When JLR ceased production of the Land Rover Defender, INEOS Chairman Jim Ratcliffe hatched a plan to plug that gap. The result will be a new 4x4, the likes of which no one has seen or experienced before
INEOS is to go ahead with its plans to create what it believes will be the world’s best 4x4.
It confirmed the news last month following a six-month feasibility study.
“This is an amazing project for everyone involved,” said Dirk Heilmann, formerly head of Engineering and Technology at INEOS and now Chief Executive of INEOS’ newest business, INEOS Automotive.
INEOS spotted a gap in the market after JLR decided to cease production of the Land Rover Defender. It is now planning to invest hundreds of millions to, not only plug that gap, but also build a 4x4, the likes of which no one has ever seen or experienced before.
“I was a great admirer of the old Land Rover Defender and had enormous respect for its off-road capability,” said INEOS Chairman Jim Ratcliffe. “Our new 4 x4 may have been inspired by it and might share its spirit, but it will not be a replica. It will be a major improvement on previous models.”
INEOS is determined that its new vehicle will offer a real and pure alternative to the current crop of standardised ‘jelly-mould’ SUVs.
“It needs to be an uncompromising off-roader that not only stands for adventure, but is also capable of being used as a workhorse,” said Jim.
Once built, it will be aimed at farmers, forestry workers, adventurers as well as traditional Defender fans throughout the world.
INEOS Automotive’s next job is to find a suitable manufacturing site, which could be in the UK or mainland Europe. INEOS has already begun recruiting.