Atlanta, GA – Ineos Automotive, the car manufacturer founded by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, is facing a major recall of over 7,000 sport utility vehicles (SUVs) in the United States. The recall is due to concerns over faulty latches that could potentially cause the doors on Grenadier SUVs to open while in motion, posing a risk of injury to passengers. To address the issue, Ineos has announced plans to replace all door button assemblies on the affected vehicles at no cost to the owners.
This latest setback adds to a series of challenges for the company, which previously had to halt production temporarily when a supplier went bankrupt. The recall specifically impacts Grenadier SUVs manufactured between July 6, 2023, and April 19, 2024, with reports indicating that the door button mechanism may have been improperly greased during assembly.
The Grenadier, Ineos Automotive’s inaugural vehicle inspired by the Land Rover Defender, was introduced in 2022. Sir Jim’s decision to venture into the automotive industry stemmed from his disappointment with Jaguar Land Rover’s discontinuation of the Defender model. Despite initial plans for production in Wales being scrapped, the Grenadier has since gained popularity, with approximately 20,000 units currently on the road in 50 countries worldwide.
Despite the recall, Ineos Automotive continues to face financial challenges, reporting a significant loss of over 1.4 billion euros in 2023. Sir Jim, a prominent figure in the UK as both a successful businessman and part owner of Manchester United, holds a substantial stake in the company. The recall underscores the complexities and hurdles faced by manufacturers in the competitive automotive industry, highlighting the importance of quality control and consumer safety.