Deepest Test For INEOS Grenadier Begins In Zielitz

An INEOS Grenadier 4X4 has been put to work underground at the K+S potash plant in Zielitz, central Germany, as part of an extended trial programme. The test aims to prove the vehicle’s durability and capabilities in an especially challenging industrial application as the inhospitable salt-rich environment places high demands on any vehicle.  

Around 45,000 tons of raw salt are mined every day in the facility which occupies 61 sq kms and some parts of which are 1,300m below the earth’s surface. Alongside the Grenadier’s standard underbody protection which includes front and rear guards and a fuel tank guard, it benefits from the best possible corrosion protection, complete electrocoating, wax sealing in the cavities and powder coating on the outside.  

Lynn Calder, CEO, INEOS Automotive, comments, “Extreme testing conditions are not new to the Grenadier as we really put it through its paces during development, but it’s great to work with partners around the world to showcase just how capable this 4X4 is on-road, off-road and now underground.” 

INEOS is confident in the Grenadier’s capabilities as during its development phase the 4X4 underwent over 1.1 million miles of testing, including conditions of minus 35-degree Celsius and altitudes of over 2,500 metres, and included the notorious Schöckl mountain in Austria.  

Combining rugged British spirit and design with German engineering rigour, the INEOS Grenadier is the ideal companion for those who need a hard-working vehicle that still provides modern comfort and refinement. The backbone of the Grenadier is a full box-section ladder frame chassis, with heavy-duty solid beam axles, a two-speed transfer case and up to three locking differentials. It is powered by a BMW 3.0-litre turbo-charged inline six-cylinder petrol or diesel engine, which has been specifically calibrated for this application.   

The Grenadier Station Wagon, Quartermaster pick-up and Quartermaster Chassis Cab are built in the state-of-the-art Hambach factory in Moselle that was acquired by INEOS Automotive in January 2021, and which employs 1,700 people.