Ineos Automotive has announced plans to cut several hundred jobs as part of a global restructuring. 

In a LinkedIn post, the company said it is implementing “a series of strategic measures to structure its business for long-term success” as it shifts from an engineering-led operation to a market-focused automotive business.  

The UK-based carmaker said it will prioritise frontline functions and “simplify its head office to improve efficiency and responsiveness”. 

The group stated the headcount reduction programme would focus the company “on its core manufacturing and commercial activities as we aim to grow sales and deliver exceptional products, service, and support to customers worldwide”. 

According to The Guardian newspaper, the cuts are not expected to affect the Hambach facility in France, which assembles the Ineos Grenadier, an off-road model inspired by the discontinued Land Rover Defender. 

Ineos Automotive, owned by industrialist Jim Ratcliffe, has faced setbacks in bringing the Grenadier to market profitably.  

Production issues at Hambach have contributed to a recall of more than 7,000 vehicles in the US due to faulty doors.  

The business has also come under pressure from increased US import tariffs on cars, with the country cited as the Grenadier’s largest market. 

The automotive unit sits within the wider Ineos group, which is centred on chemicals manufacturing.  

Last month, Ineos shut two chemical plants in Germany and announced plans to cut around 20% of jobs at its East Yorkshire site, attributing the moves to high energy costs and cheap imports from China. 

In its statement, Ineos Automotive concluded that it is continuing to build on existing foundations, including broadening its product line-up, expanding its sales and service footprint by 40 locations. 

The group will also focus on developing its regional presence with a new Americas headquarters in New Jersey.