxes, and even military tractors—to design a modern machine that wouldn't leak and offered contemporary comfort.

The project, codenamed Project Grenadier, has been a massive financial undertaking. Ineos Automotive reported losses exceeding £250 million over three years, with Ratcliffe's total commitment reaching over £650 million via loans from other companies he owns. The manufacturing journey was equally complex; originally proposed for Wales, production eventually moved to the Smartville factory in Hambach, France, after a public commitment to a Bridgend site was rescinded. This move sparked local friction, as the Welsh government had already spent £5 million on infrastructure for the planned site.

A box-section ladder frame supports the Grenadier, which features Eibach five-link coil suspension and robust Carraro beam axles. It utilizes BMW B58 petrol and B57 diesel inline-six engines mated to ZF eight-speed automatic transmissions. While internal combustion remains the priority for 'rough, tough jobs,' Ineos is exploring a hydrogen fuel cell future with Hyundai. By 2026, an electric version developed with Magna International is scheduled for production in Graz, Austria.

The vehicle's name pays homage to Ratcliffe’s favorite pub in Belgravia, London. Despite its rugged purpose, the brand also shares a name with the Ineos Grenadiers cycling team. The project serves as a high-stakes test of whether a newcomer can successfully disrupt an industry dominated by legacy manufacturers.

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