The U.K.-based Ineos has been compelled to halt production at its Hambach facility in France due to financial difficulties faced by one of its suppliers.
This development was initially reported on September 19 by Automotive News (subscription required), which referenced CEO Lynn Calder’s statements.
Calder noted that the supplier is accountable for a specific trim component essential for Ineos vehicles, and the company is actively searching for a different supplier for this part.
She further mentioned that the current supplier is working on improving its operations, but if an alternative is not identified, the delay might prevent Ineos from resuming production until later this year or possibly early next year.
The Ineos range features the Grenadier, a midsize SUV built on a body-on-frame chassis, along with a related pickup truck known as the Grenadier Quartermaster.
Both models are available in the U.S., with the Grenadier starting at $71,500 and the Grenadier Quartermaster priced from $86,900. Production for the U.S. market commenced last fall.
Founded in 2016, Ineos is part of the larger Ineos chemical enterprise, which was established in 1998. As recently as May, the company had intentions to introduce two additional SUVs, including an electric version, along with a second manufacturing facility. However, in August, it announced a pause on those expansion plans to focus on developing more variants of the Grenadier and Grenadier Quartermaster, as well as entering new markets.
Ineos is poised to launch in China and Mexico, which will expand its presence to nearly 50 countries. Calder confirmed to Automotive News that these market entries are still on track.
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