Ineos has begun building the new Grenadier Quartermaster double cab pickup truck at its (former Smart) factory in Hambach, France.
European deliveries start in December 2023 with shipments to Asia Pacific, Africa and the Middle East to follow. North American sales are scheduled for early 2024.
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A quartermaster is a senior UK military officer responsible for the supply and distribution of provisions.
Launched at the Goodwood Festival of Speed last July, the five seat, double cab Quartermaster was developed in tandem with the earlier-launched Grenadier Station Wagon and is built on the same line.
Ineos said the truck variant was “engineered to deliver the same uncompromising off road capability and dependability as the Station Wagon but with greater load-carrying versatility”.
It shares the wagon’s full box section ladder frame chassis, heavy duty solid beam axles, two speed transfer case, and up to three locking differentials. Power comes from petrol or diesel BMW-made three-litre turbocharged I6 ICE engines, driving four wheels through a conventional torque converter ZF eight speed automatic transmission.
The Quartermaster is built on a 3,227mm wheelbase, 305mm longer than the Station Wagon. This extended chassis allows for a large and versatile load tray with a 760kg maximum payload and ability to carry a standard 1200mm x 800mm Euro pallet.
An additional chassis-cab variant, using the same frame as the pickup, will be added in 2024, aimed specifically at conversion specialists and commercial body builders.
Ineos Automotive acquired its former Smart factory from Mercedes-Benz in January 2021 and “support” for Grenadier production included a new, semi-automated paintshop, a new fully automated bodyshop and a new quality centre.
“The start of production for our second model line is another extremely exciting and important milestone,” said Ineos CEO Lynn Calder.
