Lytham RNLI lifeboat station amongst first in UK to benefit from new INEOS Grenadiers
RNLI volunteers on the Fylde coast are set to be amongst the first in the country to benefit from a new vehicle thanks to a partnership with Ineos.
Twenty Ineos Grenadiers vehicles have been deployed to work within the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) as part of a five-year partnership.
The rugged 4x4 Grenadier, which was launched in 2022 as the brainchild of Ineos owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, is equipped with a range of functions which allow it to tackle difficult terrains.
Features such as locking differentials and a low-range gearbox help the Grenadier to perform across even the worst of conditions.
The RNLI’s Lytham, Morecambe, Flint and Seahouses stations were the first to receive their Grenadiers, for volunteers to use in preparation for and in the event of needing to launch the lifeboat to respond to an emergency at sea.
By August, a total of 12 lifeboat stations will have Grenadiers in operation.
Sam Barton, RNLI Engineer, said: “After an extensive testing and evaluation period, working in conjunction with the specialist fleet team at Ineos Automotive, it’s clear that the Grenadier has the required robustness and durability to safely withstand the rigours of RNLI lifesaving activities.
“It has proved to be perfect for active service with minor modifications to suit RNLI operations, including installation of marine-standard radios, a larger front winch and roof-mounted light bars for low-light lifesaving. Our volunteers have loved getting to know the Grenadier and have every confidence that it can be relied upon in their toughest moments.”
The Ineos Grenadier recently went through a number of upgrades for the latest 2026 model-year car, with revisions including a new steering setup which aims to make it more predictable off-road while offering better control when on tarmac, too.