INEOS EYES CHERY TIE-UP TO HASTEN FUSILIER REX LAUNCH

Deal to use iCaur platform is being explored by Ineos to lower CO2 ASAP

- NICK GIBBS

Ineos Automotive is in talks with Chery to build cars on a range-extender (REX) EV platform from the Chinese group's iCaur off-road brand, Autocar has learned.

The tie-up would allow Ineos to move quickly to develop its postponed Fusilier REx off-roader and expand its line-up beyond the slow-selling Grenadier combustion-engined off-roader.

The launch of the Fusilier would give Ineos a crucial low-CO2 model that would allow it to comply with emissions regulations in both the UK and the European Union.

Currently, the company manages the regulations by selling some Grenadier models as commercial vehicles, thus ensuring it stays within the lightertouch rules for low-volume manufacturers.