After racking up 1.8-million kilometres of testing across the globe, the rugged no-nonsense Ineos Grenadier 4×4 is getting closer to final production. The first vehicle deliveries are expected in South Africa from October 2022, and the first orders can be placed online from this month, requiring a R10 000 deposit. Be quick, as 75 000 people have so far expressed interest…
In a recent conversation with Tim Abbott, in charge of Sub-Saharan Africa sales, and Steve Graham of Aftersales Service in the UK, more details emerged of the support structure being put in place. A direct sales model, cribbed in part from BMW, has been adopted. This makes sense as the Grenadier will feature six-cylinder BMW-derived petrol and diesel engines, coupled to an 8-speed ZF gearbox. In South Africa, three major dealer centres will be established, run by Southern Motor holdings in Johannesburg, and by SMG in Durban and Cape Town.
An innovation will be the clever use of Bosch Car Service workshops, as there is a footprint of 10 000 workshops worldwide, with the obvious benefits of trained technicians and established parts supply networks. A 24-hour parts delivery target has been set, a Roadside Assistance programme is being established, and there will be a team of so-called “Flying Spanners” for remote mechanical emergencies.
While there will be a strong push for online sales, rather than showroom floors, an unusual benefit will be that owners and technicians will have access to the Ineos online portal, offering detailed 3D interactive technical manuals for almost every service and repair operation, plus links to parts ordering.
The worldwide launch will be in July 2022, with Africa forming the second phase of the rollout. According to Tim Abbott, sales projections for the initial year or so are around 1000 units a year for South Africa, with another 1000 in other African countries. Dealer sites with full sales and aftersales operations will be established in Namibia and Botswana, with retail partners being appointed in Nigeria, Tanzania, Ghana and Ivory Coast. Distributors will handle Angola, Kenya and Senegal.
The price? The starting ticket is R1.395m. The Ineos Grenadier will be offered with a 3-year/unlimited kilometer warranty. Meanwhile, some prototypes will be available for select test drives in South Africa in the last quarter, with feedback likely to be added to the final product
