The Beginnings of Grenadier Quartermaster: A New Milestone for INEOS Automotive

INEOS Automotive has recently initiated the production of the Grenadier Quartermaster double cab pickup, marking a significant milestone for the company. The company has announced that customer deliveries in Europe are set to commence in December 2023, with shipments to Asia Pacific, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Middle East following closely. Sales in North America are expected to begin in early 2024.

Named after the senior military officer responsible for supply and distribution, the Quartermaster is a five-seat double cab pickup developed alongside the Grenadier Station Wagon. Both vehicles are being constructed on the same production line at Hambach, France, with the Quartermaster specifically engineered to offer exceptional off-road capability, dependability, and increased load-carrying versatility.

Sharing the Station Wagon’s full box-section ladder frame chassis, heavy-duty solid beam axles, and up to three locking differentials, the Quartermaster is equipped with a choice of BMW 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder petrol or diesel engines. It utilizes an eight-speed automatic transmission from ZF to drive all four wheels. With an extended wheelbase of 3227mm, the Quartermaster surpasses the Station Wagon by 305mm, resulting in a spacious and highly versatile load bay capable of carrying up to 760kg and accommodating a standard 1200mm x 800mm Euro pallet with ease.

In addition to the double cab pickup, a chassis cab model is also scheduled to commence production in 2024. This model, based on the same frame as the Quartermaster, will cater to conversion specialists and commercial body builders. INEOS Automotive’s acquisition of the manufacturing facility at Hambach from Mercedes-Benz in January 2021 has played a significant role in supporting the production of the Grenadier line. This includes the establishment of a new semi-automated paintshop, a fully automated bodyshop, and a quality centre.

Lynn Calder, the CEO of INEOS Automotive, has expressed her enthusiasm for the commencement of production for the new model line. Having personally driven a late prototype in Spain and the African bush as part of the final sign-off process, she has praised the exceptional off-road performance and load-carrying capability of the Quartermaster. Calder emphasized the vehicle’s blend of rugged capability and refined performance as a valuable addition to the company’s model lineup.