OFF-ROAD specialists Ineos is blazing a trail to China as it launches the Grenadier 4x4 in the lucrative Asian market.

The Grenadier's arrival in China follows the successful introduction of Ineos Automotive in more than 40 countries worldwide - including in Mexico recently - and sets a new benchmark for premium 4X4s in the market.

"Over the past 18 months, the Grenadier has been met with an incredibly positive response from every market we've launched in, so we're thrilled to now bring it to China," says Lynn Calder, chief executive of Ineos Automotive.

"In a market bursting with new homegrown EVs and driverless vehicles, we're introducing something very different, very eye-catching, counter to the prevailing trend. We spent a long time planning this launch and have been working with a strong team locally, so that we can hit the ground running.

"China has such huge potential to become one of our top sales markets and I see this as a very exciting step."

From launch, the Grenadier will initially be available from four retail sites. Stores in Beijing and Chengdu are already welcoming customers, with sites in Shanghai and Guangzhou opening soon.

A first wave of customer deliveries will start before the end of October with pricing starting at 808,000 CNY - around £86,000.

Having established strong businesses in other key regions - the UK, North America, South Africa, Australia and Europe - Ineos Automotive's subsidiary business in China is its first in Asia, and represents a significant new addition to its global sales footprint.