Today, we celebrate 80 years of Jeep. We celebrate the past, present, and future of the iconic brand that is a favorite here in the Twin Ports.
It all began in 1941, when the U.S. War Department – now known as the Department of Defense – finalized the contract for a reconnaissance vehicle that was small, versatile, and agile. That contract was shared with a company called Willys-Overland. They had never built a vehicle that could take on rugged terrains and battlefields before. However, their proposal to build such a vehicle was approved.
By the time victory was declared in 1945, over 350,000 Jeep MBs were produced for the war effort. Just like the many soldiers, sailors, Marines, and air corps that returned home, Willys-Overland began to convert the Jeep MB into its civilian life. From there, the rest is history…
The first Willys-Overland Jeeps became rugged mountain pass warriors, farmhands, and lake cabin companions. Jeeps were expanded to become wagons for families, and pickup trucks to take goods to market. Over the years, Jeeps stuck to a formula that saw battle on global war fronts to working the mines up in the Iron Range.
The modern Jeep era
By 1987, Jeep became part of the MOPAR family. The formula continued with a mix of the rugged Wrangler – a direct ancestor of the Jeep MB – and the first successful family SUV, the Cherokee. Since then, Jeep became a global brand that still is rooted in its rugged past, while advancing its footprint with a lineup of great SUVs and pickup trucks.
That legacy continues today as Jeep introduces a lineup of electrified SUVs called 4xe. The 2021 Wrangler 4xe is just the beginning of a movement where every Jeep will have an electrified driveline by 2025.
Jeep is an icon that has spanned 80 years. Owners and enthusiasts continue to celebrate the freedom that a Jeep provides whether it is a weekend at the off-road vehicle park or a run to the grocery store.
Join in the celebration of 80 years of Jeep at Superior Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. We are here to offer you your next Jeep and to service your current one.
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