Production of the Grenadier Quartermaster has commenced at INEOS Automotive’s factory located in Hambach, France. This double cab-style pickup truck will begin deliveries to customers in Europe starting December 2023. Sales in North America, including the United States, are set to begin in early 2024, with plans to roll out in the Asia-Pacific, sub-Saharan Africa, and the Middle East regions subsequently.
The Quartermaster, a five-seater double cab pickup named after the military supply officer, was developed alongside the Grenadier Station Wagon and is manufactured on the same production line at the Hambach factory. Unveiled at the ‘Goodwood Festival of Speed’ in July, the Quartermaster is designed to offer the same off-road capability and reliability as the Station Wagon, while boasting enhanced payload capacity.
The Quartermaster shares the full box-shaped ladder frame chassis, heavy-duty solid beam axles, a two-speed transfer case, and up to three locking differentials with the Station Wagon. Customers can choose between a BMW 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder turbocharged gasoline or diesel engine, paired with a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system.
As the largest model in the Grenadier lineup, the Quartermaster features a wheelbase of 3,227mm, which is 305mm longer than the Station Wagon. The extended chassis provides a spacious and versatile loading area, capable of easily transporting a maximum payload of 760kg (based on UK standards) and standard Euro pallets (length x width 1,200 x 800mm). Additionally, another chassis cab model utilizing the same frame as the Quartermaster is scheduled to be produced in 2024, specifically targeted towards conversion vehicle and commercial body builders.
It is noteworthy that INEOS Automotive acquired the Hambach factory from Mercedes-Benz in January 2021, and has equipped it with a new semi-automated painting facility, a new fully automated body shop, and a new quality center to support the production of the Grenadier series.
CEO of INEOS Automotive, Lynn Calder, expressed, “The commencement of production of our second model, the Quartermaster pickup truck, is a thrilling and significant milestone for us.” Furthermore, Calder mentioned, “As part of the final approval process, I had the opportunity to test the final prototype in remote areas of Spain and Africa, confirming the Quartermaster’s excellent off-road performance firsthand. The Quartermaster combines the ruggedness of the Station Wagon with superior off-road capability and provides a tremendous amount of space for carrying kits and cargo. It’s a fantastic addition to the Grenadier lineup.”
Lee Sangjin daedusj@autodiary.kr