Jeep is one of the most emblematic carmakers in the world. It’s much more than a brand name; it has become a byword for any kind of rugged-looking off-roader. Getting to this point was easier said than done. Like some kind of cursed idol, Jeep has passed from automaker to automaker, leaving a trail of dead companies in its wake.
The company’s milestones:
1940 – America Bantam produces 4×4 prototype scout utility vehicle for U.S Army.
1941 – Bantam’s financial collapse gives Willys-Overland a chance to refine Bantam’s design and production scout vehicle, the MB, for military.
1944 – The bantam is developed into the army workhorse CJ-1 .
1945 – “Jeep” is trademarked by Willys-Overland. MB model is adapted for civilian use and introduced as the CJ-2A.
1948 – Willys-Overland releases the CJ-3A, the first recreational of-road vehicle.
1953 – Kaiser-Frazier purchases Willys-Overland rebrands it as Willy Motor Company.
1955 – Willys develops the CJ-5. Which remains in production for more than 30 years.
1962 – Willys develops the Jeep Wagoneer J-Series.
1963 – Willys Motor Company is rebranded as Kaiser-Jeep.
1966 – Kaiser-Jeep develops V-6 engine option for CJ-6, first non-tour cylinder engine for Jeep.
1971 – AMC purchases Kaiser’s Jeep production division.
1983 – AMC/Jeep develops CJ-8 light pickup truck.
1984 – AMC/Jeep develops the Cherokee XJ-Series.
1986 – AMC/Jeep develops the Wrangler YJ-Series.
1987 – Chysler purchases AMC and discontinues the CJ-Series.
1993 – Jeep refines trim and equipment options for the Grand Cherokee and Wrangler.
1997 – The Wrangler is named “4×4 of the Year” and the Grand Cherokee is named “Four – Wheel Drive Vehicle of the Year”.
2001 – First car GPS system is patented.
2002 – Jeep develops Liberty KJ-Series.
2003 – Jeep develops first Jeep Rubicon Wrangler TJ made for hard-core off-roading.
2007 – Jeep redesigns the Wrangler JK.
2011 – The Jeep® Brand improves the formula and delivers the perfect blend of on-road refinement and off-road capability.
2017 – A new Trailhawk® model was introduced. It includes the standard Quadra-Lift® Air Suspension, the Quadra-Drive® II 4×4 System, all-terrain tires and a Skidplate Package.
2019 – Jeep launches the first-ever three-row Jeep Grand Cherokee L, the incredibly powerful Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392.
According to infographicsmania.com; jeep.com; Source of photo: internet
