Thanks to a thoughtful decision by local car dealership Armstrong’s Subaru Lower Hutt, an INEOS Grenadier will be saved from the scrapyard, and automotive ākonga will be able to practice their skills on a unique new vehicle.
Awarded the ‘Best Design and Innovation’ at the Scottish Car of the Year (SCOTY) Awards in 2021, the 4x4 off-roader is a special project from All Blacks sponsor INEOS.
Rather than let the display vehicle go to waste, General Manager of Armstrong’s Subaru Lower Hutt Greg Bastion, had the idea that it would be a great training resource.
“On behalf of Armstrong’s, New Zealand’s INEOS Distributors, it is an absolute pleasure to donate this prototype to the team at Whitireia and WelTec and to allow the team to work with the pinnacle in modern all-terrain off-road vehicles with the latest technologies and features.”
Because of the advanced electronics in the vehicle, it will be used by ākonga of the New Zealand Certificate in Light Automotive Engineering (Level 4). Electrical faults will be hidden for students to find and repair.
Programme Manager Phill Mudgway is excited to incorporate the new vehicle into the programme, and above all else is pleased to be creating new relationships in the industry.
“We’ve always worked closely with industry. Creating new relationships, especially so locally, is always a win”.
Drew Coppins, INEOS Grenadier New Zealand Brand Lead, is thrilled that Armstrong’s, in partnership with INEOS Automotive, were able to provide students the opportunity to utilize the INEOS Grenadier as a tool for study and training purposes, and looks forward to seeing the impact of this collaboration.
“With the INEOS Grenadier's robust design and versatile capabilities, it serves as an excellent tool for hands-on learning within Whitireia and WelTec's automotive programmes. We believe that by exposing students to cutting-edge technology and engineering principles embodied by the INEOS Grenadier, we're empowering the next generation of automotive professionals to thrive in an ever-evolving industry landscape.”
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