More details shed on Ineos Grenadier 4x4

A new UK-based car-maker has confirmed its (cheaper) take on Land Rover’s Defender will be manufactured in Wales with a plan to go on sale within the next two years.

Dubbed the Grenadier, the no-frills off-roader is the first and only confirmed model from Ineos Automotive, an "uncomprising 4x4" company founded by British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

As part of Ineos’ $A1 billion investment, the Grenadier will be manufactured in a new facility located in Bridgend, South Wales. The name Grenadier stems back to a Knightsbridge pub where Ratcliffe first hatched his plan to build a robust 4x4.

The new plant is tipped to create around 200 local jobs initially and up to 500 in the long-term.

Investment into a sub-assembly plant in Portugal has also been confirmed, with the second facility set to produce body and chassis components.

Ineos has already confirmed the new model will use BMW powertrains,

The interior, which is still being designed, is said to focus on simplicity and minimalism, while the exterior will “make a virtue out of boxiness” much like the Defender.

Ineos founder Ratcliffe said the company had been looking long and hard at possible manufacturing locations across the world, finding lots of good options to choose from.

“The decision to build in the UK is a significant expression of confidence in British manufacturing, which has always been at the heart of what Ineos stands for,” he said.

Further details will be available when the Ineos Grenadier is officially unveiled next year.