Ineos Automotive, the car company founded by Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has announced a recall of its Grenadier SUVs due to a potential safety hazard. The recall, which affects vehicles produced between 6 July 2023 and 19 April 2024, is due to faulty door latches that may not engage properly, increasing the risk of doors flying open while driving.
According to a filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the door button mechanism on some affected vehicles may have been assembled without sufficient grease. This issue could cause the exterior door buttons to remain in a depressed position, preventing the door from fully latching. Ineos has assured customers that all door button assemblies on affected vehicles will be replaced free of charge to resolve the problem.
This recall marks another setback for Ineos Automotive, which has already faced production challenges. In 2023, the company had to pause manufacturing temporarily due to the insolvency of a key parts supplier.
Launched in 2022, the Grenadier SUV was Ineos Automotive’s first vehicle, inspired by the classic Land Rover Defender. Sir Jim Ratcliffe, a long-time admirer of the Defender, founded the company after Jaguar Land Rover decided to discontinue the model. Despite initial hopes of assembling the vehicle in Wales, Ineos ultimately chose to manufacture it in France.
Currently, there are approximately 20,000 Grenadiers on the road in 50 countries. However, the company has struggled financially, reporting a loss of more than 1.4 billion euros (£1.1bn, $1.5bn) before tax in 2023, according to filings with the UK’s Companies House.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, one of the UK’s wealthiest individuals, owns a 27.7% stake in Manchester United. His involvement with the Premier League club has garnered significant attention, particularly as he seeks to influence the team’s future direction. While Ineos’ automotive ambitions have faced hurdles, the company remains committed to ensuring the safety and reliability of its vehicles through proactive measures such as the latest recall.
