Although quintessential to America, the Jeep brand belongs to the multinational automaker Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) who is based in Turin, Italy; however they have a North American headquarters located in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Their main company location still remains in Toledo, Ohio where they build their coveted vehicles including the popular Wrangler and new Jeep Gladiator pickup truck.
Once primarily used by militaries during World War II, Jeeps were later made available for public consumption under an easy to pronounce nickname – resulting from either nicknaming those ugly looking green-grey vehicles after the initials ‘GP’ for ‘General Purpose Vehicle’, or by referencing Eugene the Jeep – the mystical creature from Popeye comic strips who had no specific purpose but was great at getting his friends out of trouble whenever needed. In accordance with government specifications, these jeeps needed to weigh less than one thousand two hundred pounds and have a wheelbase greater than eighty inches.
It needed at least 45 horsepower, and the windshield had to fold flat so the vehicle could fit in a shipping crate sideways with room for all four wheels. Willys was awarded the contract after meeting these specifications; however, they made modifications to simplify them- which weren’t ideal because they were coming from government officials rather than true auto engineers. The resulting Jeep wasn’t as functional or durable but when there was an increase in demand, Ford came in to help meet that need while also optimizing production of Jeeps.
Jeep is one of the most well known automobile brands in existence, thanks to its roots deeply embedded in the heart of America and excellent track record for safety. For instance, no other four-wheel drive family vehicles have ever achieved a perfect five star ANCAP rating – unlike Jeep vehicles which can achieve that with just six airbags. Over time it seems like nobody could escape the ownership of this brand either – even those that seem doomed to maintain it forever, such as Chrysler; which was making Hummers before they made Jeeps!
CHANGES IN JEEP OWNERSHIPS OVER TIME
When the war was over, Jeep enjoyed being passed back and forth between owners while it remained one of the most profitable brands at its struggling corporation. However, due to what some call the Jeep curse, each owner had a hard time keeping up financially. Willys-Overland were bought by Kaiser motors for $62.3 million in 1953 – soon after changing their name to ‘Kaiser-Jeep International’ – but they began to struggle financially themselves when they were bought out by American Motors Corporation (AMC) in 1970.
After buying out AMC years later because they had large debts from unsuccessful business ventures which ultimately led them into bankruptcy, Renault took control of 25% ownership stake among other investors because of continuing troubles with profitability despite high sales for jeeps across America.
In an era where corporations are acquiring other corporations, Chrysler bought up AMC in 1987. This was the first time Jeep ever belonged to one of America’s Big Three – and it cost them $1.5 billion! As part of this acquisition, Jeep also found itself becoming a property within Chrysler’s extensive portfolio. However; unlike its owner; Jeep proved to be resilient during these times. Its new flagship model – the iconic Wrangler – served as evidence of this resilience when it debuted at around the same time that Chrysler merged with American Motors Corporation.
Though they denied it at first, many suspected that Chrysler had been bought out by a foreign entity since they can’t seem to keep up financially. In 1998, Daimler-Benz stepped in and took over the company for 36 billion dollars; dubbing themselves as equals in this alliance called Daimler-Chrysler. All was well until 2007 when Daimler-Benz sold off about 80% of what used to be known as Chrysler – now named Cerberus Capital Management – for just 7.5 billion dollars during the financial crisis. With all those bank failures going on and even after receiving a bailout from the American Government’s TARP program (Troubled Asset Relief Program), Chrysler LLC still ended up declaring bankruptcy and starting over with some money but no name.
WHERE IS JEEP MADE?
The Jeep vehicle line up consists of over 70 vehicles, which are primarily designed and produced in North America. In addition to these countries being where Jeep vehicles are assembled, they also produce some them there too. Asides from assembling the models at home stateside, several Jeep models can be found all across Europe– such as the Wrangler model line exclusively for European consumers (though importing units may also occur).
With ten plants all across American soil—including one particular plant located outside of Chicago called Toledo Complex—the corporate headquarters situated in Uptown Chelsea overlooking New York Harbor and around 1000km away from the Toledo Complex to see how jeep production happens over 3000 miles away.
The Jeep Wrangler is made at the Toledo Assembly Complex in Toledo, Ohio, which sits just down the road from its original Willys-Overland factory. This 3.64 million square foot complex produces a mere 6,500 workers employed around 313 acres of land while housing the headquarters of one of America’s most iconic brands.
Who Owned Jeep Before Chrysler?
Willys-Overland first created the Jeep for civilians; however, it quickly sold off its design to Kaiser Motors. From there, American Motors Corporation (AMC) acquired Jeep in 1970 and later sold it off to Chrysler. After acquiring AMC, Chrysler merged with Daimler-Benz AG in 1998 and assumed the name of DaimlerChrysler AG; however, four years later they dropped the Daimler part of their name because they were bankrupt. In 2009 Chrysler emerged from bankruptcy as Fiat Group’s subsidiary and changed its name back to simply Chrysler.
Finally, after merging with AIDA Automobiles SPA only three years ago – which formerly was a subsidiary of Fabbrica Italiana Autobus E Veicoli Industriali SpA – they are now known as Fiat Chrsyler Automobiles or FCA.
The fact that no company to date has been able to keep the Jeep brand afloat leads people to believe it’s cursed. However, if you look at it from another point of view, this proves how much it’s worth and highly desired by many because every single time one dies off another decides they want it too – something no other car brand can say they’ve done before now. There are even two different companies who have owned what was once a competitor – although now defunct – both trying desperately to keep the jeep name alive for generations still yet unborn.
WHAT VEHICLES DOES JEEP PRODUCE?
