Ineos Automotive, a company known for producing hardcore off-roaders, has plans to expand its offerings and increase sales. The CEO, Lynn Calder, spoke at the Future of the Car summit and shared insights into the company’s strategy. Calder emphasized that Ineos Automotive intends to stick to what it knows but get bigger. The first step in expansion will be the release of the Fusilier midsize SUV in 2027.
The Fusilier will be a departure from Ineos Automotive’s traditional ladder-frame chassis, as it will be engineered on a skateboard platform. This midsize SUV will be available as a battery-electric vehicle (BEV) and a range-extended EV (REV). Calder provided some specifics about the powertrains, stating that the BEV version will offer around 250 miles of range on a single charge. The REV variants, on the other hand, will have a smaller battery with about 170 miles of range. The fuel-powered generator in the REV models will only be used to replenish the battery, not to power the wheels.
In addition to the Fusilier, Ineos Automotive has plans to release two more SUVs that will bracket the Grenadier, their flagship model. One will be larger, potentially competing with luxury SUVs like the Jeep Grand Cherokee L. The other will be smaller, providing an alternative for buyers who prefer a more compact vehicle. The exact specifications and architectures of these upcoming models have not been revealed yet.
To support its expansion plans and cater to the growing demand for its vehicles, Ineos Automotive is considering establishing a manufacturing facility in the United States. Currently, the company owns a plant in Hambach, France. However, building a factory in the US would not only help meet the demand for vehicles but also avoid import tariffs. The US market already accounts for a significant portion of Grenadier and Quartermaster orders.
The decision regarding a US factory will depend on the production location of the Fusilier. The Hambach plant is capable of producing up to 50,000 Grenadiers and Quatermasters annually, but it may not be suitable for the smaller Fusilier model. China is mentioned as an alternative location for the factory. Ultimately, Ineos Automotive aims to achieve global sales of 300,000 vehicles per year within the next ten years.
Calder believes that Ineos Automotive has the potential to sell between 200,000 and 300,000 vehicles worldwide within a decade. However, she emphasized that the company has no plans to deviate from its focus on off-road capable 4×4 vehicles. By expanding its lineup and exploring new markets, Ineos Automotive aims to leverage its expertise and achieve significant growth in the automotive industry.
