Jeep: From military vehicle to off-roader đ„
ANNIVERSARY On July 15, 1941, the Willys-Overland Co. and the US War Department decided to produce a new military vehicle. Eighty years later, the Jeep brand is flourishing with a versatile product range. To confirm the zero-emissions vision, Jeep is showing the 80th Anniversary version "Jeep Life Electrified" on YouTube. In 1941, Willys-Overland was awarded a contract by the US government as the main supplier of a 1/4-ton military vehicle. About [...]
To confirm the zero-emissions vision, Jeep is showing the 80th Anniversary version "Jeep Life Electrified" on YouTube.
In 1941, Willys-Overland received a contract from the US government as the main supplier of a 1/4-ton military vehicle. Over 350,000 of these vehicles, officially called MB (gallery right) and popularly known as "Jeep", were to be produced by 1945 and form the basis for the civilian Willys-Overland "Jeep" CJ, which was to go into production before the end of the war.
Introduction of 4xe as electrification of the brand
The evolution of the brand accelerated in the year of its 80th anniversary with the introduction of 4xe as the brand's own electrification. As an icon, the Wrangler 4xe leads the electrification offensive.
Powered by the 2.0 T-GDI turbo petrol engine and two electric motors, the 4xe has an output of 380 hp and a maximum torque of 637 Nm.
In 1999, the two four-wheel drive systems Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive were introduced - thanks to front and rear axle locks, even more torque could be delivered to the wheel with the better grip.
Milestone in the 80-year history
Christian Meunier, Chief Executive Officer Jeep: "We are celebrating our 80th anniversary by moving upwards and forwards."
To celebrate the anniversary and confirm the zero-emission vision, Jeep has posted the 80th Anniversary version of the "Jeep Life Electrified" video on its YouTube channel.
The video describes the electrification of the Jeep brand through a love story. The clip links Jeep vehicles, future technology and the global Jeep community into a promise for a better future, accompanied by Bastille's new song "Give me the Future"."
Willys Wagon and Wagoneer as SUV forerunners
In 1946, car manufacturer Willys-Overland presented the Willys Wagon, the first all-steel station wagon. The groundbreaking innovation came in 1949, when a four-wheel drive made the Wagon the world's first SUV.
In 1963, the Wagoneer was the first premium SUV (gallery left) to combine four-wheel drive with an automatic transmission. Two decades later, the Grand Wagoneer was launched, taking the 4Ă4 experience to the next level.