INEOS Automotive has delivered its first Grenadier 4X4 vehicles to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), marking a significant milestone in a five-year partnership supporting the charity’s lifesaving operations.
Under the agreement, INEOS Automotive will supply 20 Grenadier station wagons to RNLI stations across the UK. The vehicles are specifically tasked with helping RNLI volunteers launch, recover, and position D-class lifeboats—often in challenging conditions where reliability and capability are non-negotiable. Many of these launches require vehicles to operate on soft sand, unstable ground, or in shallow water, making the Grenadier’s robust design essential.
The first Grenadiers have now entered service at RNLI stations in Flint, Lytham, Morecambe, and Seahouses, where crews rely on them to prepare for and respond to emergencies at sea. By August, a total of 12 lifeboat stations will have Grenadiers in active use. The next batch of vehicles, featuring enhanced dynamic handling and upgraded safety features for the 2026 model year, will further strengthen the RNLI fleet—without compromising the Grenadier’s renowned off-road performance.
“After extensive testing and evaluation, it’s clear the Grenadier offers the robustness and durability required for RNLI lifesaving work,” said Sam Barton, RNLI Engineer. “Minor modifications—including marine-standard radios, a larger front winch, and roof-mounted light bars—have tailored the vehicles to our needs. Our volunteers have quickly grown confident in the Grenadier’s ability to support them in the toughest conditions.”
Tony Lewis, Head of Fleet Sales at INEOS Automotive, added: “Our partnership with the RNLI exemplifies the Grenadier’s purpose: to support those working in extreme environments. From the outset, we envisioned the Grenadier as a vital tool for search and rescue professionals, and we’re proud to play a role in the RNLI’s lifesaving mission.”
Launched in 2022, the INEOS Grenadier blends British design with German engineering, offering a highly adaptable platform now serving emergency services around the globe. Its body-on-frame construction allows for extensive customisation, making it a go-to solution for fire, police, and rescue teams worldwide.
- For more information about the INEOS Grenadier, visit http://www.ineosgrenadier.com.
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