Ineos Automotive is now moving to expand its brand portfolio technically beyond the Grenadier and Quartermaster pickup. This growth requires new models, and Ineos has zeroed in on a potential collaboration with Chery, a major player in the Chinese auto industry.
The partnership aims to meet the technical requirements of both companies—Ineos wants low-emission vehicles, especially in the electric or hybrid segment, while Chery needs off-road expertise and volume growth. On a technological level, this collaboration is also critical for the future of the Ineos Fusilier, as the Fusilier can now be integrated with technology from Chery’s iCaur brand.
In simple terms, the two companies can work together to develop new-age, tech-forward vehicles that address both market demand and environmental norms.
Well, let’s get to the matter-of-fact—In 2024, Ineos Automotive introduced the Fusilier, a slightly smaller 4x4 vehicle than the Grenadier. The initial plan was to launch the Fusilier with a fully electric powertrain, with a gas-powered range extender variant coming later. The technical part is that the Fusilier was being developed by Magna Steyr—the same company that makes the Mercedes G-Class and its EV version, so there was no compromise on quality and off-roading.
Then, for some reason, the project was put on hold indefinitely. Now, according to a report by Autocar, Ineos has started collaborating with Chery and its iCaur off-roader brand to bring the Fusilier project back to life. Now, it remains to be seen what level of performance the Fusilier delivers with this new technical partnership.
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As part of this partnership, Ineos is reportedly planning to offer the iCaur V27 model as the Fusilier. Chery, which is China's fourth-largest automobile manufacturer and sold 2.6 million units last year, has designed its iCaur brand specifically for young buyers, featuring EVs that offer rugged SUV-like looks.
The iCaur V27 gets a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine that acts as a generator when the battery is discharged. The model is available in 22 kWh and 33 kWh battery options. It is commonly referred to as the "Chinese G-Class"—and Ineos is likely to focus primarily on the 449 horsepower AWD variant.
In fact, it is now technically mandatory for Ineos to have a low-emission model, such as an EV or EREV. Grenadier and Quartermaster sales may not be very high, but they are not so low that the company gets complete exemption from the emission regulations made for low-volume manufacturers.
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Technical reports also suspect that Ineos may assemble the Fusilier at its French facility, and use kits imported from China. This method of assembly may benefit the company by avoiding EU tariffs, which have already become a big problem for them in the US market.
But if the percentage of Chinese components used in the Fusilier increases, then a compact SUV like the G-Class will no longer be practical for the US market. US regulations are very strict in this matter. That is, overall, Ineos will have to plan its strategy very closely at both the production and regulatory levels.
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If seen from a technical perspective, this partnership of Ineos Automotive is strategically very important. The company is expanding its model range and adopting more environmentally friendly technologies.
The collaboration with Chery will provide Ineos with the necessary technical support and volumes, essential for large-scale manufacturing. On the other hand, Chery will get an opportunity to increase its presence in the European market and highlight its off-road capabilities.
Chery CEO Yin Tongyue has previously revealed that at least two premium European brands are interested in its platform—JLR has been a partner of Chery since 2012. This new deal also shows that Ineos is fully committed to international collaboration to bring innovation in the electric SUV segment.
Source: Autocar
