© Haymarket Ineos boss Jim Ratcliffe with the Land Rover Defender Chemical firm Ineos will build a Defender-like model, described as an “uncompromising 4×4 off-roader”, having identified a gap in the market since the Land Rover Defender ceased production. Autocar reported last July that the company, headed by billionaire Jim Ratcliffe, was considering building a Defender replica, and was carrying out a feasibility study to see if the model was economically viable for production. With the feasibility study now complete, the firm said it is prepared to invest “many hundreds of million” in making the new vehicle and hopes this can be done in the UK. While early reports suggested the move would revive production of the old Defender or create a replica, the firm has confirmed the model will only “reflect its philosophy”. The company said: “The target market is global and includes agriculture and forestry workers, explorers and adventurers as well as traditional Defender fans that simply enjoy an authentic 4 x 4 driving experience.” Ineos claims it is one of the world’s largest manufacturers, but it is the first time it has produced a vehicle. Boss Jim Ratcliffe said: “This is a fantastically exciting project. We want to build the world’s purest 4×4 and are aiming it at explorers, farmers and off-road enthusiasts across the globe.” The firm said it “is determined that the vehicle will not only fill a gap in the market vacated by the Defender but also provide a step change improvement in build…more detail