Jeep Corporation produces Jeeps for consumer purchase. Such models include Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, Wrangler, Compass, and Wagoneer and have been designed for each consumer to find their perfect match through various trim packages, options, and accessories that are sold at no additional cost. With its iconic design both aesthetically pleasing and performance driven; the Wrangler has earned the nickname America’s favorite four-wheeled recreational vehicle.
The concept of a range has never had more relevance than when discussing this form of machinery: combining an abundance of technology including such staples as active safety systems with selectable differentials that regulate traction depending on driving terrain (among other features). Further solidifying themselves as successful – these rugged machines can survive off road trails while still maintaining elegant beauty both inside and out.
Brief History of Jeep
In 1941, Willys-Overland started producing the Jeep as a military vehicle to aid in WWII. They quickly became popular among Allied troops and earned iconic status during wartime. After WWII ended, civilians found them to be excellent additions to their off-road capabilities; they were known for being quite versatile and convenient for getting around rough terrain or carrying supplies. As time went on and new technology came about, Jeeps continued to be an industry favorite; their inclusion of four wheel drive made them unparalleled among other off road vehicles at this point in history.
From the 1950s onward, recreational vehicles became popular. Jeeps responded by releasing their own line of products called Jeep Jamborees. These cars were a success and gave Jeep a great deal more recognition within America. In the 1960s came some new additions to this collection -Jeep Wagoneers-large sturdy cars that could easily accommodate families or friends traveling together in one car without too much trouble on either side of the road. The number of automobiles offered went up to fourteen in total; there was something for everyone with these automobiles-whether you wanted something for work or play!
Jeep made history by introducing the first full-time four wheel drive system in the 70s. This enabled them to continue leading the market for all these decades and win prestigious awards like 4 Wheel Drive Car of the Year. With famous models like Cherokee, Wrangler and Grand Wagoneer, it skyrocketed its popularity among young buyers too. Even after passing this milestone era for other brands, Jeep never looked back with an awesome transformation – launching cars built from lightweight material called UniFrame construction which had been used before only for non-production cars!
Types of Cars by Jeep
The Top Ranked Vehicles
- Jeep Wrangler
- Jeep Grand Wagoneer
The SUVs
- Jeep Renegade
- Jeep Compass
- Jeep Cherokee
- Jeep Wrangler
- Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Jeep Grand Cherokee L
- Jeep Wrangler 4xe
- Jeep Wagoneer
- Jeep Grand Wagoneer
The Trucks
- Jeep Gladiator
The Hybrids
- Jeep Wrangler
- Jeep Wrangler 4xe
- Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe
Who Owns Jeep Today?
Although founded in America, Jeep has become a global automotive powerhouse in its own right. Its headquarters are located in Auburn Hills, Michigan, while its parent company – Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) – is headquartered in Turin, Italy. Despite this however, Toledo remains at the heart of Jeep’s identity as it was once known for its production of off-road vehicles such as the Wrangler and Cherokee; later on they also began to produce iconic pickup trucks such as the Gladiator.
Quick Facts
- Jeep is currently owned by Stellantis, a part of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA)
- The first production of Jeep was started by Willys-Overland as military vehicles back in 1941
- The headquarters of Jeep is at 6100 Telegraph Road, Toledo, Ohio, USA
- Jeep’s most iconic models are the Wrangler and the Cherokee
- Jeep is set to launch plug-in hybrid electric vehicles in 2022
- Many people say that the name Jeep has its roots in a slang that refers to General Purpose Vehicle (GP) with GP gaining mass popularity as Jeep
- The Jeep’s iconic grill was designed by the Ford Motor Company
Who Owns Jeep Now And How Has The Brand Changed?
Though many of the Jeep’s most beloved historic models (Wrangler, Cherokee) are still available today, there is much anticipation surrounding their upcoming release of the Wagoneer. The new edition will come with an extended wheelbase and larger interior space than before as well as a lower price tag.
Newcomers over the years have included the Renegade and Compass which some Jeep enthusiasts criticized for not being able to maintain its traditional roots. Regardless, company officials defend this, claiming that without branching out into other markets they would risk going extinct – preserving one of those original models ensures its integrity while also having enough room to expand globally.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHEN DID FIAT BUY JEEP?
The purchase of Chrysler was finalized on January 21, 2014. Years prior, they had acquired stock in the company when it went through Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Afterward, they bought up shares from several stakeholders – such as the US government and Canadian government – until they gained full control of the company to complete its takeover and officially merge them together to become Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles.
IS JEEP STILL AN AMERICAN COMPANY?
Although it’s an iconic American brand, Jeep is actually owned by the global automotive conglomerate Stellantis, which is officially Dutch. Although most Jeeps are manufactured in America, there are some specific models that do come from other countries such as China or Brazil. One of these models is the Renegade made in Tychy Automotive Plant near Poland.
DOES CHINA OWN JEEP?
No. In 2017, Chinese automotive company Great Wall Motor Co made it clear they wanted to purchase the Jeep brand from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA). Several sources confirmed this news at the time – but no offer ever materialized. Instead, Jeep was absorbed by French automaker PSA Group to create Stellantis (formerly Groupe Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi) after FCA merged with them to escape bankruptcy last year.
ARE JEEP AND DODGE THE SAME COMPANY?
Jeep and Dodge are two automotive brands owned by the same company, Stellantis. At one point in time before FCA merged with PSA Group to form Stellantis, Jeep was owned by FCA while Dodge was independently owned.
Conclusion
One of the most well-known brands around is Jeep, which has become a household name because of its effects on people’s lives. Originally created for military use during World War II, Jeep quickly became one of America’s favorite cars because of its reliability and comfort in all types of terrain. While many other car manufacturers were failing due to lack of sales during this time period, Jeep was doing well financially and continues to stay popular today.
