RALEIGH – A $60 billion global conglomerate that’s planning to begin selling a 4×4 utility next year will base its US operations in Raleigh.

In an announcement early Wednesday, INEOS Automotive detailed rollout and support plans for its Grenadier 4×4 that’s scheduled to launch next July. U.S. sales are scheduled to begin in summer 2023. European sales begin next summer.

And the company will be bringing jobs to the Triangle next year.

“Greg Clark, our [executive vice president] of Americas, will establish our offices and begin operations during Q4 this year,” a spokesperson for INEOS Automtive tells WRAL TechWire.

Look for more than 20 additional jobs, she added.

“Initially 20-25 managerial and professional jobs in 2022, mostly sales/marketing/administrative,” she explains.

So why pick Raleigh?

“The primary drivers were Raleigh’s diversity of industry, thriving business environment and community, great infrastructure  and wonderful 4×4 off-roading opportunities that bring us closer to our customer,” she added.

Just where the headquarters will be isn’t settled.

“We are currently reviewing various options around the Triangle area.,” she says.

However, there won’t be any manufacturing in North Carolina.

“Vehicles will be built in Hambach, France,” the spokesperson notes. “No U.S. manufacturing is planned at this time.”

Gov. Roy Cooper hailed the news.

“Companies around the world know that North Carolina is a place where they can grow and thrive,” Cooper said in a statement. “We are excited that INEOS Automotive will locate its North American Headquarters here in Wake County and that we will be the national home of its flagship vehicle, the Grenadier.”

Added Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders:

“International companies often choose North Carolina as the first place to do business when they enter the North American market. We welcome INEOS Automotive as they select Raleigh for their U.S. headquarters, joining the diverse set of companies in our state that serve the global automotive industry.”

About the vehicle, INEOS says: “Grenadier is the no-compromise off-roader that works for the world. Tough, durable and capable, it’s a working tool you can rely on. Just load up your gear and go.”

INEOS Automotive is part of INEOS Group, which produces petrochemical and other chemicals as well as oil products accross the globe with operations in 29 countries and some 26,000 people.

According to the company, some 75,000 people have already expressed interest in the Grenadier.

Right now, INEOS Automotive is focused on finding partners and establishing a service network. It plans to set up 200 “sales and service points” by mid-2023.

Note: This story has been corrected to state correct timeframe for vehicle sales in U.S.