Ineos details hand-back offer for Aus

BOUTIQUE four-wheel drive maker Ineos has launched a ‘love it or leave it’ campaign in Australia, tied to its latest Grenadier Quartermaster dual-cab ute.

On the face of it, it’s a good deal… Buy it, drive it for up to 15,000km or six months and then hand it back. But it’s not a loan. Ineos stipulates the buyer must return it in top condition and states that not all the money will be returned.

A less delighted customer, on returning the 4WD, won’t get back the registration fee, dealer delivery costs, CTP, stamp duty, and registration.

In addition, there’s a ‘user charge’ of $1500 per 1000km, or part thereof, up to a maximum of $22,500.

There’s also the cleaning and any repair work needed that will be charged back to the customer.

Ineos openly gives an example of the potential outgoings of the customer who decides to ‘leave it’, quoting a purchase price of $118,000, less on-road costs of $7000, and a usage charge based on 6000km of $9000.

There is also a return of finance for early exit at $1500. That means the customer gets back $103,500. The out-of-pocket loss for the use of the vehicle is a hefty $14,500.

It’s an expensive way to find out if you don’t like a new vehicle…

Ineos priced its Grenadier Quartermaster ute from $118,000. It has a current deal where buyers also get a complimentary accessory pack worth over $6000 including genuine accessories from approved suppliers such as Rhino-Rack.

We guess you have to hand that back too.

Ineos doesn’t submit registration figures to the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) and so doesn’t appear on the monthly VFACTS sales data.

It is believed to be selling about 100 units a month, mainly the Grenadier wagon.

It has been slowed by the recent withdrawal of the sole South Australian dealer who, according to the Ineos online forum maintained by owners, handed back the franchise. It was one of 22 national dealers.

Ineos regional director for APAC, Justin Hocevar, was not available for comment on the success, or otherwise, of the ‘love it, leave it’ campaign.

Ineos launched in Australia with the first sales of the Grenadier wagon in 2023. The Quartermaster ute followed in early 2024.