Ineos Grenadier tests in extreme potassium chloride mines

The Inneos Grenadier has been deployed to the K+S potash chloride mine in Zielitz, central Germany, as part of a further testing programme at the mine site. The tests aim to prove the vehicle's durability and performance in a harsh industrial environment. Surrounded by large amounts of salt, this extreme environment demands high durability from the car.
 
The mine, which mines around 45,000 tonnes of raw salt every day, covers 61 square kilometres, with some shafts as deep as 1,300 metres underground. Here, Grenadier's standard underride protection, which includes front and rear skid plates and fuel tank protection, provides the ultimate in corrosion protection. Grenadier's underride protection is finished with a high-quality powder coat to resist stone chips and off-road scratches. It also features an E-coat treatment for double protection of the chassis.
 
Lynn Calder, CEO of INEOS Automotive, said: "Extreme testing is nothing new to us, as we have thoroughly tested the Grenadier since its initial development. However, working with partners around the world, we have been able to demonstrate the Grenadier's impressive off-road capabilities on-road, off-road and now in mine shafts."
 
INEOS is confident in the Grenadier's uncompromising 4×4 performance. Since its development, the Grenadier has been subjected to intense testing at temperatures of minus 35 degrees Celsius and altitudes of over 600 metres, including the infamous Schöckl mountain in Austria, totalling more than 1.8 million kilometres.
 
Combining British toughness of spirit and design with German engineering with a German eye for detail, the INEOS Grenadier offers modern comfort and sophistication, making it ideal for those who need to work hard. At the heart of the Grenadier is a fully boxed trapezoidal frame chassis, heavy-duty solid beam axles, two-speed transfer case and up to three differential locks, powered by BMW's in-line six-cylinder 3.0L petrol turbo engine tuned specifically for the Grenadier.
 
Meanwhile, the Grenadier Station Wagon, Quartermaster pick-up and Quartermaster Chassis Cab are built at the state-of-the-art Hambach plant in Moselle, which was acquired by INEOS Automotive in January 2021 and employs 1,700 people.
 
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Photo by Ineos