Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster cab-chassis ute breaks cover
Here's a first look at the cab-chassis version of the Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster that's already confirmed to be coming to Australia.
www.carexpert.com.au
www.carexpert.com.au
The largest user of cab chassis in Australia is on the many many mine sites in remote areas.
Probably two largest use dual cab chassis mine vehicles in AustraliaIts interesting how the vehicles used in fleets or other commercial purposes vary from country to country. Its a study in trade policy, the strength of green parties and fuel-prices, the history of urban infrastructure, among other things.
While the old Defender was used on farms or for other commercial uses in the U.K. and some other countries, it was never used on farms, in mines, by constructions contractors, or by landscapers in the United States. Similarly, we never got commercial versions of the G-Wagen or Unimogs here. Heavy duty American-made pickup trucks dominate this type of work in the U.S. (Ford F-250, F-350, and similar vehicles from Ram and Chevy). For lighter commercial use, you also see the Ford F-150, Ram 1500, Chevy 1500 and Toyota Tundras being used - but these are still much larger than the Quartermaster.
In general - due both to high cost and small bed-size - the Quartermaster will not be adopted for commercial use in the U.S.
Have they stopped production of the 4.5 liter V8 diesel in the 70-series Landcruiser? If they are still making that engine, its hard to imagine that the Quartermaster would replace the 70-series truck for mining use, or other tough commercial use. The 70-series is far simpler, more durable, and has a higher payload. Most mines or commercial fleet owners won't care that it rides rough when the bed is empty.
View attachment 7848017
It seems like the market for the Quartermaster will be for touring and other recreational uses. These buyers do care how the vehicle rides, and will appreciate the greater refinement of the Ineos.
Unfortunately for U.S. buyers, a chassis-cab version of the Quartermaster will not escape the dreaded "chicken tax". That loophole was closed back in the 1980s. Wikipedia has a good entry on the chicken tax, if you've got a couple of minutes and have an interest in trade relations.
Chicken tax - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
The mines don't necessarily need the V8, the 4 will be fine as the majority of mine work is restricted to low speed low load work. There are some moving over to Mahindra as they are half the price of a 70/HiLux and the durability is good.Its interesting how the vehicles used in fleets or other commercial purposes vary from country to country. Its a study in trade policy, the strength of green parties and fuel-prices, the history of urban infrastructure, among other things.
While the old Defender was used on farms or for other commercial uses in the U.K. and some other countries, it was never used on farms, in mines, by constructions contractors, or by landscapers in the United States. Similarly, we never got commercial versions of the G-Wagen or Unimogs here. Heavy duty American-made pickup trucks dominate this type of work in the U.S. (Ford F-250, F-350, and similar vehicles from Ram and Chevy). For lighter commercial use, you also see the Ford F-150, Ram 1500, Chevy 1500 and Toyota Tundras being used - but these are still much larger than the Quartermaster.
In general - due both to high cost and small bed-size - the Quartermaster will not be adopted for commercial use in the U.S.
Have they stopped production of the 4.5 liter V8 diesel in the 70-series Landcruiser? If they are still making that engine, its hard to imagine that the Quartermaster would replace the 70-series truck for mining use, or other tough commercial use. The 70-series is far simpler, more durable, and has a higher payload. Most mines or commercial fleet owners won't care that it rides rough when the bed is empty.
View attachment 7848017
It seems like the market for the Quartermaster will be for touring and other recreational uses. These buyers do care how the vehicle rides, and will appreciate the greater refinement of the Ineos.
Unfortunately for U.S. buyers, a chassis-cab version of the Quartermaster will not escape the dreaded "chicken tax". That loophole was closed back in the 1980s. Wikipedia has a good entry on the chicken tax, if you've got a couple of minutes and have an interest in trade relations.
Chicken tax - Wikipedia
That was really my point - that the 70-series is a better match for mining use in Australia than the QM. We don't get the 70 here, so I don't know much about the engine options. I drove a 70 with the 4.5 V8 for 5 weeks back in 2007 - but its my only experience with a 70. I'm also not familiar with your other commercial options (Mahindra, etc.) - I was just expressing doubt that the QM would find a home in the mines of Australia when there are cheaper options that have good reliability and better payload. It seems like the QM will be popular with the overland / touring crowd, many of whom will prefer it to the "old-school" 70-series.
I was told by one large mining customer that the Mahindras lasted less than 6 months (that was 3-4 years ago)
Payload isn't a problem in the mines as they aren't allowed to load them up on a day to day use.
Many things have changed in recent years, I know for a fact that many medium to small miners are swapping out the Prado for Scorpio and abusing the hell out of the tray back and its coming back for more. The hot shot couriers use them for mine delivery and are getting 600k + klms from them.
I am sure back in 1958 when Thiess Constructions imported the first Toyota Landcruisers into Australia nobody wanted to use inferior Japanese product compared to the old reliable Landrovers.
