Electric Cars

Ineos Automotive's Grenadier is making significant inroads into military sectors, securing major contracts from Italy and Austria. These agreements represent a pivotal moment for the off-road vehicle, marking its official adoption by sovereign armed forces after a history of civilian and specialized law enforcement applications. The United Kingdom is also evaluating the Grenadier as part of its Light Mobility Vehicle program, suggesting further potential for military integration across Europe and NATO nations.

Italy has formalized a substantial procurement deal for the Ineos Grenadier, making it the first NATO member to commit to a significant fleet acquisition. While specific figures regarding the number of units or the contract's financial value remain confidential, deliveries are slated to commence in early 2027 through ATflow, Ineos Automotive's regional distributor. This timeline indicates that the Grenadier will undergo further adaptation and acceptance processes tailored to the Italian Army's operational requirements.

In contrast, Austria has opted for a different procurement strategy. The Austrian government awarded a tender to Valentin Tusch GmbH, a firm specializing in vehicle armoring and conversion. This partnership will see the Grenadiers modified for enhanced protection before being deployed to the country's defense and internal security forces. Initial deliveries and testing in Austria are expected to begin before the close of 2026, preceding Italy's rollout plan.

Mike Whittington, Ineos Automotive's Chief Commercial Officer, highlighted the importance of these contracts as a strong endorsement of the Grenadier's capabilities. He emphasized that these agreements serve as a benchmark for the vehicle's military potential, with ongoing discussions with other defense procurement teams across various nations.

The United Kingdom's Ministry of Defence is currently conducting trials for its Light Mobility Vehicle program, aiming to replace the British Army's aging Land Rover fleet. Team Grenadier is one of seven contenders vying for this contract, with the trials encompassing nine distinct vehicle configurations. Ineos has previously showcased a militarized Grenadier variant designed for British forces, signaling its readiness to meet the stringent demands of military operations.

Beyond formal military procurements, the Grenadier has already been integrated into several specialized units across Europe. Counter-terrorism and tactical forces in Germany, France, and Spain, alongside security and border agencies in Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic, Serbia, and Slovakia, have adopted the vehicle. This established track record in challenging environments bolsters Ineos's credibility as it seeks to expand its partnerships with NATO and other national defense organizations.

These recent military contracts come at a critical juncture for Ineos Automotive, which has reportedly been navigating financial pressures. The successful acquisition of sovereign defense contracts provides a notable boost of confidence and underscores the Grenadier's robust design and operational versatility, solidifying its position in the competitive military vehicle market.

The strategic entry of the Ineos Grenadier into military service in Italy and Austria, coupled with its consideration by the United Kingdom, underscores a pivotal phase for the vehicle. This expansion from civilian and specialized law enforcement applications into national defense sectors highlights the Grenadier's adaptability and reinforces its reputation for durability and performance in demanding environments. These developments are crucial for Ineos Automotive as it strengthens its market presence and navigates its financial landscape, projecting a promising future for the Grenadier in military operations worldwide.

Crayford Automobiles introduces the Mojito, an innovative adaptation of the iconic Mini, transforming it into an ideal vehicle for seaside excursions. This bespoke four-seater foregoes conventional doors and rear glass, creating an open-air experience perfectly suited for coastal journeys. Starting at around £35,000 (approximately $46,200), the Mojito maintains the compact footprint and beloved mechanical spirit of the original Mini. Its interior is upgraded with marine-grade materials, and the engine is re-calibrated for improved low-end performance, catering to a specialized clientele desiring a unique and spirited recreational automobile.

This distinct creation by Crayford joins a growing trend of small-scale coachbuilders breathing new life into vintage platforms for discerning buyers. The Mojito exemplifies how a classic design, stripped to its essentials and enhanced with practical, specialized features, can find a renewed purpose. It is explicitly marketed as a leisure vehicle, emphasizing its role as a short-distance cruiser rather than a daily commuter, making it a captivating option for those who appreciate both heritage and a laid-back, open-air driving experience.

The Mojito: An Open-Sided Coastal Mini

Crayford Automobiles has masterfully re-envisioned the timeless Mini, introducing the Mojito, a bespoke four-seater designed for the quintessential beach experience. This distinctive creation sets itself apart by removing traditional doors and rear glass, embracing an open-sided configuration that allows for an immersive connection with the coastal environment. Unlike a full convertible, the Mojito maintains its fixed roof and incorporates a standard folding Webasto-style sunroof, offering a balance between open-air freedom and structural integrity. The vehicle’s interior is thoughtfully redesigned with practicality in mind, featuring durable marine-grade upholstery and non-slip Flexiteek flooring, ideal for resisting the elements encountered near sand and saltwater. This meticulous attention to detail underscores its purpose as a specialized coastal runabout, rather than a conventional daily driver.

The Mojito’s design philosophy ensures it retains the charm and nimble characteristics of its Mini donor. Buyers can personalize their Mojito with a selection of four vibrant paint colors: White Sand, Beach Yellow, Surf Blue, or a custom Mojito finish. While specific production numbers are not explicitly stated, Crayford indicates a limited, small-batch manufacturing approach, treating each Mojito as a hand-built project. This bespoke model appeals to a niche market of enthusiasts who value a blend of classic automotive heritage with a unique, leisure-oriented functionality. Its compact dimensions, closely mirroring the original Mini's approximate 10-foot length and 4.6-foot width, ensure it remains agile and easy to maneuver in tight coastal settings, embodying a refreshed identity that honors its roots while embracing a new purpose.

Mechanical Enhancements and Acquisition Details

Underneath its distinctive open-sided body, the Crayford Mojito largely preserves the robust mechanical foundation of the classic Mini. However, Crayford has meticulously re-tuned the original Mini engine to deliver enhanced low-end torque, optimizing it for the relaxed pace of coastal cruising. To ensure modern driving safety and performance, the Mojito is equipped with Mini Cooper-specification front disc brakes, providing improved stopping power for contemporary traffic conditions. A manual gearbox remains the standard transmission choice, staying true to the engaging driving experience synonymous with classic Minis. While some published specifications suggest a 998 cc engine producing approximately 40 horsepower and an estimated curb weight of around 650 kilograms (1,433 lbs), Crayford emphasizes that precise figures can vary based on the donor vehicle and the unique requests of each customer, reflecting a highly customizable build process.

Crayford positions the Mojito as a low-volume, coach-built project, eschewing a formal factory options list in favor of a personalized approach where upgrades are determined on a case-by-case basis with the client. The entry-level price for a Mojito in the UK is set at £35,000 (roughly $46,200), with bespoke additions potentially increasing the final cost. The purchasing and ownership process aligns with its status as a specialized leisure vehicle. Buyers engage directly with Crayford, who delivers a fully converted classic Mini. For UK-market cars, the vehicle may qualify for the donor car's historic status regarding tax and inspection. However, overseas buyers must independently verify their country’s classic-car regulations and import requirements before committing to a purchase, ensuring a smooth registration and ownership experience for this unique, beach-ready classic.