INEOS Automotive’s Hambach plant finally resumes production
After a short period of downtime with a supplier forcing INEOS Automotive’s new Hambach plant to grind to a halt, they have finally, at long last, resumed production of the much-loved vehicle. The highly anticipated Grenadier and Quartermaster SUVs! Just last year, INEOS was forced to temporarily halt production to resolve a severe seat shortage after one of its suppliers became insolvent (Recaro, specifically). Now, with their Hambach production facility up and running, the now fully operational factory has begun producing new off-road vehicles, where you can now find Grenadiers and Quartermasters gradually leaving for showrooms in over 50 countries around the world.
Now, if you’ve been keeping tabs on things, you may have heard that INEOS announced back in November that its Hambach facility would resume production and get back to work sometime in January. So, that’s one promise kept! Aside from that, it looks like they’re already starting 2025 with a bang, with INEOS recording a massive 41% year-on-year growth in 2024 alone! If this isn’t enough great news and strong momentum to start the year, Len Calder, CEO of INEOS Automotive, is very optimistic that we can do even better this year. It is not just manufacturing that has seen improvements, as INEOS is ready to turn on the fuse.
Strong momentum after crippling manufacturing hiccups
For starters, INEOS Automotive’s Hambach plant has been busy preparing its production for the future. The cute little ForTwo smart car has just stopped manufacturing in 2024, and with the dismantling of that accompanying assembly line, this should free up valuable space and manufacturing capacity for INEOS’s upcoming developments. This must make sense, because the Hambach facility was formerly a Mercedes-Benz factory, which Ineos bought and acquired a few years ago. With global demand for some of INEOS’s most sought-after models, I’d say they could definitely do with some extra headroom.
It is also worth noting that INEOS has only recently entered some valuable and lucrative new markets, including Mexico and China. To date, INEOS claims that there are currently over 20,000 INEOS Grenadiers off-road and off-road, so this should be a fairly significant year for INEOS to position itself for further expansion and growth. Transformation and sales aside, there are a number of other reasons why we are very excited about what INEOS has in store for the future. This includes some new color options, limited edition models, as well as hints at new products in the pipeline.
New colors and new limited edition models
INEOS Automotive’s Hambach plant is currently in its third full year of Grenadier assembly, and has a strong list of new orders. Some of the first vehicles to roll off the factory line in 2025 included a 5-seater SUV in Scottish White, intended for a very lucky customer in the south of France. Meanwhile, they then built two Grenadiers in Devil Red, which was actually a new color option. You can now select the Grenadier specifications. Undoubtedly one of the most eye-catching paint finishes I’ve seen on a Grenadier, ‘Devil Red’ will be the eleventh paint to be added to the range, enhancing its rugged off-road appeal.
Speaking of which, the “Devilish Red” color can be combined with contrasting black or white surfaces as well! Plus, in celebration of Belstaff – the British outerwear company that INEOS has collaborated with to create limited edition clothing – INEOS isn’t keen to miss out on its centenary, as Belstaff was founded in 1924. As a suitable Christmas gift, they’ve unveiled the special edition Grenadier 1924, with a very limited edition of only 1,924 units. You’ll get a host of upgrades with the Grenadier 1924, including additional lifestyle accessories, with premium design elements. 2025 looks to be a busy year for INEOS.