Billionaire Brexit backer’s company to build new vehicle…in EU – reactions

Ineos, the company founded and run by the Brexit backing British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe has announced it will build a new vehicle in the EU, rather than the UK.

Ratcliffe, in the running to also buy Manchester United, will build an electric version of its new Grenadier off-road vehicle in Austria.

Ratcliffe named the Grenadier after the historic London pub where he first came up with the idea. 

The electric version of the 4×4 will be developed with the Canadian car parts manufacturer Magna and production is scheduled to start in 2026.

The decision means that the UK has missed out on building a second Ineos vehicle, after Ratcliffe, a resident in Monaco for tax purposes, chose a French factory for the original Grenadier.

The businessman, whose fortune is worth £6bn according to the Sunday Times, also owns French football club Nice.

Reactions

1.

Just like James Dyson backing Brexit and then swiftly moving his company to Singapore, Jim Ratcliffe has moved production to Austria 🤦https://t.co/1MELBWac8i

— Best for Britain (@BestForBritain) April 17, 2023

2.

Another Brexit ‘patriot’ waves his flag vigorously, while moving manufacturing and jobs to the EU, in order to secure frictionless access. ~AA https://t.co/oRrtvVUoLP

— Best for Britain (@BestForBritain) April 18, 2023

3.

You couldn't make it up. https://t.co/32Iz0IHjUb

— Mark Budd (@Buddyboy51) April 18, 2023

4.

Not sure Ratcliffe knows what patriot means! https://t.co/RW0yJTx14g

— Paul Marchant 💙🔶 🇺🇦 🇵🇸 (@PaulMarchant11) April 18, 2023

4.

The down right shameless hypocrisy of so many wealthy Brexiters knows no bounds.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, vocal Brexit backer resident in Monaco for tax purposes, chose a French factory for the original Grenadier. Now Ineos company he owns will build an electric version in Austria.

— Gwynoro Jones (@Gwynoro) April 17, 2023

5.

This is a true meaning of hypocrisy!https://t.co/DePw8BnCqt

— Sassan (@Sassan_sir) April 17, 2023

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